State of the University 2022 Highlights Record-Breaking Achievements at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosted a sold-out crowd of community and state leaders, supporters, and members of the Islander community for the annual State of the University on Sept. 14. The luncheon offered by University President and CEO Dr. Kelly M. Miller an opportunity to reflect on the university’s most recent achievements, give thanks for its many community partnerships, and look to the future.
“When it comes to the Island University, there is nothing we cannot accomplish,” Miller said. “The last few years have shown what we are capable of, as we have seen tremendous success all across the Island.”
In a highly engaging speech, Miller shared highlights from the university’s record-breaking year and unveiled the university’s newest strategic plan – Islander Impact 2030. Key topics included the innovative work of TAMU-CC’s students, faculty, staff, nationally ranked programs, and the university’s engagement with the Coastal Bend.
“From Islander scientists being featured on Discovery’s Shark Week, to being the premier A&M regional university for research and innovation, our commitment to Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend remains a top priority,” Miller said. “From internships, scholarships, research partnerships, and partnering to solve workforce needs, the engagement with our community forms the foundation from which we will build national recognition for the university, the city, and the region.”
President Miller also focused on student success and spoke about the university’s ongoing mission of closing educational and academic achievement gaps.
“We are proud to be graduating leaders in both their professions and the community,” Miller said. “We are equally proud, if not prouder, that we have consistently served and graduated at-risk and underrepresented populations. Our most recent numbers demonstrate that success – 50% of our recent graduates are first generation, 46% are Hispanic, and 51% are minority students.”
President Miller also celebrated the success of the Islanders Athletics programs in the last year, which included seven conference champions, six tournament champions, and five NCAA qualifying teams, including a March Madness appearance by Islanders Men’s Basketball in 2021. The impressive stats don’t stop there – Islander student-athletes also have proven that they can dominate in the classroom. They’ve had a collective GPA over 3.0 for 16 straight semesters, including 48 current student-athletes with a perfect 4.0 GPA. In addition, Islander student-athletes have clocked an impressive 2,778 hours volunteering in the community.
“Islanders Athletics serves as the front porch of our university, showcasing who we are and what we do,” Miller said. “We are so proud of our student-athletes, their coaches, and the entire athletics staff. We are thankful to have a community that loyally supports our teams and shares in their victories.”
Miller went on to describe a future where TAMU-CC continues to experience growth and success in all areas of research, innovation, creative activity, and service excellence.
“Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a purpose-driven university,” Miller said. “Our purpose is to serve our students and community with excellence. Our purpose is to share what we do and what we learn with the nation. Our purpose is to collaborate with the community so we can become a model of all the incredible things that can be achieved when we work together. Our success is your success. We are more than a city of promise – we are a city of impact – Islander Impact.”
Two TAMU-CC students emceed the luncheon, Josh Caraway ’22, ’23, a graduate business administration student; and Megan Escochea ’24, a biomedical sciences major.
Additional Information
This year’s State of the University Islander sponsors are 1st Community Bank, American Bank, City of Corpus Christi, Christus Spohn Health System, Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce, Corpus Christi Medical Center, Driscoll Health System, Durrill Properties, Frost, Fulton Coastcon General Contractors, IBC Bank, Kleberg Bank, Plains Capital Bank, Port of Corpus Christi, Snyder+Associates, Turner Ramirez Architects, Valero, Mrs. Gloria Hicks, and the Susser Family.
