A&M University-Victoria News

Texas A&M University-Victoria has released the names of undergraduate students who made the Fall 2025 President’s and Dean’s lists.

The President’s List honors undergraduates who earn a 4.0 grade-point average on all work completed during the fall semester. To qualify for the Deans’ List, undergraduates must earn at least a 3.5 grade-point average.

As Texas A&M University-Victoria prepares for the beginning of the spring semester and continues its efforts to grow enrollment, the university has hired a chief operations officer to help lead the charge.

A group of Texas A&M University-Victoria students earned top honors during the Global Business Simulation competition, placing in top spots in the worldwide competition and demonstrating their business acumen across weeks of intense of virtual market competition.

Connie Pettitt’s Rookie Teacher of the Year award is more than a story of success for the Texas A&M University-Victoria student. It’s a tale of failure followed by perseverance and determination to give students the same support that she received as a student.

Texas A&M University-Victoria awarded 650 degrees to undergraduate and graduate students who completed their coursework during the fall and summer semesters.

Registration has officially opened for students in the Victoria and Crossroads area to attend Texas A&M University-Victoria’s Mathematics & Robotics Awareness Day which will be held on March 24.

As Americas settle into the new year, they once again find themselves on the doorstep of a familiar duty in the form of tax season.

The Victoria Regional History Center at Texas A&M University-Victoria has opened a photo exhibit this February, spotlighting the lives and legacies of African Americans in Victoria and the neighboring counties.

It was a cold, windy weekend in San Antonio when Braxton Rokyta competed in the ACUI Lower Midwest Regional Championship. But despite the poor conditions, the Texas A&M University-Victoria freshman earned three medals.

As Texas A&M University-Victoria prepares to host its first Homecoming under The Texas A&M University System, the university also plans to acknowledge two alumni who have made an impact on their communities.

A new scholarship in memory of Leslie “Les” Blanchett, a prominent science teacher and community leader, will provide financial support to students pursuing STEM degrees at Texas A&M University-Victoria.

JR Amaya knows that management and leadership skills are essential for a strong career in banking, and he will be sharing stories and strategies during a presentation at Texas A&M University-Victoria next week.

The spring semester is in full swing, and high school students are in the process of deciding where they want to attend college. Texas A&M University-Victoria will be hosting a Preview Day to show they don’t need to go far to get an excellent education.

Texas A&M University-Victoria alumnus Lance Smiga has two important titles: Mayor of Edna and chief executive officer of the Jackson County Hospital District, but he prefers to be known simply as Lance.

When it’s time to interview for a job, it helps to look professional, but finding the right look can be difficult and expensive for students. That’s where Texas A&M University-Victoria’s Career Closet comes in.

The Career Closet is a free resource that allows students to borrow or keep professional clothing when they are preparing for interviews for job positions, internships or other important events that require a clean-cut, professional look.

Texas A&M University-Victoria is gearing up for a weeklong celebration of school spirit as Homecoming returns this March with a roster of events designed to engage students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.

When people think of a history degree, they often imagine it leading only to teaching or a life spent in a dusty library, but History Day at Texas A&M University-Victoria is geared to change that perception.

The A&M-Victoria History program will host History Day on March 26 inside the Alcorn Auditorium in University West. The event will begin at 12:30 p.m. with lunch for students and presentations by students and faculty members, followed by a keynote speaker at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Students looking for a fun break from campus obligations are invited to head off-site for a St. Patrick’s Day Pizza Night pop-up hosted by Texas A&M University-Victoria’s Marketing & Communications team.

Two biology majors from Texas A&M University-Victoria have been accepted into the university’s Joint Admission Medical Program, a state-funded pathway that promises admission to a Texas public medical school for students who complete the program and meet MCAT requirements.

When Mason Rhodes’ name was called at the awards ceremony during the 29th annual Math & Robotics Awareness Day at Texas A&M University-Victoria, the Victoria East High School sophomore was more surprised than anyone.

