BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Getting a higher business education is now much better in South Texas and in northern Mexico.
An agreement between Texas Southmost College and the University of Houston's C.T. Bauer College of Business was signed on Tuesday, Nov. 14, and it will give area students the opportunity to go after a bachelor’s degree in business.
TSC currently offers a two-year, or an associate, degree in this field. However, there is now more on offer thanks to the partnership between the two higher educational institutions.
Better yet, students can opt to go to Houston or go after a degree right at home online.
Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, the TSC president, said the memorandum of understanding (MOU) is the result of the commitment and dedication from both schools of higher education.
“We have been working on this for some time,” he said. “Thanks for believing in this partnership.”
Rodriguez said a student with 60 hour credits and a 2.5 grade point average can continue studying at UH and get a degree in two years.
Paul A. Pavlou, a UH dean, said his university is delighted for the partnership and for giving students the chance to get a bachelor’s degree in business from one of the nation’s top business schools.
“We are going to be looking into offering other programs,” he said, “such as in accounting.”
He said earning a business degree puts a student in high demand and can lead to a career that pays well.
Pavlou said he came to the Rio Grande Valley earlier this year when the heat was unbearable.
Yet, he added, he was impressed for what he saw here.
TSC and UH are close to celebrating the 100th anniversaries since they opened their doors.
The Brownsville college has a student population of more than 8,000, while UH’s enrollment stands at more than 45,000.
The MOU signing was held at TSC Performing Arts Center.
Some 20 people from both schools attended the event, among them McAllen businessman and University of Houston regent Alonzo Cantu.
Adela Garza, chairwoman with TSC Board of Trustees, said she was so proud for giving area students the opportunity to enhance their education.
“We are like a loving family here,” she said. “I want to extend our most grateful appreciation to the staff and faculty at the University of Houston.”
