View source for Organization:University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

{{Short description|Public university in Texas, US}}
{{Infobox university
 | name                   = The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
 | former_names           = Texas Southmost College (1930–1995)<br>Edinburg College (1932–1952)<br>Pan American College (1952–1971)<br>Pan American University (1971–1989)<br>Pan American University at Brownsville (1988–1989)<br>University of Texas Pan American (1989–2015)<br>University of Texas Pan American at Brownsville (1989–1991)<br>University of Texas at Brownsville (1991–2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/_files/documents/about/history/utrgv-history-accreditation-milestones.pdf|title = UTRGV Accreditation History}}</ref>
 | image                  = UT Rio Grande Valley seal.svg
 | image_upright          = 0.7
 | academic_affiliation   = {{hlist|Space-grant}}
 | motto                  = ''Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis'' ([[Social:Latin language|Latin]])
 | mottoeng               = "The cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy"<ref name=UTHistory>{{cite web|title=Seal of the University|url=https://www.utsystem.edu/board-of-regents/history/seal-university |website=University of Texas System|access-date=1 December 2014}}</ref>
 | established            = June 14, 2013 (as UTRGV)
 | type                   = Public research university
 | endowment              = $103.771 million (2020)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://link.utrgv.edu/2020annualreport/#lp-pom-block-426 |title=2020 Annual Report |publisher=utrgv.edu |access-date=2021-11-04}}</ref>
 | president              = Sebastian Castillo
 | provost                = Janna Arney
 | students               = 32,419 (Fall 2021)<ref name=Enrollment>{{cite web |title=UTRGV preliminary enrollment steady |url=https://www.utrgvrider.com/utrgv-preliminary-enrollment-steady/ |publisher=UTRGV Student Media|access-date=September 27, 2021|date=August 23, 2021 }}</ref>
 | undergrad              = 27,124 (Fall 2021)<ref name=Enrollment/>
 | postgrad               = 5,073 (Fall 2021)<ref name=Enrollment/>
 | city                   = Edinburg
 | state                  = {{wipe|Texas}}
 | country                = United States
 | coor                   = {{coord|26.304551|-98.174165|display=inline,title}}
 | campus                 = Midsize City
 | campus_size            = {{convert|665|acre|km2}}
 | colors                 = Orange and gray<ref>{{cite web|title=UTRGV Color Palette|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/umc/creative-services/graphic-identity-guidelines/utrgv-color-palette/index.htm|website=UTRGV.edu|access-date=September 20, 2020}}</ref><br />{{College color boxes|Texas–Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros}}
 | nickname               = Vaqueros
 | mascot                 = Vaqueros
 | sporting_affiliations  = NCAA Division I – WAC
 | website                = {{url|www.utrgv.edu}}
 | logo                   = University of Texas Rio Grande Valley logo.svg
 | faculty                = 1,239 (Fall 2015)<ref name=Enrollment/>
 | administrative_staff   = 1,338 (2015)<ref name=staff>{{cite web|title=Faculty & Staff|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/faculty-staff|website=The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley|access-date=29 June 2015}}</ref>
 | parent                 = [[Organization:University of Texas System|University of Texas System]]
 | logo_size              = 250px
 | accreditation          = [[Organization:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools|SACS]]
 | free_label2            = Newspaper
 | free2                  = ''The Rider''
 | free_label             = Other campsuses
 | free                   = {{hlist|Boca Chica Beach|Brownsville|Harlingen|McAllen|Port Isabel|Rio Grande City|South Padre Island}}
}}

'''The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley''' ('''UTRGV''') is a public research university with multiple campus throughout  the Rio Grande Valley region of {{wipe|Texas}}. It is the southernmost member of the [[Organization:University of Texas System|University of Texas System]]. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 after the consolidation of the [[Organization:University of Texas at Brownsville|University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College]] and the [[Organization:University of Texas–Pan American|University of {{nowrap|Texas–Pan American}}]].<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Jenny |last1=LaCoste-Caputo |first2=Karen |last2=Adler |url=https://utsystem.edu/news/2013/12/12/board-regents-votes-name-new-ut-south-texas-university-texas-rio-grande-valley |title=Board of Regents votes to name new UT in South Texas The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |location={{wipe|Austin, Texas}} |publisher=The University of Texas System Office of Public Affairs |date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=December 12, 2013}}</ref>

