State of the University: President Miller Highlights Leadership, Innovation, and Islander Impact
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The University Center buzzed with Islander spirit as a capacity crowd filled the Anchor Ballroom for the 2025 State of the University address, where President and CEO Dr. Kelly M. Miller charted a course for innovation and highlighted how Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is shaping the future of South Texas and beyond.
With enrollment climbing, research funding at record levels, and a capital campaign launching its public phase, Miller described a university on the rise — one that is preparing students not only for their first job, but for a lifetime of leadership.
“We want to make certain that we don’t just graduate students, but that we graduate leaders,” Miller said. “And that means that this university has to help students develop their critical thinking, their ability to solve problems, their ability to be innovators, and their ability to be lifelong learners. Innovation distinguishes leaders from followers, and I am happy to say that at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, we are excelling at innovation.”
Miller highlighted the Island University’s $45 million capital campaign as the foundation for innovation across campus. With $41 million already secured, the campaign is fueling projects such as the new Arts and Media Building and the Chaparral Building in Downtown Corpus Christi — facilities designed not only to expand opportunities for students but also to enrich the Coastal Bend’s cultural vibrancy.
In addition to new facilities, the campaign strengthens research. This year, the Harte Research Institute marks its 25th anniversary, and campaign investments will help advance its mission of promoting the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf.
Equally important, the campaign prioritizes student success. Expanded advising, new scholarships, and enhanced academic spaces are creating the conditions for all students —including first-generation and economically disadvantaged Islanders — to thrive. The strong community support behind the campaign underscores how deeply the university is woven into the region’s future and reaffirms its commitment to keeping the Coastal Bend’s best and brightest close to home.
“When it comes to the programs we offer here on campus, we look at what this community needs in terms of economic development and having an advanced workforce, and we make sure we are offering degrees in every one of those areas,” Miller said. “Last year, we had 2,006 internships or experiential learning opportunities with local employers to help connect our students to this community. And our very first job fair each fall is exclusively for Coastal Bend businesses.”
University enrollment continues to climb, reaching 11,266 in fall 2024, a 3.8% increase, with further growth projected. TAMU-CC also celebrated its largest graduating class this past spring with 1,366 students earning degrees.
“And of those students, 42% were Hispanic, 49% minority, 49% first generation, and 54% were economically disadvantaged when they began with A&M-Corpus Christ, and now they are college graduates,” Miller said.
The university has also expanded programs that keep students on track to graduation. Through the Islanders Finish Initiative, 183 students have re-enrolled, with 61 already earning their degrees and 14 more expected to graduate in fall 2025. This, while the new Islander Academic Advising Center now provides a central hub for personalized support. Since 2021, the university has maintained a freeze on tuition and fees, a commitment it will uphold for at least the next two years.
From aquaculture and coral restoration to AI-driven education and filmmaking, Islanders are exploring new frontiers. Miller also announced two new degree programs in partnership with Del Mar College — a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture — both recently approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and now pending approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
TAMU-CC also ranks No. 1 among Texas A&M System Members outside of Brazos County in research expenditures, federal funding, and National Science Foundation funding; momentum that places the Island University firmly on the path toward R1 research classification.
“The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board said A&M-Corpus Christi is the next to enter TUF eligibility, and given our trajectory, we should be there by the next legislative session,” Miller said. “Even if you’re someone who doesn’t know about Carnegie classifications, becoming a R1 institution is a game-changer for not just our institution, but also for our community.”
Athletics remains an essential part of the Islander experience. Over the last four years, Islanders Athletics has earned 25 Southland Conference championships and 13 NCAA appearances, while student-athletes have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for 22 consecutive semesters.
“When it comes to our student-athletes, they are students first, but they are also champions,” Miller said.
Miller closed by reaffirming the Island University’s mission as both an academic institution and a community partner, emphasizing that the pursuit of innovation and excellence is a shared journey with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community.
“Islanders are making their Islander Impact on this university, on our community, on our state, on our nation, and on our world,” Miller said. “These are the people who become our innovators, our critical thinkers, our problem solvers, and who will make the world a better place.”
A pair of TAMU-CC students emceed the event — Elizabeth Bell ’26, a computer science major, and Andrew Cloe ’27, a theatre arts major.
This year’s State of the University Islander Sponsors included Frost Bank, International Bank of Commerce, Snyder + Associates, Texas State Aquarium, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, Del Mar College, Valero, Port of Corpus Christi, Kleberg Bank, Gloria Hicks, Karen and Larry Urban, ArcelorMittal, Turner Ramirez Architects | Victory Building Team, American Bank, Jerry Susser, Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLC, Steel Dynamics, and Corpus Christi Medical Center.
