Educational Champion, Dr. Guy Bailey

Since becoming the founding president of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2014, Dr. Guy Bailey has dedicated himself to transforming higher education across South Texas. His vision has guided UTRGV to become a nationally recognized university, celebrated for social mobility, student success, and affordability. Under his leadership, enrollment, retention, research, and philanthropic giving have reached record highs, reflecting the impact of a university committed to both excellence and access. 

Dr. Bailey has championed initiatives that remove barriers to education, including Tuition Advantage, Luminary Scholars, and the Vaqueros MD Early Assurance Program, ensuring students can pursue world-class degrees without financial strain. Since 2015, UTRGV has awarded over 60,000 degrees, a testament to the power of opportunity and dedication in shaping futures. 

Before leading UTRGV, Dr. Bailey served as president of Texas Tech University and the University of Alabama and as chancellor of the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Earlier in his career, he held academic and leadership positions at UT San Antonio, UNLV, Texas A&M, and other institutions, earning a reputation for visionary leadership and commitment to student success. 

A respected scholar of language and culture, Dr. Bailey’s research has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, and Texas Monthly. Yet, among his many accomplishments, he considers the growth and impact of UTRGV the most meaningful achievement of his career—a university that is changing lives and communities across the Rio Grande Valley.

Institutional Catalyst, Harlingen CISD

Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD) is a public school district located in Harlingen, Texas, serving approximately 16,000 students across 31 campuses, including 18 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 6 high schools. 

The district's mission is to provide educational excellence for all students, fostering college, career, and workforce readiness while offering diverse pathways for success. HCISD emphasizes personalized learning, ensuring that each student has access to high-quality education and support tailored to their individual needs. 

With a dedicated staff and a commitment to innovation, HCISD continues to prepare students for life beyond the classroom, contributing to the growth and development of the Harlingen community.