Texas A&M University - Central Texas

The journey of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) began with a dedicated push from the community of Laredo, Texas, to establish a local institution of higher learning. In the summer of 1968, a determined delegation of Laredo citizens, led by the physician brothers Joaquín and Leonides Cigarroa, presented their case in Austin. Despite an initial denial, their persistence, backed by a petition with over 8,000 signatures, proved successful. In 1969, legislation was passed, and the institution was established, opening its doors in September 1970. Initially known as Texas A&I University at Laredo, it started as an upper-level center, serving juniors, seniors, and graduate students, with a primary focus on meeting regional needs in education and business. The first graduating class, a small group of 25 students, traveled to Kingsville for their commencement in May 1971, marking the first of many milestones.

The university's identity evolved over the years, reflecting its growing scope and ambition. In 1977, its name was changed to Laredo State University to better signify its regional identity. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1989 when it became a member of the prestigious Texas A&M University System, a move that significantly enhanced its resources and reach. This new affiliation prompted another name change in 1993 to the current Texas A&M International University, a name that truly encapsulates its mission. Just two years later, in 1995, TAMIU transitioned into a comprehensive four-year university, welcoming its inaugural freshman class and inaugurating a brand-new campus—the first to be built in Texas in over two decades. From its humble beginnings in a small carrel at Laredo Junior College, TAMIU has grown into a dynamic 300-acre campus, serving over 8,500 students from across the globe and offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, firmly establishing itself as a vital intellectual and cultural hub for the international border region.