In the fall of 2019 the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley enrolled 29,619 students, making it the ninth-largest university in the state of Texas and the fourth largest (student enrollment) academic institution in the University of Texas system. In 2018, UTRGV was also one of the largest universities in the U.S. to have a majority Hispanic student population; 89.2%<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/default/files/documents/publication/2018/fast-facts-september-2018/fast-facts-09-2018.pdf|title=Fast Facts September 2018|website=www.utsystem.edu|access-date=2018-12-14}}</ref> of its students are Hispanic, virtually all of them Mexican Americans.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/utsfiles/documents/strategic-initiatives/fast-facts-2016/fast-facts-2016-06-15.pdf |title=2016 Fast Facts |website=Utsystem.edu |access-date=2016-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822100214/https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/utsfiles/documents/strategic-initiatives/fast-facts-2016/fast-facts-2016-06-15.pdf |archive-date=2016-08-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

It is [[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education|classified]] in 2020 among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".<ref>{{cite web |title=Carnegie Classifications Institution Lookup |url=https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=227368 |publisher=Center for Postsecondary Education |website=carnegieclassifications.iu.edu |access-date=13 September 2020}}</ref>

==History==
On December 6, 2012, the [[Organization:University of Texas System#Regents|University of Texas System Board of Regents]] approved a proposal to merge, eliminating both the [[Organization:University of Texas–Pan American|University of Texas–Pan American]] and [[Organization:University of Texas at Brownsville|the University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College]]. This led to the creation of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The new institution was planned to include a medical school and have access to the Texas [[Organization:Permanent University Fund|Permanent University Fund]] (PUF).<ref>{{cite news |last=Kreighbaum |first=Andrew |title=UT regents approve merging RGV universities, will create medical school |url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/article_cec2bf8e-3fd9-11e2-8651-001a4bcf6878.html |access-date=7 December 2012 |newspaper=The Monitor |location=McAllen, Texas |date=6 December 2012}}</ref> Texas Governor [[Biography:Rick Perry|Rick Perry]] signed SB 24<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB24 |title=Texas Legislature Online – 83(R) History for SB 24 |website=Capitol.state.tx.us |access-date=2016-09-10}}</ref> into law, approving the creation of the new university in June 2013. In December 2013, the UT System Board of Regents voted to name the new institution the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).

Guy Bailey was selected as the founding university president.<ref>{{cite news |first=Jim |last=Vertuno |title=Guy Bailey named sole finalist for president of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |newspaper=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal |agency=Associated Press |url=http://lubbockonline.com/education/2014-04-28/guy-bailey-named-sole-finalist-president-university-texas-rio-grande-valley |date=April 28, 2014 |access-date=April 29, 2014}}</ref> Bailey, in turn, selected Havidan Rodriguez as the founding Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs (EVPAA) and Janna Arney as Deputy President.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://riograndeguardian.com/bailey-names-first-part-of-his-utrgv-leadership-team/|title=Bailey names first part of his UTRGV leadership team|first=Steve|last=Taylor|date=August 27, 2014|website=Rio Grande Guardian}}</ref> In late August 2017, Rodriguez resigned his position as provost/EVPAA to become the 20th president of the [[Organization:University at Albany, SUNY|University at Albany, SUNY]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2017/june-21-havidan-rodriguez-named-president-of-university-at-albany/|title=UTRGV {{!}} Havidán Rodríguez Named President of University at Albany|website=www.utrgv.edu|language=en|access-date=2017-10-18}}</ref> After his resignation was approved, Bailey appointed Patricia Alvarez McHatton as the interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.

In November 2014, the UT System Board of Regents approved the "Vaqueros" as the athletic nickname for University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. They also approved the official colors of blue, green, and orange.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Jenny |last1=LaCoste-Caputo |first2=Karen |last2=Adler |title=UT System Board of Regents approves "Vaqueros" as athletic nickname for new university |url=https://www.utsystem.edu/news/2014/11/06/ut-system-board-regents-approves-vaqueros-athletic-nickname-new-university |access-date=15 November 2014 |publisher=The University of Texas System Office of Public Affairs |location=El Paso, Texas |date=November 6, 2014}}</ref>

