University of Texas at Brownsville

Public university in Brownsville, Texas (1991–2015)

This article is about UTB as it existed from 1991–2015. For the successor university, UTRGV, see University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

The University of Texas at Brownsville

Former names

* Texas Southmost College
* University of Texas-Pan American at Brownsville
* University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College

Motto| Latin: Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis

Motto in English

| Cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy.[1]
Type| Public State University
Active| September 1, 1991 (1991-09-01)–June 30, 2015 (2015-06-30) (merged with UT–Pan American to form The UTRGV)

Parent institution

| UT System
Endowment| US$12.5 million[2]
President| William Fannin[3]
Provost| Alan F. J. Artibise[3]

Academic staff

| 279 (=fall 2013)[4]

Administrative staff

| 1,326
Students| 8,612 (fall 2013)[5]
Location|

Brownsville, Texas

U.S.

Campus| Urban, 524 acres (212 ha)
Newspaper| UTB Collegian
Colors|  Orange, white, blue
Nickname| Ocelots

Sporting affiliations

| Red River Athletic Conference
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
Mascot| Ozzie the Ocelot
Website| www.utb.edu

The University of Texas at Brownsville (abbreviated as UTB and formerly known as the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College [UTB/TSC]) was an educational institution located in Brownsville, Texas. The university was on the land once occupied by Fort Brown. It was a member of the University of Texas System. The institution was formed from a 1991 partnership between the two-year Texas Southmost College and University of Texas-Pan American at Brownsville. The partnership ended in 2011 as UTB became a standalone University of Texas institution, and Texas Southmost College returned to being an independent community college. UTB itself offered baccalaureate and graduate degrees in liberal arts, sciences, education, business, and professional programs.[6]

In 2015, the UT Brownsville merged with UT–Pan American, to form The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.[7][8]

## History[edit]

### Texas Southmost College[edit]

Main article: Texas Southmost College

Texas Southmost College (TSC) was established in 1926 under the name "The Junior College of the Lower Rio Grande Valley." It admitted its first class on September 21 of that same year. In 1931, its name was changed to "Brownsville Junior College." In 1950, the institution was given the name, Texas Southmost College.[citation needed]

### University of Texas-Pan American at Brownsville[edit]

In 1973, Texas Southmost College formed a partnership with Pan-American University, later known as the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA). The partnership allowed Pan-American University to establish a four-year university in Brownsville. The resulting independent institution was referred to as Pan American University at Brownsville. In 1989, Pan American University joined the University of Texas System, creating the University of Texas Pan-American at Brownsville (UTPA-B). Brownsville sought a university directly under the UT System and in 1991 the University of Texas Pan-American at Brownsville became the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB).[citation needed]

### University of Texas at Brownsville-Texas Southmost College[edit]

After UTB was created, a partnership was established between UTB and TSC, allowing TSC students to seamlessly transition to the four year University without reapplying. The university has academic colleges including business, education, liberal arts and nursing. UTB-TSC's funding came from both the college tax district as well as the State of Texas. After failure to pass a 2002 multimillion-dollar bond, the TSC tax district voters successfully passed a $68 million bond issue[9] to construct additional classrooms ($28 million), additional library space ($14 million), Workforce Training Classrooms ($17 million), Center for Early Childhood Studies ($4 million), and Center for Alzheimer's, Diabetes, Cancer, and Heart Disease ($5 million). Juliet V. García served as UTB-TSC President from 1991 to 2011; Garcia was the first Hispanic woman to be the president of a college or university in the United States.[citation needed]

### End of educational partnership with Texas Southmost College[edit]

On November 10, 2010, the University of Texas System Board of Regents voted to end the University of Texas at Brownsville's educational partnership with Texas Southmost College.[10] On February 17, 2011, the TSC Board of Trustees voted 4–3 to separate from UTB.[11]

### Merger with UTPA and Medical School[edit]

On December 6, 2012, the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System approved a proposal to merge UTB, the University of Texas–Pan American, and a planned medical school into one regional institution.[12] On December 12, 2013, the UT Board of Regents voted to name the new university The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.[7]

On November 5, 2014, UTRGV's new nickname of Vaqueros was announced.[13] Immediately, Students on both Campuses began protests objecting to the new name as a caricature and racial stereotype of Mexican, Latino, Chicano, and Hispanic culture.[14] [15]

On January 29, 2015 Texas Representative Terry Canales proposed Texas House Bill 901 which called for postponement of the naming of the new mascot.[16]

