TAMIU invests seventh president
President Christopher Maynard speaks on University plans, programs
By J.P. Contreras
Bridge Staff Writer
Published Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
A rare, formal presentation and celebration conferred the Texas A&M International University medallion and mace to President Christopher Maynard. The Friday, Sept. 18, investiture concluded a week-long series of events to recognize TAMIU’s seventh president.
Held in the Center for the Performing and Fine Arts Recital Hall, the ceremony marked the end of Inauguration Week, which celebrated the new president. Maynard began his position at TAMIU on Oct. 1, 2025.
President Christopher Maynard holds the University Mace during his Investiture ceremony Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. Faculty Advisory Council Presiding Officer George Clarke stands at left.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, Maynard’s family and distinguished guests attended. Local and state officials also showed their support.
TAMIU Provost and Senior Vice President Claudia San Miguel served as the master of ceremonies. She greeted guests and delivered the opening remarks.
San Miguel detailed TAMIU’s history as an institute and introduced Maynard through his life and career in higher education.
Maynard was honored by leaders of the Laredo community: Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino, Rep. Henry Cuellar, R-Texas, and Dean Sen. Judith Zaffirini.
Students get snow cones during the TAMIU Presidential Investiture Block Party on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
They all pledged their support for the newly installed president and expressed gratitude for his work so far in Laredo and at TAMIU.
University leaders invested Maynard with the presidential medallion as well as the University Mace, officially hailing the beginning of his presidency.
Maynard was appointed president by the Texas A&M University Board of Regents in 2025. He succeeded Juan Castillo who was interim president following the death of Pablo Arenaz in 2024.
During his TAMIU tenure thus far, he has made various changes to the University with initiatives and new programs. In his speech, Maynard spoke about his intent to create a better academic environment for students, especially those enrolled in different programs.
Maynard said it was his responsibility, as head of the University, to invest in the future of this community, where he serves as a prominent leader.
The University awarded 2,334 degrees to graduates in the past year. An all-time record, Maynard added.
This follows a record enrollment for TAMIU students. The University has grown under his leadership.
A crowd of attendees celebrate the Investiture of President Christopher Maynard on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.
TAMIU plans to become more of a residential community, he said, with the addition of more residence halls. This is partially achieved through local charity events, which raised almost a quarter of a million dollars in funds.
Maynard outlined his plan to introduce a new housing scholarship for lower-income students to provide them with affordable residence on-campus.
He briefly touched on the recent removal of selected minors, which has been a topic of much debate. Maynard said they had low enrollment numbers and didn’t serve the needs of students.
Students get flavored coffee from a PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans booth during the Inauguration Block Party on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
Three new doctoral programs are being introduced over the next three years: an education doctorate, a doctorate in physical therapy and a Doctorate of Philosophy in counseling psychology.
“These degrees are desperately needed in this region,” Maynard said, “and will provide our students with new opportunities to stay in South Texas, receive their education and give back to the communities they serve.”
He also announced the TAMIU Family Scholarship Program, which will provide full-time employees, their spouses and their dependents with 50% of the tuition and fees paid by the University.
“We believe in the power of education,” Maynard said. “This investment in our TAMIU family will strengthen the University and allow us to do even more for this region.”
He concluded his welcome address by thanking the faculty and staff. He affirmed his dedication to TAMIU, Laredo and all of south Texas.
“There has never been a better time to be at Texas A&M International University,” Maynard said. “What we do here matters. It matters to our students and their families, and it matters to South Texas, northern Mexico and beyond.”
The week-long Inauguration events included the following:
Students participate in various organizations’ booths during the Inauguration Block Party on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
Monday, Sept. 14: A kickoff at the TAMIU Quad, “Border Stories: A Student Film Showcase” and “The Stories that Shape Us: A Celebration of Storytelling Through the Arts” with director Alfonso Gómez-Rejón. This day focused on the kickoff for the week.
Tuesday, Sept. 15: A ribbon-cutting for the grand opening of the Western Hemispheric Trade Center Annex, an All Majors Networking event and a Dustdevils volleyball game. This day focused on campus growth and athletics.
Wednesday, Sept. 16: The annual El Grito Celebration, which included arts, crafts, a grito contest and performances by TAMIU Ballet Folklórico and the TAMIU Mariachi Internacional. There was also a keynote presentation on Artificial Intelligence by Jack Shaw. This day focused on culture and innovation.
Thursday, Sept. 17: Ribbon-cutting for the Clinical Health Sciences Building and the Presidential Investiture Dinner to benefit housing scholarships. This day focused on health sciences and the gala.
Friday, Sept. 18: The official investiture event as Maynard was formally installed as president, followed by a Block Party with food trucks, TAMIU and organizations’ booths with lots of giveaways and live musical performances.
