KINGSVILLE (July 30, 2026) — Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) is partnering with local school districts to offer scholarships to teachers who want to pursue a graduate degree. The Blue and Gold Commitment initiative was announced at the university’s annual superintendent symposium Thursday in the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center.
The symposium brought leaders from 23 South Texas school districts to network and discuss strengthening college readiness through dual credit, assessment and accountability, supporting rural mental health in South Texas and hot topics for public education.
Dr. Linda Villarreal, a clinical professor in the College of Education and Human Performance and coordinator of the university's Education Administration Program, said the Blue and Gold Commitment is designed to help classroom teachers obtain their master’s degree in educational leadership to later become either a principal or superintendent.
Dr. Villarreal said TAMUK hopes to strengthen the pipeline of future educators across South Texas and to address the growing shortage of school administrators.
Through the initiative, the university has reduced its education administration master's program cost to $10,000 and will deduct another $1,000 for TAMUK alumni. Each of the school districts that were in attendance will also receive an additional $1,000 scholarship for educators they nominate.
Dr. Gina Garza, Superintendent of Ricardo ISD and TAMUK alumna, said the new initiative will create opportunities for those wanting to further their education.
“There are incredible things happening at this university,” Dr. Garza said. “We have so many educators who are ready for that next level, but maybe there is an obstacle, so this is really going to open up an opportunity for them. We’re grateful for the university for thinking outside the box and continuing to support our partnership.”