On August 31, 2015, UTB and UTPA were officially dissolved and changed to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.[17]

### Previous names[edit]

The name of the institution evolved over the years:[18]

* 1926–1931: The Junior College of the Lower Rio Grande Valley
* 1931–1949: Brownsville Junior College
* 1949–1992: Texas Southmost College
* 1992–2013: The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College
* 2013–2015: The University of Texas at Brownsville

### Presidents[edit]

Dates of office[19] | President | Notes

|
|

9/1/1991 – 12/31/1991 | Homer J. Peña | Founding president
1/1/1992 – 8/31/2014 | Juliet V. García |
9/1/2014 – 2015 | William Richard Fannin | Interim CEO

## Admissions[edit]

Until the fall of 2011, UT Brownsville had open admissions, meaning prospective students had no admissions criteria.[20] In August 2011 the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved new admission standards for UT Brownsville, and awaited the approval of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.[21] The restricted UT Brownsville admissions began in the fall of 2013.[21]

## Campus[edit]

UTB's campus sat on 524 acres (2.3 km2) of land in the southern part of Brownsville, Texas, the part closest to the border with Mexico. A resaca, or oxbow lake, flows through the heart of the growing landscape. The university's unique architecture plays off the campus's rich history in Fort Brown. Many of the oldest buildings on campus remain from the old U.S. Army outpost. The university has also acquired many buildings in the surrounding area, including a former Holiday Inn hotel complex, former condominiums, the Amigoland Mall, and many historic buildings of downtown Brownsville. The university continues to expand, recently purchasing substantial acreage east of Fort Brown.[22]

## Academics[edit]

### Undergraduate colleges and schools[edit]

* College of Biomedical Sciences and Health Professions
* College of Applied Technology and General Studies[23]
* College of Liberal Arts[24]
* College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology[25]
* School of Business[26]
* College of Education[27]
* School of Health Sciences[28]

### Notable academic programs[edit]

UTB was home to several academic centers and programs:

* Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy[29] Research focuses on astrophysical source modeling, gravitational wave data analysis, and the phenomenological astrophysics of gravitational wave sources.
* Center for Biomedical Studies[30] was established to conduct biological and medical research on regional health issues and biotechnological approaches that may contribute to regional development.
* Center for Civic Engagement[31]

## Student life[edit]

### Student government[edit]

The Student Government Association at UTB hosts the officers of the student body. The SGA runs a three-branch system, with the executive board consisting of the Student Body Officers, the Legislative Board consisting of the Student Senate, and the Judicial Board consisting of the Chief and Associate Justices.[citation needed]

### Student organizations[edit]

The university recognized more than 50 but less than 100 student organizations.[32] In addition, it supported the Student Organization Council, an official student governance organization that represent student interests to faculty, and administrators.[citation needed]

### Greek life[edit]

Sorority

* Sigma Psi Delta[33]

### Media[edit]

Students expressed their opinions in and outside of class through periodicals including The Collegian[34] and the Sting Radio.[35]

## Athletics[edit]

The Texas–Brownsville (UTB) athletic teams were called the Ocelots (formerly known as the Scorpions until after 2011–12 the school year). The university was a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) from 2006–07 to 2014–15.

UTB competed in seven intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports included baseball, cross country, golf and soccer; while women's sports include cross country, golf, soccer and volleyball.[36][37][38]

### Accomplishments[edit]

The UTB Ocelots women's volleyball team was ranked #18 in the NAIA,[39] but lost the standing after a bad 2008 season. In 2009, under new head coach Todd Lowery, formerly of National American University, the Scorpions began to shine again, achieving a #12 ranking in the NAIA.[40] In December 2011, the UTB volleyball team won its first national championship.[41]

### Chess team[edit]

The University of Texas at Brownsville was widely regarded for having one of the strongest chess programs in the nation. In 2010, they placed second in the Final Four of College Chess, which they hosted.[42]

## Notable alumni[edit]

* Oscar Casares, writer
* Jaime Zapata, U.S. Homeland Security special agent

## References[edit]

* Chilton, Carl Jr. (2001) "The First 70 Years: A History of Higher Education in Brownsville"

