FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2026
McAllen, TX — Today, the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen celebrated the opening of the new Nursing Education and Research Building (NERB) with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Key attendees included Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar, Texas A&M University Interim President Tommy Williams, Texas A&M Health Interim Chief Operating Officer Dr. Indra K. Reddy, Texas A&M Higher Education Center at McAllen Chief Operating Officer and Associate Vice President Ernest Aliseda, and State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, along with numerous public officials and community leaders.
Senator Hinojosa addressed the audience, emphasizing the legislative delegation's continued commitment to transform health care delivery in the region. He stated, “Our delegation remains united and works as a team to support our institutions of higher education and funding that addresses the health needs of our families in South Texas.” He added, “As our state continues to grow, we need more health care professionals, including nurses and doctors. There is also an increasing demand for veterinarians and research to combat diseases affecting animals.”
The NERB is a three-story, 53,000 square foot facility located in McAllen, Texas, and is the second building within Texas A&M’s Higher Education Center. Positioned on the eastern edge of the proposed central quad, it occupies a prominent location on the expanding campus. The total project cost was approximately $47.2 million, funded by Texas A&M University, the Health Science Center, and $29.9 million in capital construction project funding, formerly known as Tuition Revenue Bonds (TRBs), supported by Senator Hinojosa during a special session in 2021.
The building is designed to meet the growing demand for nursing education in the region, featuring flexible general instruction spaces, teaching laboratories, administrative offices, and student areas. The simulation laboratories include two large skills labs and various patient care spaces, providing students with a unique hands-on learning experience. These patient care rooms will simulate real-world scenarios using live patient 'actors.'
The building also has dedicated space for the Veterinary Medicine program to enhance the research and outreach initiatives of the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. This new space is important for faculty members from the VetMed College Station campus, focusing on transborder infectious diseases, large animal biosecurity, zoonotic diseases, veterinary public health, and bilingual public education in South Texas. The allocated space includes a BSL2 laboratory, telemedicine studios connected to the Small Animal Teaching Hospital in College Station, a conference room, offices, work and break rooms, student workspaces, a server room, and a reception area.
Senator Hinojosa concluded, “I appreciate the support of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and their investment in this beautiful facility. I also would like to thank Chancellor Glenn Hegar for attending today’s event, as well as for his leadership and continued commitment to South Texas. Together, we are building a stronger and healthier South Texas.”
###