Recent Ranking Reflects Island University’s Pledge to Promote Diversity and Inclusivity

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has proven its commitment to creating a welcoming campus environment by ranking in the top 15 percent nationwide as the best choice for students from Vietnam. According to a study conducted by collegefactual.com, the Island University ranked 66 out of 442 colleges and universities nationally, and 6 out of 33 universities in Texas.

“I’m not surprised by the high ranking,” said Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford, associate vice president for Academic Affairs. “We welcome all of our international students to the Island and do all that we can to make their time with us as educational and enjoyable as possible. We feel honored when students choose to spend their college years with us.”

Collegefactual.com ranks colleges and universities based on average test scores, educational resources, degree completion, post-graduate earnings and the total number of international students on campus. Currently, 4.5 percent of Islanders are international, with Vietnamese students boasting a more than 10 percent increase in enrollment since 2013, making them one of the fastest growing international student groups on campus.

“In fact, providing excellent social, cultural, and educational experience to our international students is one of the most important Office of International Education values,” said Derek Yu, director of the Office of International Education (OIE). “Because we value our international students, we have been working very hard to make international students feel right at home by furnishing the outstanding services and marvelous support programs they deserve.”

OIE provides services and programs tailored to fostering leadership and personal development for all Islanders. In collaboration with the International Student Organization, OIE hosts campus-wide events that promote inclusivity and the sharing of culture. Some events include the annual Parade of Nations, which showcases the diverse voice of the student body through song and dance, and International Education Week, a weeklong celebration held in November highlighting international students and their importance to college campuses. Through these events and many others, A&M-Corpus Christi works to foster a culture of diversity and acceptance.

“As an international student, there were many difficulties to face such as homesickness, tuition costs and language and cultural barriers,” said Tu Luong, a master of communications student from Vietnam. “With help from my advisor, Dr. Sanford, I was able to surpass these challenges. I really appreciate all the support I’ve received from the University because it has contributed to my success.”