1. ^ "Seal of the University". University of Texas System. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
2. ^ "US News Facts- University of Texas at Brownsville (2010)". US News. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
3. ^ a b "UTB University Council". University of Texas at Brownsville. Archived from the original on December 10, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
4. ^ "UTB Student Body Profile". University of Texas at Brownsville.
5. ^ "UTB Fast Facts". University of Texas at Brownsville. Retrieved 2012-05-30.
6. ^ "The University of Texas at Brownsville". utb.edu. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
7. ^ a b Jacob Fischler. "Regents name university: UTRGV". The Monitor. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
8. ^ Gail Fagan; Vicky Brito. "UTRGV | UT Chancellor McRaven attends flag-raising, proclamation celebrations for UTRGV's first day". www.utrgv.edu. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
9. ^ "2004 Bond Election". Archived from the original on October 15, 2004. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
10. ^ Jazmine Ulloa (November 10, 2010). "UT Board of Regents votes to terminate UTB/TSC partnership – Brownsville Herald: Valley". The Brownsville Herald. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
11. ^ Jacqueline Armendariz (February 18, 2011). "TSC Trustees vote 4–3 to split with UTB – Brownsville Herald: Valley". Brownsville Herald. Archived from the original on February 21, 2011. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
12. ^ Andrew Kreighbaum (December 6, 2012). "UT regents approve merging RGV universities, will create medical school". The Monitor. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
13. ^ Brito, Victoria (November 5, 2014). "UT-RGV mascot recommended to be the Vaquero". The Monitor. McAllen, Texas. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
14. ^ Nelsen, Aaron (2014-11-06). "Vaquero approved as UT-RGV mascot despite objections". mysanantonio.com. Retrieved 2014-11-13.
15. ^ Hamilton, Reeve (2014-11-10). "Vaqueros Won, but the Broncs Are Still Fighting". texastribune.org. Retrieved 2014-11-17.
16. ^ Diaz, David (2015-02-11). "UT System Regents asked by Rep. Canales to delay decision on using Vaqueros as athletics nickname". edinburgpolitics.com. Retrieved 2015-02-11.
17. ^ "UTRGV | UT Chancellor McRaven attends flag-raising, proclamation celebrations for UTRGV's first day". Utrgv.edu. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
18. ^ "UTB STYLE GUIDE". The University of Texas at Brownsville > Marketing and Communication. UTB. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2015.
19. ^ "Presidents of UT System Institutions". The University of Texas System. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
20. ^ Monica Rhor (February 10, 2012). "Open admissions may end at UH-Downtown". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
21. ^ a b "NEW UT BROWNSVILLE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS." (Archive) University of Texas at Brownsville. Retrieved on September 18, 2012. Click on the orange "NEW UT BROWNSVILLE FRESHMAN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS" to see the date when open admissions begins.
22. ^ Jacqueline Armendariz (September 8, 2011). "Part 3 of series: UTB -Changing the landscape – Valley Morning Star : Local News". Valley Morning Star. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
23. ^ "Academic Departments". Archived from the original on February 20, 2001. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
24. ^ "College of Liberal Arts". UTB. Archived from the original on September 28, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
25. ^ http://csmt.phys.utb.educsmt.phys.utb.edu [dead link]
26. ^ "School of Business". UTB. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
27. ^ "College of Education". UTB. Archived from the original on December 6, 2006. Retrieved December 11, 2006.
28. ^ "School of Health Sciences". Archived from the original on January 31, 2008. Retrieved December 11, 2006.
29. ^ "Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy". Archived from the original on 2010-10-27.
30. ^ "Center for Biomedical Studies". UTB. Archived from the original on September 25, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
31. ^ "Center for Civic Engagement". UTB. Archived from the original on October 18, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
32. ^ "Organizations List". UTB. Archived from the original on September 25, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
33. ^ "Sigma Psi Delta's Home". UTB. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
34. ^ "utbcollegian.com". UTB. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
35. ^ "utbstingradio.com". UTB. Archived from the original on September 23, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
36. ^ "Men's Golf". UTB. Archived from the original on September 25, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
37. ^ Honoring UTB Athletics History - UTRGV Athletics
38. ^ UTB Athletics History - UTRGV Athletics
39. ^ "Fresno Pacific (Calif.) Finishes On Top In The Final Rating". NAIA. November 14, 2007. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
40. ^ "Refreshing to". NAIA. September 29, 2009. Archived from the original on February 9, 2011. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
41. ^ "UTB Volleyball Team Crowned NAIA National Champions". KVEO. December 6, 2011. Archived from the original on September 23, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
42. ^ Perry, Daniel (April 11, 2010). "UTB-TSC places second at the 'Final Four of College Chess' – Brownsville Herald: Home". Brownsville Herald. Retrieved December 28, 2017.

