Author: Isabella Cortez
South Texas College: Leading Nursing Education in Texas In the face of growing demands for skilled healthcare professionals, South Texas College (STC) has solidified its position as a trailblazer in nursing education. The college’s Associate Degree in Nursing Program has achieved remarkable success, boasting a staggering 98.14% passing rate for the 2024 National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This accomplishment distinguishes STC as the frontrunner among Texas institutions that graduated over 200 students. Setting the Standard in Nursing Education A Comparison of Success Preliminary results reveal that STC’s performance surpasses that of both community colleges and universities across…
The Impact of LNG Industrialization on the Rio Grande Valley Understanding LNG Export Terminals Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been converted into liquid form for easier storage and transport. This process involves harvesting gas through fracking, cooling it to -162 degrees Celsius to turn it into a liquid, and storing it in specialized tanks. Once transported to its destination, LNG is reheated to convert it back to gas form for distribution. If approved, the Rio Grande LNG terminal in the Port of Brownsville would be one of the largest LNG facilities in the U.S., aiming to…
Rio Grande Valley: Community-Centric Solutions to the Climate Crisis Photo of a woman in a wide-brimmed hat holding a clipboard and speaking to a woman at her front door. A conference room filled with people, featuring a row of smiling Latina women in front. Text: “Rio Grande Valley Update: People-Powered Solutions to the Record Heat and Climate Crisis.” Background photo via bgfoto on Canva Pro. Rising Temperatures and the Urgent Need for Action The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas, along with adjacent communities in Mexico, is experiencing unprecedented heat this summer, with temperatures soaring as high as 118…
Severe Flooding in the Rio Grande Valley: Disaster Declarations and Response The Rio Grande Valley is currently grappling with the aftermath of devastating rainfall that has resulted in significant flooding across the region. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller described the situation as unprecedented, noting that the area received approximately six months’ worth of rainfall in just 48 hours. This extreme weather event has prompted multiple disaster declarations from county officials to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Counties Affected by Flooding On Friday morning, disaster declarations were signed in Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr counties as officials assessed the…
Brownsville Welcomes the Largest Barnes & Noble Store in the Rio Grande Valley Brownsville, Texas, has taken a significant step in enriching its community by opening the largest Barnes & Noble store in the Rio Grande Valley. This grand opening, celebrated with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sunrise Mall, marks a pivotal moment for local residents and book enthusiasts alike. A Hub for Readers The new Barnes & Noble store offers an extensive and diverse selection of books across all genres. From bestsellers to niche publications, readers of all interests will find something that captivates them. The layout has…
UTRGV Athletics: Empowering the Rio Grande Valley Through Community Service A Commitment to Community Engagement RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Two years ago, during a free track and field clinic in Brownsville, UTRGV sophomore and track athlete Jermarrion Stewart found himself racing alongside a determined young athlete. The experience struck a chord with him: "He was a great athlete and a genuinely funny, hard-working kid. I remember being that age and wishing for guidance from college students like I was giving him." The interaction blossomed into a lasting mentorship, showcasing how UTRGV student-athletes are making significant impacts in their community. Since…
2023-24 Annual Report: UTRGV Athletics Shines Bright The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics recently released its 2023-24 annual report, showcasing numerous accomplishments across various sectors. From academic excellence to community engagement, the report highlights a year filled with remarkable achievements. Overview of Key Achievements The comprehensive report is available online, providing an in-depth look at UTRGV’s athletic programs. Notable highlights include: Record Academic Performance: The department achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.35, marking its highest performance to date. Community Impact: Ranking sixth nationwide in total community service, UTRGV student-athletes contributed over 5,000 hours to…
Cultivating Homegrown Talent: The Future of Workforce Development in the Rio Grande Valley In the heart of South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley stands as a testament to potential and opportunity. Juliet Garcia, a pioneering educational leader, emphasizes the region’s wealth of homegrown talent. According to Garcia, guiding young people towards fields of study that contribute to economic growth is crucial for the area’s development. The Legacy of Juliet Garcia Juliet Garcia, renowned as the first Hispanic woman to preside over a U.S. university, made significant strides in higher education during her tenure as president of the University of Texas…
Food Bank RGV Awarded Major Grant to Combat Food Insecurity The Food Bank RGV has been recognized as a 2025 Impact Grant awardee from the Maximus Foundation, receiving a multi-year $150,000 grant aimed at addressing food insecurity in the community. Introduction to Food Insecurity and Community Support Food insecurity affects millions of people across the United States, impacting health, social stability, and economic opportunity. Organizations like the Food Bank RGV play a crucial role in alleviating this pressing issue, effectively serving as a lifeline for families and individuals facing hunger. Recently, the Food Bank RGV was named a recipient of…
Brownsville Welcomes the Largest Barnes & Noble in the Rio Grande Valley The much-anticipated Barnes & Noble store has officially opened its doors in Brownsville, making it the largest of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley. Located conveniently at Sunrise Mall, this new retail space offers a treasure trove of literary resources and an inviting atmosphere designed for readers of all ages. A Literary Haven in Brownsville As book enthusiasts flock to the newly opened store, they can expect to find a vast selection of titles catering to every genre. With thousands of books spanning fiction, non-fiction, young adult,…