Flavius C. Killebrew, President and CEO
Upon driving onto Ward Island, home of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, one sees a major landmark, the Momentum sculpture that is our entryway signature. The donor-funded piece represents both the accomplishments of our past and our continual rise toward new and important achievements.
As with the sculpture, the concept of momentum has become ingrained in our culture at A&M-Corpus Christi. Momentum is a fact of life, a state of being that we relish and enjoy. Twelve short years ago, this University became a four-year university, transforming itself into a dynamic institution that has increased its enrollment by 37%, increased the number of available degrees from 49 to 67, and set its sights on doctoral-comprehensive status. In response to this growth, in the summer of 2005 the University underwent a rigorous strategic planning process that would set the direction of our institution for the next ten years. The plan was named Momentum 2015. stories about our people and programs. Our Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies occupied its state-of-the-art building in November 2005. With two endowed chairs already in place, the Institute is fast establishing itself as a premier authority on coastal water issues. Faculty member Pam Brouillard was named a Fulbright Scholar. Our architecturally and acoustically superb Performing Arts Center opened its doors in April 2005, providing the community with an unparalleled performance venue. And these are just a few examples.
This report looks back at the past two years of accomplishment by our faculty, staff and students. It looks at our continual striving for excellence, which is well illustrated by a number of The report also examines our University’s active participation in the community through partnerships and programs that provide educational opportunities for Coastal Bend citizens and for other Texans. Many of these partnerships enable us to shape future leaders by providing an atmosphere in which the students learn to give back to the community. Dr. Karen Middleton’s participation in the American Democracy Project annually engages students in renovating community centers. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, our student activities staff promptly organized students and faculty to help the relief efforts.
The Momentum sculpture that graces the entrance to the University personifies our commitment to growth.On another front, our athletics program regularly brings thousands into our circle, as do our performing and fine arts activities. The University also engages the business community by doing exemplary work with Historically Underutilized Business(es) (HUBs). In fiscal year 2005 we were ranked 15 out of the top 25 state agencies working with HUBs.
A third area of emphasis is expansion in enrollment and programmatic growth. In Fall 2005, the University reached a record enrollment of 8,365 students. That same year, a College of Nursing and Health Sciences was established.
The University has added Ph.D. programs in Counselor Education and in Coastal and Marine System Science, plus an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. New bachelor’s degree offerings include degrees in biomedical sciences, athletic training and electrical engineering technology. Most recently, the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System approved our program request for a master’s degree in kinesiology, which will be reviewed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The University’s growth has been a key in meeting our goals of Closing the Gaps, the state’s plan for increasing minority participation in higher education, by helping us to assure that the University’s demographics reflect the population of South Texas. Applications from Hispanic students have increased, and the University is steadily becoming more diverse. Alongside, the University is also being rapidly recognized for its high-quality education, as proven by our success in meeting the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) accountability measures.
The University’s student population continues to grow more diverseToday, the University stands at a crossroads. The challenge is to meet the needs for diversification and complexity of our programs so that we serve all the educational areas that the citizens of South Texas need.
To achieve this task and to maintain the excellence that we have gained, we will need a continuing partnership with the state and the donor community. In the recent past, our growth has outstripped our budgetary needs. We have done much, but the next step is monumental. As our programming becomes more complex, the greater is our need for resources.
Twelve years ago the University took one very large step when it entered the ranks of four-year universities; now we must take another huge step in our quest for doctoral-comprehensive status. With the continued support of our community, our donor base and the state, we will gain the re-sources that will enable us to continue to provide the highest quality education for our citizens.
President's Report
2006