Texas A&M University-Victoria’s undergraduate cybersecurity program recently was included in a list of the most affordable programs in the nation.

Programs.com ranked A&M-Victoria’s Bachelor of Science in computer information systems with a concentration in cybersecurity as the 17^th-most-affordable program in the nation and the fourth most affordable in Texas.

On Friday, The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approved the nomination of Alyssa Kiesow to the post of provost and vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Victoria.

The Royal Jaguars were crowned during Saturday’s Homecoming festivities as the Texas A&M University-Victoria baseball team took on Louisiana State University-Shreveport in a double-header at Riverside Park.

Texas A&M University-Victoria is joining a select group of universities in The Texas A&M University System to host a weeklong series on Civil Discourse to teach students how to disagree and collaborate in an increasingly divisive world.

The Texas A&M University-Victoria Trap & Skeet Shooting Club is rapidly emerging as a force on the national stage, powered by standout performances from the club’s two freshman members.

For the first time since its inception in 2016, Texas A&M University-Victoria is bringing its International Festival right in the heart of Victoria.

Texas A&M University-Victoria has named Jada Walton as the 2025 Employee of the Year during the university’s annual Faculty & Staff Recognition Luncheon Tuesday.

Sophomore accounting major Joseph Torres didn’t come to college looking for the easiest path. Instead, the San Antonio native chose to put himself directly in the middle of one of the most detailed-oriented services a business student can offer: helping people file their taxes.

With more than 45 books and 300 articles spanning American philosophy, literary theory and higher education, Jeffrey Di Leo, professor of English and philosophy, has built a career defined by curiosity and sustained scholarly impact.

Michael Sanders was recently chosen as the new vice president for enrollment management for Texas A&M University-Victoria.

Sanders is coming to Victoria’s university from the University of North Texas in Denton, where he was serving as associate vice president of enrollment. He brings with him 20 years of experience in higher education and enrollment management. Sanders plans to begin his new role at A&M-Victoria in early July.

Christsia Woodward of Victoria and Franchesca Lara Quezon of Katy were named the Outstanding Students for the College of Natural & Applied Science.

If you’ve spotted jaX, the mascot for Texas A&M University-Victoria lately, you might have noticed he’s looking a little more camera-ready than usual. A&M-Victoria’s mascot got a fresh look thanks to a donation from Frost Bank.

Eric Thust of Germany and Haoying Yang of China were named the Outstanding Students for the College of Business. 

A group of eighth-grade students yelled and pointed excitedly at the water as red drum swarmed the surface of the hatchery stock tank after a tour guide sprinkled fish food into the water.

The students were part of a group of 23 students from Palacios Junior Senior High School who attended a field trip Thursday to the Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson.

The pride that comes with being a Jaguar is getting a little extra shine this spring as Texas A&M University-Victoria hosted its Jaguar Ring Celebration to honor students who have purchased the newly designed A&M-Victoria class ring.

Students interested in health careers received an inside look at the numerous paths into the field during Texas A&M University-Victoria’s PULSE (Pathway to Understanding Life Sciences and Education) event designed for both high school and college students.

BRYAN, COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas A&M University System is expanding efforts to strengthen early college awareness and career pathways for students across the state through the Texas Rural Education Collaborative (TREC). 

Mason Ramirez of Victoria and Andy Woods of Norwalk, Ohio were named the Outstanding Students for the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. 

Texas A&M University-Victoria recently is pleased to acknowledge the contributions of three faculty members who have excelled in the areas of teaching, scholarship and service.

The Jaguar Volleyball Club, a student-led organization that found its footing on a sand volleyball court at Riverside Park, was named the Student Organization of the Year Thursday during the Student Organization and Leadership Banquet at Texas A&M University-Victoria

Members of the winning team for the spring BBA Case Conference were Jacquilyn Deleon of Longview, Amen Fekade of Katy, Raven Garcia of Port Lavaca, Devan Rodriguez of Rosenberg and Eric Thust of Germany.

