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Introducing Programming & Coding to Young Students

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Introducing Programming & Coding to Young Students
STC recently hosted students from Region One’s GEAR UP program including College Ready, Career Set! and Pathways to the Future! projects. Students from across the Rio Grande Valley in attendance at the camps were introduced to basic as well as advanced computer science concepts. STC Image  
STC recently hosted students from Region One’s GEAR UP program including College Ready, Career Set! and Pathways to the Future! projects. Students from across the Rio Grande Valley in attendance at the camps were introduced to basic as well as advanced computer science concepts. STC Image
 

Texas Border Business

By Joey Gomez

McALLEN, Texas – The Computer Science department at South Texas College and Region One Education Service Center (ESC) have partnered to introduce young students to computer programming and coding practices through two camps recently hosted at the college.

The camps funded by Ready, Career Set! and Pathway to the Future! grants introduced students from across the Rio Grande Valley participating in Region One’s GEAR UP to basic as well as advanced computer science concepts. 

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) refers to the seven-year program created through the United States Department of Education designed to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. The program begins in seventh grade and follows the cohort through high school.

GEAR UP: Pathways to the Future! introduced over 30 girls from rural school districts to computer science and engineering through a girls-only coding camp. The goal, according to camp coordinators was to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among girls studying in rural school districts.

“Region One and South Texas Collage are striving to get girls involved in STEM and computer science. Females are very underrepresented as a whole, so we created the camp for them. This is introducing them to coding as well as showing them all the basics to get them started,” said Ernesto Gonzalez, STEM specialist with Region One’s GEAR UP College Ready, Career Set grant, and a former adjunct professor with STC.

At the camp, middle school girls from Lyford, Rio Grande City Grulla and San Perlita school districts were introduced to high-level visual programming using Scratch, an educational website tool developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab.

Region One’s College Ready, Career Set! created for juniors in high school included more than 41 boys and girls from La Feria, Mercedes, Rio Hondo and Roma school districts who attended the camp and were exposed to higher level computer programming through virtual simulated microcontrollers (MCUs), or tiny computers that enable them to code and perform various functions.

“On the more advanced side, our juniors are working with virtual simulated microcontrollers as well as running code, which can have amazing effects,” Gonzalez said. “This is so needed and can go a long way to help show students that the possibilities in this field are virtually endless.”

For STC faculty, the idea was to introduce students to the college as well as bring them in to see its facilities and introduce them to computer programming.

“This is a unique collaboration between STC and Region One and we have been hosting these types of activities for many years. Today involved coding camps for kids that also enabled them to get a feel for the college and get them familiar with all the educational opportunities for them,” said Ali Esmaeili, Ed.D., STC dean of the Division of Math, Science and Bachelor Programs. “The students at this particular camp actually practiced coding and design for gaming. We are hoping that some of these students continue to build interest and continue down this route. This has the potential to transform their lives. STC is the best place to start their educational journey.”

Computer and Information Technologies faculty Nicholas Hinojosa said “The whole idea is to get them used to the idea of programming, that way if they find it’s something they enjoy doing, then we hope they can return to our college as our future students and pursue a degree in computer science.”  

Jackeline Garcia, a junior from Roma High School who attended the camp, said she is already looking at a future career in business management, but jumped at the chance to learn something new. 

“This is very different from what I am used to and it’s something very new, but I am very intrigued and very interested,” she said. “I know technology is used everywhere, so anything involving coding and computers will help me. I can already see how STC is a great college with very specific courses that will help. I didn’t know anything about this before today, but I am definitely excited to see where this goes.”

For more information about STC’s Computer Information program please visit bachelors.southtexascollege.edu/cit/.

Over $500k Grant Awarded to New Virtual Banking Center

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Over $500k Grant Awarded to New Virtual Banking Center
This new Virtual Banking Center will create an estimated 113 jobs, with 86 new hires in the first year, to service over 1,000,000 customers across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Arkansas. Image for illustration purposes
This new Virtual Banking Center will create an estimated 113 jobs, with 86 new hires in the first year, to service over 1,000,000 customers across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Arkansas. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) and BrownsvilleCommunity Improvement Corporation (BCIC) have agreed to provide more than $500,000 for job creation and equipment, over five years, to First National Bank Texas (FNBT) new VirtualBanking Center. This new Virtual Banking Center will create an estimated 113 jobs, with 86 new hires in the first year, to service over 1,000,000 customers across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Arkansas. FNBT will invest approximately $3.25M over five years in its new location at North Towne Plaza in Brownsville.