The university officially opened on August 31, 2015, with UT System chancellor Bill McRaven, U.S. Representative Rubén Hinojosa and Texas State Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa attending the flag-raising ceremony.<ref name="Rio Grande Guardian">{{cite news |first1=Dayna |last1=Reyes |title=McRaven: UTRGV will change the fabric of the Rio Grande Valley |url=http://riograndeguardian.com/mcraven-utrgv-will-change-the-fabric-of-the-rio-grande-valley/ |date=1 September 2015 |access-date=2 September 2015 |publisher=Rio Grande Guardian}}</ref> McRaven said, "One hundred years from now, Texas will look back and say that this day changed Texas forever."<ref name="Rio Grande Guardian"/>

To honor the largest donation in the history of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley, the College of Business and Entrepreneurship was named Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Robert C. Vackar, CEO of Bert Ogden Auto Group, donated $15 million in the form of an endowment to the college.<ref name=":0" />

== Campuses and buildings ==
The university's property totals 550 acres. UTRGV owns 105 buildings; the properties include:

* Brownsville, Texas
** The Brownsville Campus (regional)
** Casa Bella
** Cueto House
** Lucerna House
** Resaca Plaza
** Vaquero Plaza
** Stargate
* Edinburg, Texas
** The Edinburg Campus (main campus)
** Alumni Center
** Community Engagement and Student Success Building
** Visual Arts Building
** Advanced Tooling Engineering Center
* McAllen, Texas
** McAllen Teaching Site
* Harlingen, Texas
** Academic and Clinical Research Building
** Pump House
** Clinical Education Building
* Rio Grande City, Texas
** UTRGV at Starr County
* South Padre Island, Texas
** Coastal Studies Lab

Students and employees with dependent children may live in the Village Apartments in the Edinburg Campus or the Casa Bella Apartments on the Brownsville campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/housing/en-us/residence-halls/the-village-apartments/index.htm|title=The Village Apartments|publisher=University of Texas Rio Grande Valley|accessdate=2022-10-14}}</ref> The Village Apartments is zoned to<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/_files/documents/admissions/visit/utrgv-edinburg-map.pdf|title=Edinburg Campus|publisher=University of Texas Rio Grande Valley|accessdate=2022-10-14}} – Note the location of the Village Apartments – Keep in mind this is west of Sugar Road, which means De La Viña zoning</ref> the following Edinburg CISD schools: De La Viña Elementary School,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://4.files.edl.io/a15c/08/02/22/134510-fa29337e-e10f-4d3c-8400-a4673fc2a8be.pdf|title=De La Viña Elementary|publisher=Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District|accessdate=2022-10-14}} – [https://www.ecisd.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1311583&type=d&pREC_ID=1569787 Linked from here]</ref> B. L. Garza Middle School,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://4.files.edl.io/9b8c/08/02/22/135027-d91767bf-5576-41ee-a378-d56ced4f48bc.pdf|title=B. L. Garza|publisher=Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District|accessdate=2022-10-14}} – [https://www.ecisd.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1311583&type=d&pREC_ID=1569787 Linked from here]</ref> and Edinburg North High School.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://4.files.edl.io/009a/08/02/22/135114-b0d78e0c-d7a7-47a8-9cf5-32ceb21d354f.pdf|title=Edinburg North|publisher=Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District|accessdate=2022-10-14}} – [https://www.ecisd.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1311583&type=d&pREC_ID=1569787 Linked from here]</ref>

==Academics==
===Rankings===
{{Infobox US university ranking
<!-- U.S. rankings -->
| ARWU_NU  =
| Forbes   = 458
| THE_WSJ  =
| USNWR_NU = 227 <small>(tie)</small>
| Wamo_NU  =
<!-- Global rankings -->
| ARWU_W   =
| QS_W     =
| THES_W   = 1201-1500
| USNWR_W  = 745 <small>(tie)</small>
}}
UTRGV offers 64 bachelor's, 49 master's, and 4 doctoral programs (in addition to 2 cooperative doctoral programs).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/admissions/why-choose-utrgv/index.htm|title=UTRGV {{!}} Why Choose UTRGV?|website=www.utrgv.edu|access-date=2016-06-01}}</ref> For the academic year 2015–2016, 92.7% of enrolled students came from the Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. The ethnic enrollment is 89.2% Hispanic (Fall 2017).<ref name=":2" />

