Achieving Momentum
         A Message from the President

The dynamic character of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi continues into the twenty-first century. Our new donor-funded entryway sculpture, Momentum, represents past accomplishments and our movement toward new and important achievements in the future.

I believe tomorrow always starts today. At A&M-Corpus Christi, we are committed to meeting Texas’ needs by looking forward 10 to 20 years to the new Texas.

The new Texas will largely be fueled by brain power. It will have a higher percentage of minorities and first-generation college students, and the enrollment dynamics at A&M-Corpus Christi already reflect this trend. The percentage of applications from Hispanic students has risen, and the University attracts a more diverse group of students each year.

Nationally, we are one of only 13 colleges and universities named an Institution of Excellence in the First Year of College. Internationally, our Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies is pooling top marine and ocean scientists to work toward ensuring the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf.

Dr. Robert Furgason

A new level of cultural prominence is imminent as our world-class Performing Arts Center nears completion. And the coming addition to the Art Museum of South Texas confirms that the recent approval of a School of Visual and Performing Arts by our Regents and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is on target.

Our College of Science and Technology programs are experiencing phenomenal growth and recognition. Winner of a National Role Model Institution award in 2001 for recruiting and retaining minority students, the College’s Pathways to Success in Science undergraduate mentoring program won a 2003 THECB Star Award.The medical needs of an aging population, and the growth and prestige of our nursing programs, led us to create the College of Nursing and Health Sciences to signify our commitment to training medical professionals.

Our students and faculty continue to excel in the classroom, in research, and in service to the community.

Our athletics program celebrated this year as the softball program took the championship of the Big South Conference, and our basketball and baseball teams chalked up big wins against such competition as Texas A&M University and the University of Texas.

We continue to foster strong partnerships with our donors and the state legislature to maximize funding support. Legislative funds have helped us provide more instructional space. Construction began on a 60,000 square-foot classroom building, and new student housing and parking areas also are being built.

Donors have made a substantial down payment on a new College of Business building and a major gift toward Phase II of the Performing Arts Center for upgraded theatre facilities. One of our most pressing needs is a kinesiology, sports and wellness building that will serve a campus of 8,000 students rather than the 800 students held by our 50-year-old field house.

As one of the fastest growing universities in the state, we are grateful for the support from those who believe in our mission. These supporters help us build on the momentum we have achieved thus far to meet the needs of tomorrow’s Texas.