“As GBIC Chairman, I am happy to see another national Texas-based company invest in the City of Brownsville, creating well-paying jobs with benefits that build up the base of our community,” said JohnCowen, GBIC Chairman. “FNBT’s capital investment will bring additional sales and property tax dollars, allowing the City of Brownsville to continue investing in new infrastructure and quality projects to move theeconomic development needle of our City forward. This project serves as a stepping-stone in establishing Brownsville as a new hub for financial services.”

“The BCIC Board of Directors is proud to support businesses that want to create new opportunities for the citizens of Brownsville,” said Jill Dominguez, Chair of the Board for BCIC. “One of our key priorities is toleverage our unique set of grant programs, such as our Economic Impact Grant, to support newenterprises and invest in projects that directly impact job creation while also stimulating strategicdevelopment in Brownsville. We are proud to say that this project does both.”

GBIC awarded FNBT a Job Creation Grant of up to $339,000 and a job training fund of $56,500 for creating 113 new full-time positions with a $15 per-hour average rate, including managerial positions withsalaries ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. FNBT’s Virtual Banking Center will support the needs of over one million customers through phone, chat, and other electronic communication channels.

“We are excited to have FNBT expanding its footprint in Brownsville and establishing its first RGV VirtualBanking Center here. FNBT’s operations will help meet the changing needs of their customers while also building new digital capabilities designed to provide meaningful experiences and serve essential needs in both English and Spanish,” said Constanza Miner, GBIC Interim Executive Director and CEO. “We thank First National Bank Texas for their commitment to Brownsville, and our community partner, the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), for collaborating on this project. There isnothing we can’t do when we work together to promote economic opportunity in our City and bring joboptions for our residents.”

FNBT has received an Economic Impact Grant of $220,000 from BCIC for its estimated capital investment to be completed by the end of 2026. These funds will be used towards $1.24M in building improvements, $400K in furniture/fixtures, $493K in phone and computer equipment,

$902K in IT infrastructure and licensing fees, and $220K in machinery and equipment.

“This project is a perfect example of how competitive and collaborative Brownsville is when our City Economic Development Organizations come together to assist,” said Cori Pena, President and CEO of theBCIC. “This project creates over 100 jobs, spurs development in an underutilized area, and has a residualeconomic impact on the surrounding businesses. With all organizations working together, we can continueto make Brownsville one of the most competitive communities in the region,”

The new Virtual Banking Center will become a functional all customer interactions and touchpointsdivision to the company’s $4 billion assets nationwide. FBNT is projected to be fully operational by 2028.

“First National Bank Texas has been part of the Brownsville community for over a decade, and we lookforward to expanding our operations here in the coming months,” said Jessica Pelache, FNBT’s Executive Vice President & Director of Customer Experience. “We would like to thank the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) and the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) for their support and partnership, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship.”

About Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) & Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation(BCIC)

Both GBIC Type A and BCIC Type B EDCs seek to actively promote an economic frontier supported by a multi-modal transportation system: rail, sea, air, land, and Space, with the presence of SpaceX.

They facilitate economic growth by promoting investment and working with regional and international partners in job creation, training, innovation, business enterprise, community development, and manufacturing. They are non-profit organizations created to oversee the disbursement of a ¼ cent each of sales tax.

CBP Officers Seize Nearly 150 Pounds of Narcotics

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CBP Officers Seize Nearly 150 Pounds of Narcotics
Ysleta port of entry fentanyl seizure.USCBP Image
Ysleta port of entry fentanyl seizure.USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry intercepted approximately 120 pounds of marijuana, 28.96 pounds of cocaine, and .89 pound of fentanyl on five separate unrelated incidents.

“The drug smuggling threat remains ever present. Vigilant CBP officers are committed to the border security mission by stopping the flow of illicit narcotics,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector A. Mancha.