## External links[edit]

* Texas portal

* Official website at the Wayback Machine (archive index)
* Official athletics website at the Wayback Machine (archive index)
* The University of Texas System

* v
* t
* e

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Campuses|

* Brownsville campus
* Edinburg campus

Facilities|

* STARGATE
* University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
* Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium
* UTRGV Baseball Stadium
* UTRGV Fieldhouse

Athletics|

* Football
* Men's basketball
* Women's basketball
* Baseball
* Men's soccer

Related|

* The University of Texas at Brownsville College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology

Founded
2013
Students
28,584
Endowment
$us46.1 million

* v
* t
* e

Brownsville, Texas

Education|

| Primary & secondary
schools|

*     * Brownsville ISD
* Homer Hanna Early College HS
* Gladys Porter Early College HS
* James Pace Early College HS
* Simon Rivera Early College HS
* Lopez Early College HS
* Brownsville Early College HS
* Veterans Memorial Early College HS
* Los Fresnos CISD
* Saint Joseph Academy
* Valley Christian HS
* Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success Brownsville campus

|

Other education|

* University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Brownsville Campus
* University of Texas at Brownsville (merged)
* Texas Southmost College

History|

* Brownsville affair
* 2023 car crash

Media|

* The Brownsville Herald
* El Nuevo Heraldo

Transportation|

* Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge
* Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport
* Gateway International Bridge
* Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates

Landmarks|

* Sunrise Mall
* Amigoland Mall (former)

* v
* t
* e

Education in Cameron County, Texas

Public high schools

Brownsville ISD|

* Homer Hanna
* Lopez
* James Pace
* Gladys Porter
* Simon Rivera
* Veterans Memorial
* Brownsville Early College

Harlingen CISD|

* Harlingen High
* Harlingen High South
* Harlingen Collegiate
* Cano Ninth Grade
* Harlingen School of Health Professions

La Feria ISD|

* La Feria

Los Fresnos CISD|

* Los Fresnos High
* Los Fresnos United

Point Isabel ISD|

* Port Isabel

Rio Hondo ISD|

* Rio Hondo High

San Benito CISD|

* San Benito High
* San Benito Veterans Memorial Academy

Santa Maria ISD|

* Santa Maria High

Santa Rosa ISD|

* Santa Rosa High

South Texas ISD
(magnet)|

* South Texas Academy for Medical Professions
* Other campuses are in Hidalgo County

Private high schools

Secular high schools|

* Marine Military Academy

Religious high schools|

* Saint Joseph Academy
* Valley Christian

Tertiary

Universities|

* University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (merged from University of Texas at Brownsville)

Community colleges|

* Texas Southmost College

Lyford CISD's Lyford High School in Willacy County serves a section of Cameron County

* v
* t
* e

The University of Texas System

Academic Institutions|

* Arlington
* Austin
* Dallas
* El Paso
* Permian Basin
* Rio Grande Valley
* San Antonio
* Stephen F. Austin
* Tyler

Health Institutions|

* MD Anderson Cancer Center
* UT Medical Branch
* UT Southwestern Medical Center
* UTHealth
* UT Health San Antonio

Former Institutions|

* Brownsville (Merged into Rio Grande Valley)
* Pan American (Merged into Rio Grande Valley)
* UTHSC Tyler (merged into UT Tyler)

Administrative Buildings|

* O. Henry Hall (owned 1968–2015, leased until 2017)

* Category:University of Texas System
* Portal:Texas

* v
* t
* e

Texas state universities

University of Houston System|

* University of Houston
* UH–Clear Lake
* UH–Downtown
* UH–Victoria

University of North Texas System|

* University of North Texas
* UNT Dallas

University of Texas System|

* Arlington
* Austin
* Dallas
* El Paso
* Permian Basin
* Rio Grande Valley
* San Antonio
* Stephen F. Austin
* Tyler

Texas A&M System|

* Prairie View A&M
* Tarleton State
* Texas A&M
* Texas A&M University at Galveston
* Texas A&M International
* Texas A&M–Central Texas
* Texas A&M–Commerce
* Texas A&M–Corpus Christi
* Texas A&M–Kingsville
* Texas A&M–San Antonio
* Texas A&M–Texarkana
* West Texas A&M

Texas State System|

* Lamar
* Sam Houston State
* Sul Ross State
* Texas State

Texas Tech System|

* Angelo State
* Midwestern State
* Texas Tech

Texas Woman's|

* Texas Woman's

Independent|

* Texas Southern

See also: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* 2

National|

* United States

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