The University of Texas Permian Basin is home to over 7,000 students. Whether on campus in West Texas or from a laptop hundreds of miles away, they’re part of a diverse community that values culture, connection, and progress.
Every member of our Falcon Family deserves some time in the spotlight. But with Hispanic Heritage Month in full swing, we’re shining a light on the contributions and culture of the largest ethnic group at UT Permian Basin.
UT Permian Basin is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution: a title given to colleges and universities where Hispanic and Latino students make up at least 25% of the student body. At UTPB, Hispanic and Latino students make up over half of our student population.
We’re proud of this designation, and even prouder that so many Hispanic and Latino students trust us with their education. But people are more than numbers, and culture can’t be captured in a percentage. So, let’s hear from one of our own faculty members about what celebrating Hispanic culture means.
Community is everything in Hispanic culture.
Just ask Yolanda Salgado, Ph.D., program coordinator for our online Master of Arts in Bilingual/ESL Education. She told NewsWest9:
“It’s a very close-knit community, it’s very—not that other cultures aren’t—but I feel that within our culture there [are] certain values that we’re raised with and instilled, and we just don’t stray away from those, and so for me it’s that unity that is created among the culture.”
Dr. Salgado has taught at our University for over 20 years. During that time, she’s watched the Permian Basin grow into a supportive, interconnected community—one that mirrors the cultural values she holds dear.
“To be able to see that now how we’re becoming a part of this bigger picture that connects the whole world makes me extremely proud of what we have done over the years,” she said. “To be able to see that diversity reflected in my community makes me very proud, because what I see is the little ones coming up can see opportunities.”
At UT Permian Basin, we’re working to expand those opportunities, for our students and community, every way we can.
What better way to support our local community than by welcoming them to campus? UT Permian Basin hosts summer camps and workshops that brings thousands of students to our campus. For example, the Project IDEA Summer Bridge Experience—a free, two-day event—offers academic, social, and financial preparation to Hispanic and low-income high school juniors and seniors.
Culture also shows up in celebration. Each November, we host a Día de los Muertos Festival honoring loved ones who’ve passed. There’s also the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, which helps Hispanic and Latino students break new ground in STEM fields. And we can’t forget UTPB Folklorico. Their performances share Hispanic culture with campus and community audiences.
As a Hispanic-serving institution, UT Permian Basin can offer targeted financial resources and support systems to help Hispanic students succeed. Here’s how:
The HSI-STEM program puts a $4.9 million grant to work increasing the enrollment, retention, graduation, and career placement rate of Hispanic and Pell-eligible students.
Then there’s Falcon Free. While the HSI-STEM program caters to Hispanic and Latino students in STEM fields, Falcon Free helps most undergraduate students—many of them Hispanic—by covering tuition and fees for those with financial need.
We also offer college programs attuned to the strengths and goals of Hispanic and Latino students. Our online MA in bilingual/ESL education—lead by Dr. Salgado— is perfect for Spanish speakers looking to share their language skills with English language learners.
The same goes for our Graduate Certificate, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts in Spanish — ideal for Spanish speakers looking to achieve near-fluency and develop a deeper appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Together, these scholarships and programs help level the playing field, making it easier for Hispanic and Latino students to overcome barriers and pursue higher education. Because when everyone has access, everyone has the chance to give back and strengthen their community.
That’s what UT Permian Basin is all about.
UTPB is proud. Proud of our Hispanic and Latino students, proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, and proud to open doors to anyone who wants to learn, succeed, and grow along with us.
No matter your heritage, there’s a home for you here.
At UTPB, we offer entirely online undergraduate and graduate programs taught by expert faculty and backed by a community that values who you are and where you come from. Check out our online program offerings. And when you’re ready to become a part of this incredible community, apply to UTPB. We’ll be here to celebrate you.
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