In 2017, ''Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education'' magazine ranked UTRGV 3rd in the country in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanic students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2017/august-30-utrgv-ranks-third-in-the-nation-in-awarding-bachelor-s-degrees-to-hispanic-students-top-10-in-other-rankings/index.htm|title=UTRGV {{!}} UTRGV ranks third in the nation in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanic students; top 10 in other rankings|website=www.utrgv.edu|language=en|access-date=2017-10-18}}</ref>

===Financial aid===
In 2017, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was ranked No. 6 (out of 56 Texas universities) for lowest student loan debt in the state of Texas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2017/september-21-utrgv-ranks-sixth-among-56-texas-universities-for-lowest-student-loan-debt/index.htm|title=UTRGV {{!}} UTRGV ranks sixth among 56 Texas universities for lowest student loan debt|website=www.utrgv.edu|language=en|access-date=2017-10-18}}</ref>

===Colleges and schools===
Eleven colleges and schools formed the academic foundation for UTRGV, including:<ref name=colleges>{{cite web |title=Creating America's Next Great Major University |url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/transition-plan |website=Utrgv.edu |access-date=November 15, 2014}}</ref>

<!-- Please keep list below in alphabetical order. -->
{| class="toccolours" style="margin-right:1em; font-size:90%; line-height:1.4em; width:400px; margin:10px"
! colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | '''UTRGV College/School founding'''
|-
| '''College/school''' || {{center|'''Year founded'''}}
|-
| colspan="2" |
----
|-
| School of Medicine || {{center|2015}}
|-
| College of Medicine and Health Affairs* || {{center|2016}}
|-
| College of Health Affairs || {{center|2015}}
|-
| College of Sciences || {{center|2015}}
|-
| College of Liberal Arts || {{center|2015}}
|-
| College of Fine Arts || {{center|2015}}
|-
| College of Engineering and Computer Science || {{center|2015}}
|-
| Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2016/may-19-utrgv-receives-largest-donation-in-rgv-higher-education-history-names-business-college-in-honor-of-robert-c-vackar/index.htm|title=UTRGV {{!}} UTRGV receives largest donation in RGV higher education history, names business college in honor of Robert C. Vackar|website=Utrgv.edu|access-date=2016-06-01}}</ref> || {{center|2015}}
|-
| College of Education and P-16 Integration || {{center|2015}}
|-
| Honors College || {{center|2015}}
|-
| Graduate College || {{center|2015}}
|-
| University College || {{center|2015}}
|}

=== Academic accreditation ===
UTRGV inherited the academic accreditation of its legacy institutions.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.sacscoc.org/gendisc/56320.pdf |title = Recent Actions taken by SACSCOC Board of Trustees|access-date = 2015-09-02}}</ref> The university is accredited by the [[Organization:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools|Southern Association of Colleges and Schools]].<ref>{{cite web|title = Commission on Colleges|url = http://www.sacscoc.org/details.asp?instid=56320|website = Sacscoc.org|access-date = 2015-09-02}}</ref>

UTRGV was notified on December 6, 2016 that it was being placed on a 12-month probation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The probation came about because of the complexity of a transition that involved the separation of UTB/TSC, the separate accreditation of TSC, and the formation of UTRGV. The probation-removal decision by the [[Organization:Southern Association of Colleges and Schools|SACSCOC]] Board of Trustees was announced in December 2017,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/accreditation/accreditation-faqs/index.htm|title=UTRGV {{!}} Accreditation FAQs|website=www.utrgv.edu|language=en|access-date=2017-10-18}}</ref> and the SACSCOC Board of Trustees on December 11, 2017 announced that it had removed the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley from probationary status. This decision was based on the university successfully addressing the Statewide Single Audit for FY 2017 conducted by the Texas State Auditor's Office.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/accreditation/accreditation-faqs/index.htm|title=Accreditation Updates FAQ|website=The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley}}</ref>

The UTRGV School of Medicine received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education in October 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2015/october-16-lcme-grants-preliminary-accreditation-utrgv-school-of-medicine-now-accepting-applications/|title=UTRGV {{!}} LCME grants preliminary accreditation: UTRGV School of Medicine now accepting applications|website=Utrgv.edu|access-date=2016-06-01}}</ref> In May 2016, the School of Medicine received accreditation from the [[Organization:Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education|Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education]] (ACGME) to offer a medical residency program in psychiatry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/en-us/about-utrgv/news/press-releases/2016/may-12-utrgv-som-receives-accreditation-for-medical-residency-program-in-psychiatry/index.htm|title=UTRGV {{!}} UTRGV SOM receives accreditation for medical residency program in psychiatry|website=Utrgv.edu|access-date=2016-06-01}}</ref>