On Feb. 28, at the Ysleta Port of Entry, CBP officers intercepted .4 pounds of fentanyl. The discovery was made following a CBP canine alert and pat down search of a 24-year-old female, U.S. citizen who arrived via the pedestrian lanes. The woman had the fentanyl concealed within the vaginal cavity and groin area.

On March 1, at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing, CBP officers intercepted .22 pounds of fentanyl. The discovery was made during a pat down search of a 34-year-old male, U.S. citizen who arrived via the pedestrian lanes. The fentanyl was concealed inside of the individuals boots and pockets.

Later that same day, CBP officers intercepted 28.96 pounds of cocaine. The narcotics were located following a CBP canine alert and non-intrusive inspection of a vehicle driven by 21-year-old male U.S. citizens.

On March 2, at the Ysleta Port of Entry, CBP officers intercepted 120 pounds of marijuana. Marijuana filled bundles were located throughout the conveyance following a non-intrusive (x-ray) exam. The vehicle was driven by a 55-year-old female, Mexican citizen.

On March 6, at the Ysleta Port of Entry, CBP officers intercepted .27 pounds of fentanyl. The discovery was made following a CBP canine alert and pat down search of a 37-year-old female, U.S. citizen who arrived via the pedestrian lanes. The woman had the fentanyl concealed within the vaginal cavity.

The subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations and/or state and local authorities for prosecution.

CBP Seizes Over $4M in Cocaine at Hidalgo International Bridge

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CBP Seizes Over $4M in Cocaine at Hidalgo International Bridge
Packages containing 281 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP Image
Packages containing 281 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted $4,109,000 worth of alleged cocaine in two separate incidents over the weekend.  

“Our CBP officers used of all of our available tools and resources to thwart these smuggling attempts and prevented these massive amounts of harmful narcotics from getting to American streets,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. 

On March 3, 2023, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a black Infiniti SUV making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection. After physically inspecting the vehicle, which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment and screening by a (canine team). Physical inspection of the vehicle resulted in officers extracting a total of 10 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 25.97 pounds (11.78 kg) concealed within the vehicle.

On March 4, 2023, CBP officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a white Mercedes van making entry from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment. Physical inspection of the vehicle resulted in the extraction of 105 packages of alleged cocaine weighing 281.83 pounds (127.84 kg) concealed within the vehicle.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicles. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special initiated criminal investigations into both seizures. 

Police & Faculty Work Together to Protect Students

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Police & Faculty Work Together to Protect Students
Faculty from the South Texas College Biology Department recently completed the Civilian Response to an Active Shooter training developed by STC’s Public Safety Department. The three-phase training includes online presentations, first aid and self-defense and realistic scenarios. STC Image
Faculty from the South Texas College Biology Department recently completed the Civilian Response to an Active Shooter training developed by STC’s Public Safety Department. The three-phase training includes online presentations, first aid and self-defense and realistic scenarios. STC Image

Texas Border Business

With safety as a top priority for South Texas College, it’s Public Safety Department continues to develop its Civilian Response to an Active Shooter training by introducing its first hands-on, realistic scenario experience. 

Recently, instructors from STC’s Biology Department completed the three-phase training which includes online presentations, first aid and self-defense and lastly, realistic scenarios. 

“Faculty came to us to collaborate on this training…and because we wanted the training to be as realistic as possible, we broke it down into three phases,” said STC Police Department Sergeant George Barreiro.

Putting into practice what was learned during the online training, STC Biology faculty in a lock-down, active shooter scenario secured the doors, barricaded classrooms and used the self-defense method of Avoid, Deny and Defend. They also put into practice their Stop the Bleed training by tending to volunteers who posed as injured students. 

The training scenario and faculty actions were evaluated by STC police officers. 

 “We finish off with phase three where it’s nothing but scenarios. There is no more instruction from us, we just evaluate how they can improve their reaction in case of a real-world incident,” said Barreiro.

According to Education Week, an online news agency that targets educators, mass shootings are on the rise in the US with almost a mass shooting a day at schools and colleges in 2022, including the horrific Uvalde shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead.  

