UTRGV Celebrates 10 Years with Growth in Enrollment and New Academic Programs

The Starr County Commissioners Court meeting on July 28, 2025, highlighted significant developments at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. UTRGV President, Dr. Guy Bailey, addressed the court, sharing impressive growth statistics and future plans for the university, which serves a vast area of the Rio Grande Valley.

Since its inception in August 2015, UTRGV has expanded from 28,000 to over 34,000 students and has graduated 60,000 individuals. The university is now recognized as the ninth largest four-year public university in Texas and the fourth largest within the University of Texas system. Dr. Bailey announced the opening of the region's first comprehensive academic cancer and surgery center later this year and the first school of optometry in 2027, further enhancing educational opportunities in the area.

Additionally, UTRGV has established itself as a leader in health education by opening the only school of medicine in the Rio Grande Valley in 2016 and the state's only school of podiatric medicine in 2022. The university also operates several centers aimed at workforce and economic development, including a satellite location at the RGC library for small business support.

A highlight of the meeting was the announcement of UTRGV's inaugural Division 1 college football program, set to kick off on August 30, 2025. This initiative is expected to foster community spirit and camaraderie among residents.

The meeting concluded with expressions of pride from the commissioners regarding UTRGV's contributions to Starr County and the broader region. Dr. Bailey extended an invitation for a celebratory event later this fall or spring, where local officials will be invited to participate in a ceremonial signing of proclamations in honor of the university's achievements. The meeting underscored the ongoing partnership between UTRGV and the local government, emphasizing the university's role in the community's growth and development.