The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley logo

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, TX

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis (Latin)("The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy")

June 14, 2013
Founded
Public research university
Type
35,812
Total Students
28,674
Undergrad
5,207
Graduate
$191M
Endowment
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Guy Bailey

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Southernmost UT System gem, UTRGV blends rich culture with cutting-edge research.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) stands as a dynamic public research university, a true beacon of innovation and opportunity in South Texas. As the southernmost member of the prestigious University of Texas System, UTRGV is distinguished by its vibrant, majority-Hispanic student population, with nearly 90% of its 35,812 students identifying as Hispanic, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the Rio Grande Valley it serves. Classified as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity," UTRGV offers a rigorous academic environment where students contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and engage in impactful scholarship.

UTRGV's history is a testament to progress and regional commitment, officially established by the Texas legislature on June 14, 2013. This modern institution was born from the consolidation of the University of Texas at Brownsville and the University of Texas–Pan American, creating a unified powerhouse for education and economic development. Guided by the motto "Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis" (The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy), UTRGV is dedicated to fostering intellect and leadership, preparing students to be vital contributors to a thriving society.

Academically, UTRGV is incredibly robust, featuring a comprehensive array of eleven colleges and schools, including a dedicated School of Medicine. Students benefit from an expansive curriculum spanning engineering, computer science, health affairs, business, and liberal arts, all underpinned by a strong research focus. The university's commitment to student success and community engagement is evident in its diverse campus life, embodying the spirited "Vaqueros" nickname, and providing an enriching and supportive environment for all aspiring scholars and leaders.

Key Highlights

  • One of Texas's largest universities, serving 35,812 students (Fall 2025).
  • A leading Hispanic-serving institution with 89.2% Hispanic student enrollment.
  • Designated as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity," highlighting its strong research output.
  • Established in 2013, UTRGV is a modern, rapidly growing institution within the esteemed University of Texas System.
  • Features a comprehensive School of Medicine, established in 2015, alongside 10 other colleges and schools.
  • The university's endowment stands at $190.5 million (FY 2024) for UTRGV only.
  • Proudly the southernmost member of the University of Texas System, with multiple campuses across the Rio Grande Valley.

Timeline

1930
Predecessor institution, Texas Southmost College, established.
1952
Predecessor, Pan American College, established.
1989
Pan American University became University of Texas Pan American.
2012
UT System Board of Regents approved proposal to merge institutions.
2013
Texas legislature signed legislation creating The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) on June 14.
2013
Guy Bailey named founding university president.
2014
Athletic nickname "Vaqueros" and official colors approved.
2015
UTRGV officially opened on August 31.
2015
School of Medicine established.
🏛️
13 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

12 notable schools within The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

📚

College of Education and P-16 Integration

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

⚙️

College of Engineering and Computer Science

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

🎭

College of Fine Arts

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

🏫

College of Health Affairs

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

🎭

College of Liberal Arts

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

🏥

College of Medicine and Health Affairs

A core academic foundation established in 2016.

🔬

College of Sciences

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

🎓

Graduate College

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

🏫

Honors College

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

💼

Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

🏥

School of Medicine

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

🏫

University College

A core academic foundation established in 2015.

Leadership

Guy Bailey
President
Luis H. Zayas
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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