Pictured from left to right are Mtra. Karina Ricci Villafuerte, rectora of Universidad Vasconcelos de Oaxaca; Dr. Tadeo Reyna, director of the Center for Continuing Education and Office of International Studies and Programs at Texas A&M-Kingsville; and Dr. Steven H. Tallant, president of Texas A&MKingsville. Dr. Steven H. Tallant, president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Mtra. Karina Ricci Villafuerte, rectora of Universidad Vasconcelos de Oaxaca, signed a memorandum of understanding Nov. 5 to a student and faculty exchange program, in an effort to share educational ideas, customs and achieve a better understanding of each other.

“My vision is for Texas A&M-Kingsville students to embrace different cultures and ethnicities not just in this country but globally,” said Tallant. “I would like to see faculty shared through this program as well as students. I think we should also look into offering a joint course between the two of us as well. Anything is possible.”

Villafuerte said, “When our students heard about this agreement with Texas A&M-Kingsville, they were happy because of the quality education here. We want to work with you and learn from you, and offer anything we have to you.”

Tallant closed by saying, “I hope that this is the beginning of a great relationship.”

Started in 1993, the Universidad Vasconcelos was named after José Vasconcelos, a writer, philosopher and politician, considered one of the most influential personalities in the development of modern Mexico.

According to the university’s vision, it seeks to offer greater job security for graduates, provide them with the methodological tools for human and social needs with high sensitivity, in an ethical, accountable and responsive manner to dynamic legal and social context regionally, nationally and internationally and contribute to development.

It offers programs in law; communication and media; government and social sciences; economic management; humanities; and master’s programs in project management production, organizational and political communication, and public policy and regional government. It also provides continuing education programs.