NOVEMBER 21, 2023 — UTSA received the 2023 Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) International Impact Award for Global Research for developing and implementing efforts to advance an inclusive approach to internationalization. The award recognizes colleges and universities for extraordinary practices in global learning, research and engagement efforts based on results from three categories: equity, diversity and inclusivity; institutional commitment; and assessment.
ConTex, a joint initiative between The University of Texas System and Mexico’s National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (CONAHCYT), played a critical role in UTSA’s achievement of this recognition. ConTex advances UTSA’s trajectory toward becoming a premier public research university, in turn providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
Additionally, the initiative provides hands-on learning experiences in international research to ensure students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a global economy.
“I am immensely proud of ConTex for their leadership in advancing UTSA toward becoming a more global institution through strategic partnership and scholarship that engages faculty, staff and students beyond San Antonio to create a more global ecosystem,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “This award affirms our commitment to educating our students to become global citizens while building our knowledge enterprise and creating upward mobility for students, their families and entire communities.”
Established in 2016, ConTex is housed on the UTSA Main Campus and supports bilateral efforts to enhance academic and research collaborations between Texas and Mexico. The initiative increases binational scholarship, strengthens the pipeline of talent for research careers, increases the success of doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows and supports faculty in securing international research opportunities and recognitions.
Its Collaborative Research Grants program, for example, provides funding of up to $100,000 USD for a 12-month period to binational teams of scholars working together on projects that are mutually beneficial and impactful in the Texas-Mexico region and beyond.
“We’re honored to receive APLU’s International Impact Award for Global Research, as it aligns with our mission to support bilateral efforts to enhance academic and research collaborations between Texas and Mexico,” said Guadalupe Carmona, executive director of ConTex. “This award is a direct reflection of our innovative partnership with UT System and CONAHCYT, support from our vibrant host institution, UTSA, and the work of ConTex doctoral students and scholars who passionately contribute to society with their cutting-edge research.”
ConTex awardees have included 74 institutions of higher education and research centers in Mexico and 13 UT System institutions in Texas. The financial commitment from UT System and CONAHCYT to the ConTex grants and scholarship programs for the past seven years has been over $20 million.
Since 2017, UT System institutions have hosted 108 ConTex doctoral fellows. During those years, ConTex awarded 38 postdoctoral fellowships for recent Mexican Ph.D. graduates seeking research opportunities at a UT System institution. In total, 153 students and postdoctoral researchers have participated in ConTex Binational Collaborative Research Grants at UT System institutions and 256 students have participated at various institutions of higher education and research centers in Mexico.
“Public research universities are major drivers of progress through their global engagement, research and teaching,” said APLU President Mark Becker. “We’re delighted to recognize institutions that have excelled in global engagement in these areas.”
APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. With a membership of more than 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems and affiliated organizations, APLU's agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research, and expanding engagement.
Annually, member campuses enroll 5.0 million undergraduates and 1.3 million graduate students, award 1.3 million degrees, employ 1.3 million faculty and staff, and conduct $49.5 billion in university-based research.
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This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusJoin us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.
Buena Vista Building, Gregory Luna Room, Downtown CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