Tuyen Nguyen of Katy is the Outstanding Undergraduate student for the College of Education & Health Professions. She will receive a Bachelor of Science in early childhood through sixth grade on Saturday. Daniele Teixeira is the Outstanding Graduate student and will earn a Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in autism.

On May 6, the room filled with claps and cheers as 19 leaders from Victoria-area nonprofit organizations walked forward to receive their certificates from the second annual Nonprofit Leadership Academy. The academy is a nine-month program created by the Nonprofit Center at Texas A&M University-Victoria.

Texas A&M University-Victoria is poised to hold a series of commencement ceremonies to celebrate the spring 2026 graduating class.

An initiative at Texas A&M University-Victoria is giving students more than just a clearer view of the classroom, it’s sending a message that their well-being matters.

Students from Victoria County who plan to study aviation and agribusiness will have access to scholarship funds, thanks to a Chapter 381 Economic Development Agreement between Victoria County and Texas A&M University-Victoria.

When Zaed Sadman Beg earned a master’s degree in 2024, he wasn’t able to attend the commencement ceremony and walk the stage. On Saturday, he finally had the chance to celebrate his achievement with his brother, who also graduated from Texas A&M University-Victoria.

The Texas A&M University-Victoria Trap & Skeet Shooting Club has secured another gift from the National Rifle Association Foundation in its efforts to make shotgun sports more accessible to a wider range of participants, from first-time shooters to seasoned collegiate competitors.

New students had the chance to visit campus and register for classes Friday during the first orientation event for Texas A&M University-Victoria. Ninety students and about 75 guests came to campus Friday for new student orientation.

Texas A&M University-Victoria graduate student Shadmun Shahed is preparing to take his passion for quantum computing and artificial intelligence to one of the nation’s top research institutions this summer.

Texas A&M University-Victoria recently renamed the lobby of its University South building in recognition of a generous donation from Brent and Terri Lynn Dornburg.

The space was renamed the Brent and Terri Lynn Dornburg Lobby to recognize the Dornburg family’s support of the university’s College of Natural & Applied Science.

When Kendra Blake walked across the stage last December to receive her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in management, it marked a journey that began long before graduate school. A journey shaped by loss, grit and a determination to finish what she started.

A team of Texas A&M University-Victoria business students earned national recognition after ranking in the top 10 percent nationwide in a rigorous capstone business simulation competition.

The first time Dakota Williams tried college, it didn’t work out too well. Now, the Victoria resident has a bachelor’s degree under his belt and is setting out to earn his master’s.

Community members are invited to a free ticket night for the Victoria Generals game on June 25, hosted by Texas A&M University-Victoria. 

Texas A&M University-Victoria has announced the undergraduate students named to the Spring 2026 President’s List and Dean’s List.

When Austin Thompson left Victoria for a remote training ground tucked into the hills outside Hamilton, Texas, he stepped away from a life of spreadsheets and office walls, and into a life of open sky, rugged terrain and the responsibility of safeguarding Texas wildlife.

Texas A&M University-Victoria awarded 440 degrees to undergraduate and graduate students who completed their coursework during the spring semester.

Anna Steffek, a junior nursing student at Texas A&M University-Victoria, was recently named the Johnson Scholar and awarded a scholarship.

Jada Walton, a longtime staff member at Texas A&M University-Victoria, whose campus career began as a student worker, will step into the role of human resources director this coming July, bringing a vision centered on culture, morale and a renewed sense of teamwork.

Texas A&M University-Victoria has transformed its Library spaces into an immersive history experience that connects national milestones to Victoria’s own past.

Students beginning their journey at Texas A&M University-Victoria this fall are getting an early introduction to campus life through New Student Orientation, a series designed to prepare students before the start of the fall semester.

The Victoria County Master Gardener Association is partnering with Texas A&M University-Victoria to establish a new endowed scholarship that advances education while honoring a family rooted in service, stewardship and community impact.

