President Miller invites University Supporters to go ‘All In’ During State of the University Address
President Miller speaks to a sold-out crowd during this year's State of the University Address.
Nearly 600 university supporters gathered at TAMU-CC for the event.
For More PhotosCORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — When the University of Corpus Christi (UCC) opened its doors in 1947 on a little island off Corpus Christi Bay called Ward Island, there were only 312 students enrolled with 26 faculty members to teach them. Fast forward 77 years, and much has changed. UCC is now Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, with its remarkable growth visible across the campus and beyond. This growth was among the many achievements highlighted by Dr. Kelly M. Miller, TAMU-CC President and CEO, during her annual State of the University address.
A sold-out crowd of nearly 600 university supporters gathered at TAMU-CC on Wednesday, Sept. 11, for the highly anticipated address. The speech, centered on the theme “All In,” emphasized the university’s unwavering commitment to student success, community partnerships, and high-impact projects that drive the future of the Coastal Bend. Miller also thanked the crowd for their “All In” attitude.
“Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is your Island University,” Miller said. “Whether you are an alumnus or have just adopted this institution as your own, know that we have been able to achieve things on an incredible level because of you here today. We cannot do any of this alone.”
Miller highlighted several key initiatives that demonstrate the far-reaching impact TAMU-CC has, including the research conducted at the university’s three institutes — the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, the Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science, and the Autonomy Research Institute. She also touted the university’s designation as an R2 institute, with high research activity.
In her address, Miller unveiled an impressive statistic that reflects the university’s rapid growth in research expenditures, which have soared from $27 million in 2017 to $50 million in 2024 — an incredible 87% jump.
“Since 2023, we increased our research expenditures by $10 million, bringing us to $50 million,” Miller said. “We are so proud of what we’ve accomplished at such a fast pace. We couldn’t do it without the support of many of you in this room right now.”
Miller also gave special thanks to State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, State Senator Morgan LaMantia, State Representative Todd Hunter, and State Representative Abel Herrero for their advocacy.
Islander pride was evident as the topic of academic success drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd. Miller announced that, over the past four years, the university has increased its number of graduates by 12.1%, with more than 11,000 students earning their degrees during that time. Since 2021, TAMU-CC has maintained a freeze on tuition and fees while implementing various initiatives to reduce student costs, such as affordable textbook programs. In the same time frame, the university increased its annual scholarships and financial aid by 30%.
To continue to boost student enrollment, Miller revealed news of an expansion of the university’s dual credit program, which allows high school students to earn college credits.
“When you are a higher education institution, you have to be concerned with the pipeline,” she said. “That’s why we are excited to partner with CCISD through our Early Childhood Development Center, and this year, we’ve added some new partnerships. With Tuloso-Midway ISD and Klein ISD, we are focused on introducing students to geographic information science. We also have innovative dual credit programs with Gregory-Portland ISD, Rockport-Fulton ISD, and Incarnate Word Academy.”
Another aspect of student success that received praise was the outstanding work of the university’s student-athletes, not just on the court, but in the classroom.
“This is the 20th semester in a row our student-athletes have had a cumulative GPA above 3.0,” Miller said. “And it’s the third year in a row we won the academic performance award in the Southland Conference.”
Beyond growth in students, Miller discussed the growth of the university’s infrastructure, both on and off campus, including the Arts and Media Building, which will house the university’s music and theatre programs, and the Chaparral building, located in downtown Corpus Christi.
“The first phase of the downtown building should be open in March 2025,” Miller reported. “This initial stage will feature a beautiful gallery that will contribute to the cultural vibrancy of downtown. A mission control for our Autonomy Research Institute will be there as well, along with an office focused on port studies, and the COAST project with TEEX. The COAST project was sponsored by Gov. Greg Abbott and is going to provide incredible training opportunities for folks here in the Coastal Bend.”
Miller concluded her address with a call to action, encouraging all attendees to embrace the “All In” spirit.
“We are building something extraordinary here at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi,” Miller said. “We have already made an incredible impact on our students, on our community, on the state, nation, and world. We need each of you — all in, all the time — as we work together to create a brighter future for our students and our community. As a 30-year veteran of this institution, my ‘All In’ commitment to you is that the best is yet to come.”
Two TAMU-CC students emceed the luncheon — Anya Carlson ’26, a civil engineering major, and Aiden Adapathya ’27, a marine biology major. This year’s State of the University Islander sponsors include Devary Durrill Foundation, Frost Bank, Gloria Hicks, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, IBC Bank, Kleberg Bank, Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson LLC, PlainsCapital Bank, Port of Corpus Christi, Robert Garcia and Bill Richmond, Steel Dynamics, Susser Bank, Valero, and ZJZ Hospitality & Turner|Ramirez Architects.