South Texas College, like many colleges nationwide, have police officers undergo rigorous and continuous active shooting trainings as well as offer special trainings for all employees to prepare for what everyone hopes will never happen. 

During the most recent training, STC Biology instructors and professors were also encouraged to download and use the STC RAVE Emergency Notification mobile application to communicate between classrooms, notify first responders and ensure when it was safe to evacuate.

Biology Department Program Chair Maria Y. Cervantes emphasized that as professors, they are the first line of defense for students, which is why this training is critical. 

“We actively practiced how to instantly react to a gunshot and how to keep our class safe. Everything happens in an instant; knowing exactly what to do is very important,” she said.

She highlighted the importance of being familiar with STC’s Police Department protocols and evacuation processes to have a better understanding on how to efficiently lead students.

“Students by default will look at the instructor as a leader and seek guidance. My goal is that we can be prepared without question to respond and react appropriately to be that beacon of safety for them,” said Cervantes. 

After the training, faculty agreed they feel better prepared to face a high-stress situation thanks to their recent training. 

“We now know how important it is to always be aware of our surroundings, and more importantly, we learned with hands-on training,” Cervantes added.

Barreiro mentioned that this Civilian Response to an Active Shooter training is one that the STC Police Department will continue to promote to all faculty and staff and he invites other departments to sign up for the class.

“We’re trying to branch out to all faculty because as long as they know what to be aware of and how to protect themselves, they’re already one step ahead. It’s all about scripting, thinking outside the box and always having a plan.”

For more information on STC’s Public Safety Department initiatives and procedures visit southtexascollege.edu/stcdps/ or call 956-872-4444.

Road Closure: 16th St. Drainage Project, March 10th

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Road Closure: 16th St. Drainage Project, March 10th
16th Street will be closed to all through traffic between Quamasia Avenue and Shasta Avenue on Friday, March 10, 2023. Image for illustration purposes
16th Street will be closed to all through traffic between Quamasia Avenue and Shasta Avenue on Friday, March 10, 2023. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

As the City of McAllen moves forward with the 2018 Bond Group C3 Drainage Improvement Projects, storm infrastructure construction will cause a road closure along 16thStreet for work to be done at the Redbud Avenue intersection.

16th Street will be closed to all through traffic between Quamasia Avenue and Shasta Avenue on Friday, March 10, 2023. 

Courtesy Image

Motorists are urged to find alternate routes during the road closure and exercise extreme caution and patience when traveling along the area.  Motorists should expect some delays and congestion.

For a status on this project, please visit the City of McAllen Engineering Department website at  https://mcallen.net/bondupdates and click on the projects link.

McAllen’s International Women’s Day

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McAllen’s International Women’s Day
YouTube Image
YouTube Image

Texas Border Business

As part of the continued activities by the City of McAllen to celebrate Women’s History Month, the City of McAllen hosted its 7th Annual Trailblazers Breakfast Symposium on International Women’s Day for their female employees that featured female trailblazers in McAllen who were part of the presentation. This year’s trailblazers were Sally Frausto Guerra, a realtor, business owner and community organization activist and Carmen Pagan, a bilingual speech-language pathologist and business owner.

The Best Investment

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The Best Investment
It goes without saying that education is extremely beneficial to individuals, the economy, and society. Image for illustration purposes
It goes without saying that education is extremely beneficial to individuals, the economy, and society. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Dr. M. Ray Perryman
President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group

It goes without saying that education is extremely beneficial to individuals, the economy, and society. It brings lower unemployment and higher earnings. Options and opportunities are much more plentiful for those with high school diplomas and post-high school training. Available jobs are not only better paying, but often more personally satisfying. From the perspective of the economy, education is crucial to workforce preparedness and, therefore, prosperity. Long-term demographic trends are not working in our favor, and worker shortages will persist for decades. Texas is better positioned than many states due to our younger population and in-migration, but only if students are well prepared. Excellent public education is the single most important factor in securing our future prosperity.   

Adequate resources are essential to quality public education, and State funding for schools yields unparalleled economic benefits. We recently estimated the magnitude of returns on incremental State investment in public schools, including spinoff and productivity gains (see www.perrymangroup.com for more detail).