===Proposed expansions===

Legislation to establish a law school in UTRGV was introduced by representative Eddie Lucio III in November 2014 but did not pass in the Texas Senate.<ref name=AP>{{cite news |first=Jose |last=De Leon |title=UT-RGV law school, drug tests, texting bans on 1st day of bill filing |url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/bill-for-ut-rgv-law-school-introduced/article_06c12be4-691a-11e4-81ac-3f9a137ad002.html |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Monitor |location=McAllen, Texas |date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=November 13, 2014}}</ref> On May 21, 2019, the Texas House of Representatives approved House Bill 103 during the 86th Legislative Session, whose author was Representative Armando Martinez, that calls for the establishment of a public law school in the Rio Grande Valley.<ref name=Progress>{{cite news |first=David |last=Diaz |title=Public law school for Rio Grande Valley authorized by Texas House of Representatives |url=https://www.progresstimes.net/news/local-news/12888-public-law-school-for-rio-grande-valley-authorized-by-texas-house-of-representatives.html |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Progress Time |location=McAllen, Texas |date=November 10, 2019 |access-date=November 13, 2019}}</ref>

==Student life==
{| class="wikitable floatright sortable collapsible"; text-align:right; font-size:80%;"
|+ style="font-size:90%" |Student body composition as of May 2, 2022
|-
! Race and ethnicity<ref>{{cite web |title=College Scorecard: University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?227368-The-University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley |publisher=United States Department of Education |access-date=May 24, 2022}}</ref>
! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total
|-
| Hispanic
|align=right| {{bartable|93|%|2||background:green}}
|-
| [[Social:Non-Hispanic whites|White]]
|align=right| {{bartable|2|%|2||background:gray}}
|-
| Foreign national
|align=right| {{bartable|2|%|2||background:orange}}
|-
| Asian
|align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:purple}}
|-
| Other{{efn|Other consists of multiracial Americans and those who prefer to not say.}}
|align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:brown}}
|-
! colspan="4" data-sort-type=number |[[Social:Economic diversity|Economic diversity]]
|-
| Low-income{{efn|The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students}}
|align=right| {{bartable|69|%|2||background:red}}
|-
| Affluent{{efn|The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum}}
|align=right| {{bartable|31|%|2||background:black}}
|}

==Athletics==
The merged university inherited UTPA's Division I membership; most of the athletic facilities are located in Edinburg. They have membership with the Western Athletic Conference.

On November 19, 2016, the UTRGV Women's Volleyball Team defeated the Utah Valley Women's Volleyball team, making them the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Volleyball Champions of 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wacsports.com/custompages/stats/volleyball/2016/confstat.htm|title=2016 WAC Volleyball|website=www.wacsports.com|access-date=2017-10-18}}</ref>

===Mascot===
The choice of a new university nickname was met with some contention from members of the communities of the two merged schools.<ref name=Solomon>{{cite journal |first=Dan |last=Solomon |journal=Texas Monthly |title=The Debate Over What The Mascot For The New UT-RGV Campus Is Getting Heated, Y'all |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/daily-post/debate-over-what-mascot-new-ut-rgv-campus-getting-heated-yall |location=Austin, Texas |date=September 18, 2014 |access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref> UTPA supporters, the larger of the two merged schools, argued for keeping the UTPA nickname, Broncs, while UTB supporters wanted a nickname new to both merged schools. UTPA Alumnus Alex Del Barrio created a petition to "Say No To Vaqueros" that garnered over 11,000 signatures after the announcement was made.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chapa |first=Sergio |url=http://valleycentral.com/sports/content/opponents-of-utrgv-vaqueros-mascot-say-fight-isnt-over |title=Opponents of UTRGV Vaqueros mascot say fight isn TMt over &#124; News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News &#124; KGBT |publisher=Valleycentral.com |date=2014-11-07 |access-date=2016-03-13}}</ref> Several local city councils also passed resolutions in support of one option or the other.<ref name=Solomon /> President Guy Bailey recommended a new nickname, Vaqueros, to the University of Texas System Board of Regents on November 5, 2014.<ref name=Brito>{{cite news|title=UT-RGV mascot recommended to be the Vaquero |url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/ut-rgv-mascot-colors-announced/article_25556888-6517-11e4-824d-0017a43b2370.html |first=Victoria |last=Brito |newspaper=The Monitor |location=McAllen, Texas |date=November 5, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2014}}</ref> The suggestion for Vaquero was inspired by the UTPA student Studio Art projects, where the Toro and Vaquero were the most popular projects.<ref name=Perez-Hernandez>{{cite news |title=For Vaquero sculptor, UT-RGV controversy not a factor in designing new mascot |url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/for-vaquero-sculptor-ut-rgv-controversy-not-a-factor-in/article_8ca9d46c-6628-11e4-ac93-0017a43b2370.html |first=Danya |last=Perez-Hernandez |newspaper=The Monitor |location=McAllen, Texas |date=November 7, 2014 |access-date=November 9, 2014}}</ref>

