(Seated, from left) McAllen City Commissioner Richard Cortez; Veronica Gonzales, UTRGV vice president for Governmental and Community Relations; and UTRGV Provost Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, executive vice president for Academic Affairs; and (standing, from left) Val LaMantia Peisen, board treasurer, Friends of Quinta Mazatlán; Dr. Alex Racelis, director of the UTRGV Biology program; Dr. Parwinder Grewal, Dean of the UTRGV College of Sciences; Brian Godinez, board president, Friends of Quinta Mazatlán; Colleen Hook, manager of Quinta Mazatlán; McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez; Omar Rodriguez, director of the McAllen Convention Center; and McAllen Assistant City Manager Joe Vera. (Courtesy Photo)
McALLEN, TEXAS – MAY 25, 2016 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and City of McAllen-Quinta Mazatlán have announced a new partnership to expand educational opportunities in the areas of youth education, economic development and tourism in South Texas.
‘This partnership is an example of how a creative partnership between a top notch university, like UTRGV and an innovative urban sanctuary can open the door to unique learning opportunities for our students,” said Mayor Jim Darling. “This is a great example of how, together, we can expand access to high-quality education in the Rio Grande Valley, supporting our local students and attracting students and tourists from all over, including even abroad.”
“The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is committed to establishing strong and productive partnerships with our communities throughout the region that will support student success and enrich educational opportunities,” said UTRGV President Guy Bailey.
Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, UTRGV provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, is excited about the possible curricula this partnership will provide.
“Supporting academic and research experiences at Quinta Mazatlán will serve our young people in the region and will provide our students with experiential learning opportunities that will increase their likelihood of successfully transitioning into the job market or graduate school,” Rodríguez said.
UTRGV and Quinta Mazatlán, with its advisory board (Friends of Quinta Mazatlán) will develop a strategic plan with a wide variety of initiatives that expand environmental, educational and tourism opportunities in South Texas.
Brian Godinez, president of the board, said, everyone is excited about the initiative.
“This is an important partnership,” Godinez said, “and the resources UTRGV brings will help us solidify Quinta Mazatlán as a destination treasure for the City of McAllen and the region."