We estimated that every incremental $1 the State invests in public education yields a total lifetime economic benefit of $56.76. The major channels of impact include direct private-sector benefits from student productivity and earnings ($17.24) and multiplier effects on incremental production ($31.38). Each dollar yields $26.21 in gross product and $16.12 in personal income. 

There are also benefits in the form of additional long-term tax revenues ($6.99 for each $1 invested) and reduced costs from lower outlays for health care and various social services ($1.15). Thus, governmental entities receive more than $8 for every $1 expended. That’s some return! 

These benefits dwarf other types of public outlays. For example, transportation infrastructure, which is both highly beneficial and essential to the economy, yields an estimated economic return per dollar invested of $8.01. They’re also well above those for any private-sector industry, where the maximum is $17.81 (less than one-third of the public education return). 

This timing is particularly crucial to fund public schools, as students are still recovering from the pandemic. As was true throughout the country, Texas students lost significant ground, and it will take time and resources to bridge the gaps. The state’s large proportion of students who are English learners or are economically disadvantaged also brings additional challenges. Given the funds available to the State at present, there is no excuse for deficiencies or delays. 

The primary reason to provide sufficient resources to Texas public schools is for the students, both now and when they enter the workforce. They deserve nothing less than the opportunity for success and wellbeing. Beyond that, investment in education is the ultimate key to sustainable prosperity, not to mention the best investment by far in our economic portfolio. It’s a “no brainer.” Stay safe! 

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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.

Laredo Sector Welcomes Acting Chief Patrol Agent 

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Laredo Sector Welcomes Acting Chief Patrol Agent 
Chief Joel Martinez will assume command of the men and women of the Laredo Sector Border Patrol. Honor First! USCBP Image
Chief Joel Martinez will assume command of the men and women of the Laredo Sector Border Patrol. Honor First! USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol welcomes Joel Martinez as Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Laredo Sector.

On March 1, Deputy Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez of the Rio Grande Valley Sector assumed command as Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Laredo Sector. Chief Martinez, a 31-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol, began his U.S. Border Patrol career in 1992, at the Laredo South Border Patrol Station.

 A San Benito native, Chief Martinez has held several key leadership positions to include Assistant Chief-Southwest Border Operations Division (now Ops East/Central) at U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Deputy Patrol Agent in Charge, and Acting Patrol Agent in Charge of the Brownsville Station.  He was later promoted to Patrol Agent in Charge of the station where he began his career at the Laredo South Station, before his ascent to the Director-Alliance to Combat Transnational Threats (ACTT).  

In May of 2019, he became the Deputy Chief Patrol Agent of the Laredo Sector, before later assuming the duties as Deputy Chief Patrol Agent of the Rio Grande Valley Sector.

Chief Martinez is a graduate of the CBP Leadership Institute-University of Maryland-Smith School of Business and holds a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from Ashford University. He completed the U.S. Naval Post Graduate studies, Fleet Seminar (Strategy & War) at NAS-Ft. Worth in May 2018.

Gamble Hired as Program’s First Defensive Coordinator  

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Gamble Hired as Program’s First Defensive Coordinator  
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros head football coach Travis Bush announced on Wednesday the hiring of Brian Gamble to be the first defensive coordinator in program history. UTRGV Image
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros head football coach Travis Bush announced on Wednesday the hiring of Brian Gamble to be the first defensive coordinator in program history. UTRGV Image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros head football coach Travis Bush announced on Wednesday the hiring of Brian Gamble to be the first defensive coordinator in program history.

“I’ve known Brian for a long time and I’m extremely excited to finally work alongside him. He will add value to this program in many different areas,” Bush said. “Brian was on the original coaching staff at Incarnate Word when that program started and will add great insight from that experience. As the son of a legendary Texas high school coach, Brian has been around the game his entire life and has great relationships with high school coaches, which will help our recruiting.

“Brian also played at a high level at Texas A&M, he has coached at many levels, and last season he helped coordinate one of the most improved defenses in the country in FBS,” Bush added. “Those experiences have helped him put a package together that will allow the Vaqueros to play an attacking style of defense with multiple fronts and coverages. We can’t wait to get on the road recruiting this spring.”