Before earning her degrees, Courtney Keener was a teenage single mom who faced the perception that she and her daughter were destined to struggle in life. Now, the Texas A&M University-Victoria alumna is making it possible for other single mothers to overcome similar circumstances.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently awarded a Texas A&M University-Victoria faculty member a $400,000 grant to create a public health education program focused on liver disease in the Victoria region.

Texas A&M University-Victoria is pleased to announce that it has hired Bradley Kocher as its new director of Athletics.

Texas A&M University-Victoria has hired Maria Martinez as its new vice president for research, innovation and sponsored programs.

Martinez joined the university Monday after previously serving as associate vice president for student access in the Division of Student Affairs at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

Texas A&M University-Victoria is proud to announce the creation of the Brother Gary Moses Memorial Scholarship to honor the memory of Brother Gary Moses, an alumnus of the university and a much-beloved community figure.

Texas A&M University-Victoria sophomore Braxton Rokyta and Interim Associate Provost Daniel White recently represented Victoria County, bringing home multiple honors in the statewide coaches competition.

Texas A&M University-Victoria is proud to partner with the Yoakum community to launch a collaborative educational initiative that will invest in the future of Yoakum through workforce development and more educational opportunities.

Alexsandra Velazquez arrived at Texas A&M University-Victoria with a simple goal: leave home without leaving family behind. Now a senior at A&M-Victoria, the university studies major from Eagle Pass now stands at the center of campus life as the new Student Government Association president, focused on strengthening student voice and trust in university leadership.

Texas A&M University-Victoria students will have one more opportunity to attend a registration event on campus to get everything in order before the start of the fall semester.

The latest issue of Seventy-Three, the campus magazine for Texas A&M University-Victoria, is ready for reading.

The fourth issue of the magazine features an in-depth dive into the university’s identity and its goals for the future, featuring interviews with campus leaders, community partners, student-athletes, alumni, donors and more. Free copies of the magazine are available on campus at magazine racks and on tables in public areas.

As students return to Texas A&M University-Victoria for the fall semester, they will be greeted with two full weeks of events designed to help them connect, explore campus resources and start the year off on a positive note.

When students return to campus for the fall semester, Heather Crow will be stepping into a new leadership role dedicated to the staff who work to support them every day.

Juan Vivas has a lifelong love of soccer, and now the junior from Bogota, Colombia, is bringing that passion for the game to the pitch at Texas A&M University-Victoria.

Nadya Pittendrigh, an associate professor of English at Texas A&M University-Victoria, has won a major national poetry prize for her manuscript, “Laughter Without.”

Vangie Kolesar didn’t start her career thinking about accounting and finance, but after 26 years at Texas A&M University-Victoria, she has become a resource for others to turn to with their questions.

Students at Texas A&M University-Victoria now have a new way to support their academic journey and connect with one another through a new initiative launched by The Center for Student Success.

Modeled after the popular Build-A-Bear Workshop concept, the event challenged students to assemble their own unique plush jaguar mascots.

Ever since she was a child, Teaonna “Tea” Watson has enjoyed sharing interesting information with people, and now that she is a faculty member at Texas A&M University-Victoria, she gets to share her knowledge with the next generation of learners and leaders.

As students at Texas A&M University-Victoria settle into life on campus with the start of the fall semester, students also spent some time perusing shelves full of food, snacks and other essential items in the campus food pantry.

The Texas A&M University-Victoria Provost’s Office is pleased to welcome Aimee Shouse as the university’s new associate provost of curriculum and academic quality.

Texas A&M University-Victoria is participating in the Hunger Hero Challenge throughout the month of September, with some of the proceeds benefitting the university’s Paw Pantry.

Nearly 20 students participated in the Volunteer with The Texas Zoo event held on Friday, Sept. 4. The initiative was part of the university’s Weeks of Welcome celebration to welcome students back as they began the new semester.

Krista Wilkerson, principal at Schorlemmer Elementary School, will be honored as the Distinguished Alumna of the Year during this year’s Homecoming Alumni Banquet. Alongside her, Baylea Wagener Cramer, a licensed professional counselor, will be honored as the Young Alumna of the Year.