Texas A&M University-Kingsville announces historic gift that will power the institution's next century

KINGSVILLE, TX - Texas A&M University-Kingsville has announced a landmark $38 million gift from
philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The donation will reshape the future of South Texas’s first institution of
higher learning and elevate opportunities for the region.

The contribution is the single largest gift in the University’s history.

“For 100 years, Texas A&M University-Kingsville has served as a beacon of hope for the students and
families in South Texas and beyond, and this gift will usher in a new era of innovation and impact for
our region,” said TAMUK President Dr. Robert Vela. “We are profoundly grateful for this
transformational gift and are incredibly excited about the opportunities this will provide to our
community. A century ago, this University was the first institution of higher learning to believe in the
promise of South Texas, and today, we are grateful that MacKenzie Scott and her team believe in us.”

As the University assesses how these new resources will most effectively support students, faculty, and
broader research goals, the gift will guide initiatives that align with the institution’s strategic vision and
mission.

General areas of investment focus include:

• expanding tuition affordability programs like Javelina Promise and Javelina Relight to ensure a quality education is within reach for all students;
• the creation of a Workforce Innovation Campus;
• support for the new rural nursing program in the development of the South Texas Health Hub, a collaborative initiative with the Texas A&M University College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy and the Community Action Corporation of South Texas;
• development of innovative, in-demand undergraduate and graduate programs aligned with regional economic needs designed to propel the institution to Research 1 (R1) status.

“This gift will have an immediate impact on our campus and for generations to come. It is an affirmation
of the tremendous work we have done together for our students and our community,” Vela said.
"We are committed to honoring this amazing investment by ensuring the initiatives and opportunities it
fuels will create meaningful change and progress,” Vela said.

As part of a strategic commitment to institutional excellence, the University has embraced a culture of caring, authentic leadership, continuous improvement, and accountability. A laser focus on serving and supporting the communities in the University’s backyard and a steadfast commitment to student success have guided the institution’s mission and strategic planning.

The University has made significant gains over the last three years. Highlights include:

• doubling down on serving and supporting the students in our backyard, resulting in students from the region accounting for 76 percent of total enrollment;
• increasing strategic enrollment and student retention;
• the launch of the Javelina Skilled Trades Academy and the expansion of workforce development programming;
• earning the Carnegie Classification of an Opportunity University and a Research 2 institution;
• strengthening opportunities for rural high school students in collaboration with the Rural Schools Innovation Zone;
• ranking among the top performers nationwide for social mobility, according to U.S. News and World Report;
• breaking ground on a state-of-the-art ocelot research facility;
• increasing annualized research funding by more than 55 percent and sustaining levels above $31 million for three consecutive years.

The gift comes as the University concludes its year-long Centennial celebration, recognizing the role the institution has played in advancing higher education in South Texas.