House Bill 1960 to Establish Four Year University in Eagle Pass Approved by Texas House of Representatives, Referred to Senate
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2023
The Texas House of Representatives approved House Bill 1960, which authorizes the establishment of a four year university in Eagle Pass, Texas under the Texas State University System and Sul Ross State University, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, announced State Representative Heriberto “Eddie” Morales, Jr. (D-Eagle Pass).
State Representative Morales, who authored House Bill 1960, stated “I am proud that HB 1960 has passed the Texas House and has now been referred to the Senate. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the other chamber (Senate) to help move this legislation through, and make this dream for many a reality. By expanding higher education in our region, our students will be provided endless opportunities for their careers and their futures. I am excited to see what all our students are going to accomplish when this becomes law.”
There are only 19 days remaining in the 88th Texas Legislative Session to seek approval by the Texas Senate of House Bill 1960 so time is of the essence. Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) is Eagle Pass’s state senator and is expected to push for approval of HB 1960 by the Texas Senate together with State Representative Morales, Texas State University System, and Sul Ross State University.
Texas State University System Chancellor Dr. Brian McCall initially announced on September 29, 2022 at a press conference and luncheon held at the City of Eagle Pass International Center for Trade the historic $33.1 Million investment by Texas State University System in establishing a four year university in the Middle Rio Grande Region with Eagle Pass as being designated as the site for this new university campus.
The historic Texas State University System $33.1 Million investment is to be allocated with $30 Million going to the construction of a new multi-purpose education building in Eagle Pass as the first step toward a comprehensive four-year university in the Middle Rio Grande Region and another $3.1 Million to support facility enhancements in the Del Rio and Uvalde satellite campuses of Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande College.
Sul Ross State University President Dr. Carlos Hernandez stated at the September 29, 2022 historic announcement: “This is a tremendous opportunity and we at Sul Ross State University are committed to providing expanded access to higher education in the Middle Rio Grande Region. We look forward to working with community leaders as we build and launch the foundation for a comprehensive university with its own name, identity, and location leadership.”
Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantu welcomed the passage of HB 1960 in the Texas House of Representatives and committed to working with State Representative Morales, State Senator Gutierrez, TSUS Chairman Dr. McCall, Sul Ross State University President Dr. Hernandez, and community leaders in advocating before the Texas Senate to approve HB 1960 in order to legally approve the establishment of the new four year university in Eagle Pass for the benefit of all Middle Rio Grande Region cities, counties, and students.
Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr. stated the City of Eagle Pass fully supports HB 1960 and the establishment of a new four year university in Eagle Pass and is pressing the Texas Senate to approve HB 1960 before the end of the 88th Texas Legislative Session.
The Middle Rio Grande Region’s rapid growth and development in recent years has demonstrated the huge need for the opening of a new four year comprehensive university to service the growing student population and needs of the communities within the region.
