Texas A&M–Victoria will officially become the 12th university in The Texas A&M University System this fall, a transition supported by $25 million in new state funding and strong legislative backing. The move, finalized with the passing of Senate Bill 2361, represents a major step forward for higher education in South Texas — and includes promising implications for agriculture and rural development.
Chancellor John Sharp called the moment “transformational,” noting the investment will help build a world-class regional university with expanded offerings aligned to local industries — including agribusiness, petrochemical, and manufacturing sectors.
“The people of this region deserve a world-class regional university, and that’s exactly what we’re going to help build,” said Sharp.
With a focus on new programs in engineering and agribusiness, the A&M System aims to align the university’s future with workforce needs in agriculture — potentially opening new educational pathways for future professionals in swine production and related ag sectors.
Local producers and regional stakeholders have praised the change as an opportunity to strengthen the talent pipeline and boost rural economic development.
A national search is underway for the first president of Texas A&M–Victoria, which officially joins the A&M System on September 1, 2025.
Swine Web will continue to monitor developments in ag education and how they may support the future of pork production.