Bailey also recommended school's athletic colors be UT System orange, green (formerly the secondary color of UTPA), and blue (formerly the secondary color of UTB).<ref name=Brito/>

The announcement to the decision generated a swift and mainly negative reaction from some UTPA supporters on social media. These supporters, displeased that the Broncs was being moved to the wayside, determined the name was culturally insensitive, racist, and sexist.<ref name=Nelsen>{{cite news |title=Critics: Vaquero mascot is 'culturally insensitive' |url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/education/article/Critics-Vaquero-mascot-is-culturally-5875365.php |first=Aaron |last=Nelsen |newspaper=San Antonio Express-News |location=San Antonio, Texas |date=November 6, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2014}}</ref><ref name=Gonzalez>{{cite news |title=New university mascot, colors fiercely debated |url=http://www.panamericanonline.com/news/utrgv-vaqueros/ |first=Susan |last=Gonzalez |newspaper=The Pan American |publisher=UTPA – Student Publications |location=Edinburg, Texas |date=November 6, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2014}}</ref> Nevertheless, the UT&nbsp;System Board of Regents approved the recommendation the following day,<ref>{{cite web |title=UT System tweet |url=https://twitter.com/utsystem/status/530428906156085248 |website=Twitter |date=November 6, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2014}}</ref> making Vaqueros the fifth NCAA Division I nickname that is a Spanish language word after the Cal State Northridge Matadors, UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, San Diego Toreros, and New Mexico Lobos. Bailey considered the decision "final" following the approval by the board of regents.<ref name=Chapa>{{cite news |title=UTRGV President Guy Bailey fires back amid "Vaqueros" controversy |url=http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=1120118 |work=KGBT-TV |location=Harlingen, Texas |first=Sergio |last=Chapa |date=November 7, 2014 |access-date=November 8, 2014 }}</ref> About 500 students protested against the Vaquero mascot on the UTPA campus on 13 November 2014.<ref name=Perez-Hernandez2>{{cite news |title=Fight against vaquero not over for UTPA students |url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/fight-against-vaquero-not-over-for-utpa-students/article_ba96675e-6953-11e4-83b8-07ab0477588e.html |first=Danya |last=Perez-Hernandez |newspaper=The Monitor |location=McAllen, Texas |date=November 10, 2014 |access-date=November 13, 2014}}</ref> A petition calling for Bailey's immediate resignation garnered more than 700 signatures.<ref>{{cite web|last=Espinosa |first=Elizabeth |url=http://valleycentral.com/news/local/petition-demands-utrgv-president-baileys-resignation-amid-vaqueros-controversy?id=1121757 |title=Petition demands UTRGV President Bailey TMs resignation amid Vaqueros controversy &#124; News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News &#124; KGBT |publisher=Valleycentral.com |date=2014-11-12 |access-date=2016-03-13}}</ref> Articles of impeachment were filed against the Student Government President Alberto Adame and Vice President Carla "Fernanda" Pena by Jonathan Lee Salinas (Senator at Large '14–'15) partly for their roles in the mascot committee, though the impeachment process was ended due to insufficient evidence. Following the protests, the UT System issued a press release supporting the "Vaquero" decision.<ref>{{cite press release |first1=Jenny |last1=LaCoste-Caputo |first2=Karen |last2=Adler |title=Statement from Chairman Paul Foster, Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Pedro Reyes |url=https://www.utsystem.edu/news/2014/11/14/statement-chairman-paul-foster-chancellor-francisco-cigarroa-and-executive-vice-chan |publisher=The University of Texas System Office of Public Affairs |date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=November 20, 2014}}</ref>

