Retention and Recruitment in Engineering at UTPA

Abstract

The University of Texas Pan American (UTPA) is located in a unique point where the cultural merge of two nations, United States and México, occurred. The main campus of the University is in Edinburg, Texas, 15 miles from the U.S./Mexico border and 75 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The total service population is two million approximately. The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education lists UTPA among its top 100 best U.S. colleges for Hispanics. UTPA enrolls the highest number and highest percentage of Hispanics (86%) among Texas public universities. UTPA is the 10th largest university in the state and the fifth largest in the UT System. Retention and recruitment are important tools in solving both university enrollment levels and supplying industry with capable professionals. These activities are very important and it is never too early to start promoting them in our community; among parents, students, teachers, counselors and others who participate in the development of our future leaders.