Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Texas State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa recently met with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi President Dr. Kelly Miller at his Corpus Christi office to discuss developments at the university and its growing role in research, workforce preparation, and regional economic development.
In a public statement following the meeting, Hinojosa said Dr. Miller provided “an update on the great things happening on her campus.”
According to Hinojosa, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi ranks second in research activity within the Texas A&M University System, behind only Texas A&M University in College Station. He noted that the university has experienced significant growth in research funding and academic impact, including an increasing number of Ph.D. graduates.
Hinojosa also highlighted the university’s efforts to connect graduates with employers throughout the region, emphasizing its contribution to workforce development in South Texas.
As a coastal institution, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is home to the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, which focuses on protecting bays, estuaries, and coastal ecosystems. Hinojosa cited the institute as one of the university’s key research assets.
The senator also pointed to the university’s role in advanced technology research. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosts one of only nine federally designated Unmanned Aircraft Systems test sites in the United States, supporting research and development related to drone technology and autonomous systems.
Dr. Miller has served as president of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi since 2017 and is the first woman to lead the institution. During her tenure, the university has expanded research initiatives, increased doctoral education opportunities, and strengthened partnerships with government and industry organizations.
Hinojosa praised Miller’s leadership, stating, “Dr. Miller is a strong leader and a tireless advocate for her university and our community.”
The senator also expressed support for future collaboration with the university and the Texas A&M System.
“I look forward to continuing to work with her, the A&M System, and my legislative colleagues to secure the support they need in the next session,” Hinojosa said.
The meeting comes as Texas higher education institutions prepare for future legislative discussions involving research funding, academic programs, workforce development, and infrastructure investments.
