FACTS ABOUT THE PROPOSED NAME CHANGE
Bills have been introduced in the Texas House and Texas Senate to change the
name of Texas A&M University-Kingsville to Texas A&I University.
This information sheet has been prepared based on questions the adminstration
has received from students and others.
Naming History
The institution has had four names. Its name changed as the school grew and as its mission changed. When the school opened in 1925, it was known as South Texas State Teachers College. In 1929, it became Texas College of Arts and Industries. In 1967, it became Texas A&I University. After joining The Texas A&M System in 1989, its name was changed to Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1993.
More information about the Proposed Name Change
1. Why is a name change being considered?
A group of Texas A&I alumni contacted local legislators and asked for the name of Texas A&M University-Kingsville to be changed back to Texas A&I. On March 13, Representative Tara Rios Ybarra introduced House Bill 4647 and Senator Eddie Lucio introduced Senate Bill 2376 to change the name back to Texas A&I.
2. Will a name change affect our affiliation with the Texas A&M System?
No.The university would still be a part of The Texas A&M University System even if the university’s name does not include A&M.
3. Will it cost money to change the university’s name?
Yes. If the university’s name is changed, all references to the name would need to be changed. These references include but are not limited to:
university signage
stationery
employees’ uniforms
sports uniforms and practice gear
band uniforms
recruiting materials
university publications
official documents and business forms
university vehicles
labor to make all of the name changes to facilities, forms, equipment, etc.
In addition, all vendors who produce t-shirts and other promotional materials would have to restock with new merchandise.
4. Will a name change have an impact on enrollment or affect the university’s ability to recruit students?
No one knows for certain what impact a name change could have on recruitment and enrollment. There is no real way to predict what could happen.
5. Will the university’s accreditation be affected by a name change?
No. Accreditation is based on many factors, not on the university’s name. Each accredited program would need to contact the appropriate accrediting board to notify them of the change.
6. Will a name change bring in more donations to the university?
There is no way to determine if more donations would occur if the name is changed.
7. If the university’s name is changed, is there an impact on agreements signed with community college?
No, but agreements would have to be updated to reflect the name change.
8. Would university and faculty grants be affected by a name change?
Some faculty have expressed concern that their grant funding or opportunities to obtain grants might be impacted by a name change. There is no way to determine if a name change would negatively or positively affect our ability to generate grants.
9. If the university’s name is changed, what happens to graduates of Texas A&M-Kingsville and current students?
Graduates of Texas A&M-Kingsville would still hold valid degrees. Current students would receive degrees with whichever university name is legal when they graduate.
10. Will the university lose or gain academic programs if the name is changed?
No. Academic program offerings are based on market demand and university resources. The university’s name does not change what is offered.
Ways to Express Your Opinion
You may also contact your own senator or representative.
To find your senator, visit www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/Members.htm#FYI.
After being introduced, these bills will be heard by committees in the Texas House and Texas Senate.
Sen. Judith Zaffirini chairs the Senate Committee on Higher Education. She may be reached at 512-463-4788 orjudith.zaffirini@senate.state.tx.us.
Rep. Dan Branch chairs the House Committee on Higher Education. He may be reached at 512-463-0367 ordan.branch@house.state.tx.us.
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