AUSTIN — Today, the University of Texas System Board of Regents voted on and adopted the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, or UT RGV, as the official name of the new South Texas university.

The UT System received an overwhelming response from thousands of people across South Texas giving their feedback for the new name through Twitter, Facebook, emails and phone calls. UT Rio Grande Valley received the most community support as being truly representative of our region, garnering 57% of all votes.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, author of the legislation to create the new university and medical school, is pleased with the decision of the UT System:

"Today the UT Board of Regents gave life and breath to Project South Texas, a transformational plan that creates a new university and medical school in our community. It is no longer just a project -- we are now UT Rio Grande Valley.

As we align as a community and embrace one regional Valley mindset, UT Rio Grande Valley best exemplifies our unity and the long awaited transformation of the Valley through education. It encompasses all of the Valley and represents the many communities and cultures joining together with common focus and direction.

This is a historic opportunity that will provide endless educational and healthcare benefits for our families in the Rio Grande Valley. It has turned a longtime dream into a reality. I am pleased that the new name reflects our communities and people of the Valley who have worked so hard to finally get the opportunity to prove that an investment in education and in the people of South Texas is an investment in the future for all Texans."

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