Gamble spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons as the inside linebackers coach at Texas State. He contributed to a defensive turnaround in San Marcos which resulted in Texas State’s best defensive production in the program’s FBS history, going back to 2012. Texas State recorded the best total defense (354.3 yards per game), rush defense (111.7 yards/game), scoring defense (25 points/game), tackles for loss (71), yards per play (5.2) and points per drive (2.01) in FBS program history in 2022.

Gamble was the linebackers coach at Louisiana Tech for three seasons (2018-20). While there, he guided linebackers Trey Baldwin and Tyler Grubbs to Second Team All-Conference USA honors and three Honorable Mention All-C-USA defensive selections in Willie Baker, Collin Scott and Connor Taylor. Baldwin led C-USA with 5.9 solo tackles per game while Grubbs also earned Freshman All-America honors.

Louisiana Tech went 23-13 during Gamble’s tenure, including a 10-win season in 2019 – the first for the program since 1984. The 10th victory was a 14-0 win over Miami in the 2019 Independence Bowl, marking the first shutout in the bowl’s history and the only shutout of the bowl season. Louisiana Tech ranked 30th in the country in scoring defense in 2019 as the Bulldogs allowed just 21.8 points per game – the program’s fewest since 1991.

In 2008, Gamble joined the University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) staff as a defensive line coach and spent 10 seasons with the Cardinals. He was named the defensive coordinator in 2012.

Gamble’s first season at UIW saw the Cardinals finish 16th in the nation in tackles for loss per game and 33rd in sacks per game. When Gamble became defensive coordinator, he transitioned the defense to a 3-4 front. UIW finished fourth in the Lonestar Conference in passing yards allowed per game that season (216). In 2013, UIW recorded the first two shutouts in program history and held four opponents to less than 10 points. Four defensive players earned College Sports Madness All-Independent Second or Third Team honors that season.

In 2015, Gamble’s defense ranked first in yards allowed per game among Division I programs in Texas and finished fourth in the Southland Conference in points allowed and third in yards allowed. The UIW defense was 18th in the nation in fourth down conversion percentage, 21st in interceptions, 27th in total first downs allowed, 37th in passing yards allowed per game and 39th in total yards allowed per game.

Gamble also mentored All-America linebacker Myke Tavarres and Second Team All-Region cornerback Devan Avery.

“After talking with Coach Bush and UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque, it was evident that UTRGV is committed to building a program the right way and it was an easy decision that this was something I wanted to be a part of,” Gamble said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to be a coordinator, much less the first in the history of a program. To be able to lay a foundation and set a standard is a great responsibility and privilege. I am looking forward to working with our staff and university to put the best product we can on the field and to groom our young people into something the UTRGV family can be proud of.

“I’d like to thank my wife and kids for all their support in this journey. Thanks to Coach Bush for giving me the opportunity to help build this program from the ground up,” Gamble added. “Having coached at almost all levels of college football and having been a part of highly successful defenses from junior college to FBS, I have gained valuable experience and learned how to be resourceful. I plan to use those experiences to help with what we are building at UTRGV. I want our defense to play smart, fast, and physical for however long it takes and have fun doing it.”

A graduate of Texas A&M, Gamble played for the Aggies from 1999-2002 and was a four-year starting linebacker while earning a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Development. He started 46 consecutive games and 47 overall, accumulating 341 total tackles in his career. During his senior season, Gamble ranked second on the team with 82 tackles.

Gamble was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and a Second Team Freshman All-America honoree in 1999 after tallying 60 tackles with 10 tackles for loss and two sacks in 10 starts as a freshman. He led Texas A&M with 110 tackles as a sophomore enroute to earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. Gamble was a preseason Third Team All-America selection in 2001 and was on the Butkus Award watch list in 2002. He was voted defensive team captain by his teammates his senior season.

Gamble’s coaching career began at Kilgore College in 2004, when he served as the linebackers coach and helped guide the team to a No. 5 ranking and a 10-2 record. He was a graduate assistant at Houston from 2005-07, contributing to the Cougars winning the 2006 C-USA Championship with a 10-4 record.

A native of Alto, Texas, Gamble and his wife, Stephanie, have one son, Bossley, and two daughters, Madelyn and Maris.

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