Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas — In another historic development regarding the Valley’s new regional university with an integrated medical school, the UT System Board of Regents today voted unanimously on the name of the new institution.
Mayor Richard H. Garcia, who was in favor of the name University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, applauds the vote saying the board chose a name that exemplifies the unity of the entire region.
“This is the start of a new era for this area, one that brings a plethora of opportunities.” Garcia says, adding it is fitting that the instrument that will change the face of the Valley will bear its name.
Mayor Garcia, Edinburg City Manager Ramiro Garza Jr. and EEDC Director Gus Garcia attended the meeting in Austin this morning. The new campus stands to transform the region through education while having an impact on the economy and healthcare industry here.
Garza says, “A project of this magnitude means thousands of jobs,” adding that all facets of the business world in this region stand to gain economically.
Garza is the liaison on behalf of Hidalgo County and Edinburg with the University of Texas System. New university facilities and careful master planning with input from the City of Edinburg are part of the new institution’s development.
In November, UT regents allocated some $70 million for a science building on the Edinburg campus and $54 million for a medical academic building for UTRGV.
The 88,000 square foot medical academic building will be adjacent to the existing medical research building near the intersection of Sugar Road and Schunior Street, according to UT System Facilities Planning and Construction Committee documents. The current facility is part of the Regional Academic Health Center.
The goal is to have the inaugural class of UTRGV enrolled by August 2015, the UT System says in a news release. A president for the new university will likely be named by spring 2014.
Decisions about school colors, mascot and athletics will happen under the direction of the new president with input from students, faculty, staff and the community.
Mayor Garcia says this is an exciting day in Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley.
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