At the height of the controversy in November 2014, Texas legislator Terry Canales suggested he was considering filing a bill requiring UTRGV to abandon the Vaquero nickname.<ref name=Chapa/> Canales submitted [http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/html/HB00901I.htm HB901] in January 2015.<ref name=Perez-Hernandez-2>{{cite news|title=Bill seeks election for UT-RGV nickname |url=http://www.themonitor.com/premium/bill-seeks-election-for-ut-rgv-nickname/article_5297ed18-a377-11e4-a2ad-0b519bf40ea3.html |first=Danya |last=Perez-Hernandez |newspaper=The Monitor |location=McAllen, Texas |date=January 23, 2015 |access-date=January 26, 2015}}</ref> If passed, the legislation would require UTRGV to hold a student election for the athletics nickname, with "Broncs" and "Ocelots" on the ballot.

The mascot design was revealed in February 2015.<ref name=Luca>{{cite news|title=UT-RGV releases official Vaqueros logo design |url=http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/ut-rgv-releases-official-vaqueros-logo-design/article_c4ffc6ce-ae3e-11e4-b3ea-cbab16d5da03.html |first=Greg |last=Luca |newspaper=The Monitor |location=McAllen, Texas |date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=February 6, 2015}}</ref> The logo features an orange faced rider in green on a navy blue and green horse. The logo features an outline of Texas in the negative space between the legs of the horse.<ref name=logo>{{cite news |title=University of Texas System selects UTRGV athletic logo |url=http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=1163114 |access-date=21 February 2015 |work=KGBT-TV |location=Harlingen, Texas |date=February 12, 2015}}</ref><ref name= 2Shayzz>{{cite web |title=I see you |url=https://twitter.com/2Shayzz/status/563838101336756225|website=Twitter |date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=February 6, 2015}}</ref>

In June 2019 the new design for the Vaquero Mmascot was revealed. The new costumed version was voted on and created by UTRGV students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.utrgv.edu/newsroom/2019/06/12-bringing-pride-and-tradition-utrgv-reveals-mascot.htm|title=The Newsroom – Bringing pride and tradition: UTRGV reveals mascot|website=www.utrgv.edu|access-date=2019-06-17}}</ref>

==Notable alumni (including UTPA and UTB/TSC)==

* Pablo Almaguer: Chair of the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors
* Gloria Anzaldúa: novelist, educator, cultural theorist
* Jose Luis Betancourt, Jr.: retired Rear Admiral of the United States Navy
* Mike Brisky: former member of the PGA
* Minerva G. Carcaño: bishop
* Oscar Cásares: writer
* Mire Chatman: Euro Basketball player
* Kika de la Garza: former U.S. Congressman
* Dan Firova: former MLB baseball player and current Mexican League manager
* William Garrison: retired Major General of the United States Army
* Apple Green: retired NBA player
* Greg Guy: former NCAA basketball scoring champion
* Jim Hickey: MLB pitching coach
* Perry Hill: MLB assistant coach
* Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa: Texas State Senator
* Rubén Hinojosa: U.S. Congressman
* Lucious Jackson: Olympic gold medalist and NBA player
* Rossy Evelin Lima: poet
* Eddie Lucio: Texas State Senator
* Glenn Martinez: dean, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, University of Texas San Antonio
* Otto Moore: retired NBA player
* Valente Rodriguez: actor
* Marshall Rogers: former NCAA Basketball Scoring Champion
* Rogelio Sáenz: dean, College of Public Policy, University of Texas San Antonio
* Paul Michael Stoll (born 1985): American-Mexican basketball player
* Fred Taylor: retired NBA player
* Jim Tyrone: retired MLB player and member of UTPA College World Series team
* Wayne Tyrone: retired MLB player and member of UTPA College World Series team
* George Williams: retired MLB catcher
* Jaime Zapata: U.S. Homeland Security special agent

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.goutrgv.com/ UTRGV Athletics website]

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