The University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College have important roles in the planning of a world-class research and education park. Representatives met with McAllen Economic Development Corporation President Keith Patridge at UTPA on March 30 to discuss master planning for the park, which will be built near the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone.
The park is being developed under the direction of a subcommittee of the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative. Patridge chairs the subcommittee.
The research and education park, which has not yet been named, will be a mixed-use, research and education development that will feature an education campus. A full range of interactive research and development, education, training and public support services are being planned. Occupants will also consist of workforce training, government and corporate facilities.
Broaddus Planning of Austin is overseeing the master planning process.
Pictured at the meeting are (seated), Wanda Garza, executive officer for NAAMREI; UTPA President Robert S. Nelsen, who also serves as NAAMREI chair; Keith Patridge, MEDC president and CEO; (standing) Helen J. Escobar, STC public relations coordinator; Jenny Cummings, STC director of public relations and marketing; Dr. David Allen, dean of UTPA’s College of Engineering and Computer Science; Dr. Miguel Gonzalez, associate dean of UTPA’s College of Engineering and Computer Science; Dr. Kimberly Selber, UTPA executive director for University Marketing and Communications; and Mariana Mugica, MEDC marketing director. Photo Courtesy of UTPA’s University Relations Office