Texas A&M’s Expansion in the Rio Grande Valley: A Milestone in Healthcare Education and Research
McAllen, Texas (February 24, 2024)
Texas A&M University’s unwavering commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the Rio Grande Valley took a significant step forward today with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Texas A&M Health Nursing Education and Research Building. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for nursing education and veterinary research, bolstering healthcare infrastructure and opportunities in the region.
A Collaborative Effort for a Healthier Future
The groundbreaking ceremony brought together community leaders, lawmakers, clinical partners, and representatives from The Texas A&M University System and Texas A&M University. This gathering symbolized the collective efforts and shared vision to enhance healthcare education and research in the Rio Grande Valley.
Chancellor John Sharp, a staunch advocate for the region, emphasized the university’s dedication to the people of South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. He highlighted the significance of investing in the region’s health and well-being through this new facility, underscoring Texas A&M’s commitment to providing pathways for students to pursue higher education close to home.
Addressing Critical Shortages in Nursing and Veterinary Medicine
The Texas Legislature’s approval of $29.9 million in 2021, coupled with Texas A&M leadership’s allocation of $20 million, provided the necessary funding for this transformative project. The Texas A&M Health Science Center (Texas A&M Health) will utilize these funds to support growth in student enrollment for in-demand fields like nursing.
The nearly 61,000-square-foot Nursing Education and Research Building will be strategically situated on the west side of the Higher Education Center campus in McAllen. It will encompass four dedicated nursing classrooms, ample student study areas, a cutting-edge 10,000-square-foot clinical simulation center, and designated space for a veterinary clinic and research laboratory.
The School of Nursing’s initial focus will be on offering its traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This two-year, five-semester program has received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to be delivered entirely in McAllen. The school anticipates enrolling approximately 50 students per semester, contributing to the valley’s and state’s efforts to address the critical shortage of nurses.
Dr. Leann Horsley, Dean of the School of Nursing, expressed her enthusiasm for the impact this facility will have on the region’s healthcare landscape. She emphasized the importance of providing expert faculty, state-of-the-art simulation training, and clinical experiences within the communities that Aggie nurses will serve upon graduation.
The School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences unit will also benefit from the new facility. It will serve as a hub for faculty and students conducting research in transboundary infectious diseases, large animal biosecurity, zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, and bilingual public outreach in South Texas.
Dr. John R. August, Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M, highlighted the facility’s significance in expanding the school’s research and outreach capabilities, particularly in underserved communities. He emphasized the alignment with Texas A&M’s land-grant mission to promote animal health, enhance student recruitment, provide specialized patient consultation through telemedicine, and promote border health.
A Collaborative Approach to Educational Excellence
The Higher Education Center at McAllen, which opened its doors in 2018, currently offers nine undergraduate degree programs, catering to the diverse educational needs of the region. The Texas A&M Health Science Center has also been actively involved in McAllen since 2004, providing valuable educational programs.
Manny Vela, Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Higher Education Center at McAllen, emphasized the center’s commitment to accessibility and serving the community’s needs. He expressed his delight in collaborating with Texas A&M Health to expand academic offerings in high-demand industries, particularly in healthcare.
The Nursing Education and Research Building is slated for completion in time for the spring 2026 semester. Its opening will mark a significant milestone in Texas A&M’s unwavering commitment to the Rio Grande Valley, providing exceptional educational opportunities and fostering a healthier future for the region.
Call to Action
As the groundbreaking ceremony for the Texas A&M Health Nursing Education and Research Building marks a new chapter in healthcare education and research for the Rio Grande Valley, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Explore the opportunities available at Texas A&M Health Science Center and discover how you can contribute to the region’s growing healthcare workforce. Together, let’s build a healthier future for South Texas.