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The University of Houston has appointed Amanda Canales as the inaugural director of
Rio Grande Valley external relations, a newly created role designed to deepen the
University’s engagement across South Texas.
Serving within the Office of the President, Canales will serve as the strategic lead
for a comprehensive portfolio of regional initiatives focused on student recruitment,
alumni engagement and external partnerships.
Reporting to the Chief of Staff and collaborating closely with the Office of the Provost,
along with the Division of Advancement and Alumni, Canales will work with K-12 school
districts, community organizations, healthcare systems and industry leaders. A key
focus of her work will be developing pathways that expand summer internships, experiential
learning and career opportunities for UH students. These efforts will help Valley
students remain connected to their home communities while continuing to build the
growing region’s workforce.
Additionally, Canales will help identify emerging regional needs, pursue external
funding support such as grants and scholarships, and advise University leadership
on strategies to maximize UH’s regional impact.
“This role represents an important next step in the University of Houston’s commitment
to the Rio Grande Valley,” said UH System Regent Alonzo Cantu, a Rio Grande Valley
native and University of Houston graduate with deep roots in the community. “UH already
serves many talented students from this region, and Amanda’s leadership will help
deepen those relationships in meaningful ways that strengthen educational opportunity,
workforce development and long-term community partnerships throughout the Valley.”
A Leader with Deep Regional Roots
Canales brings more than 15 years of experience in education leadership, student success
and community engagement to the role, along with a proven track record of supporting
school leaders and building strong educational cultures across South Texas.
Prior to joining UH, she served as senior principal at IDEA Public Schools, where
she oversaw academic and operational leadership for her campus while supporting student
achievement, culture and long-term strategic planning. Her previous experience also
includes serving as assistant principal of instruction and international baccalaureate
coordinator at IDEA Public Schools, as well as education and public programs director
for the International Museum of Art & Science.
Canales earned a doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology from Adler
University. She also holds both a Master of Arts in history and a bachelor’s degree
in history and political science from The University of Texas-Pan American.
Building on a Growing Presence in the Rio Grande Valley
Canales’ appointment marks another milestone in the University of Houston’s broader
strategic investment in the region, where the University continues to expand partnerships
focused on healthcare, education, research and workforce development.
Most recently, UH and DHR Health broke ground on the new 64,000-square-foot medical
research and education center in McAllen. Initially announced in October 2025 and
supported through a $15 million state appropriation, the facility builds upon a longstanding
partnership that began with the launch of the UH College of Pharmacy RGV satellite
program in 2017.
The center is expected to help expand the physician pipeline in South Texas, advance
community-based research and improve access to health care across the region.
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