UTRGV now providing programs and services in Mission

MISSION, TEXAS - In an effort to provide more of its programs away from its two main campuses, UT-Rio Grande Valley has opened satellite centers across the region.One of those is in Mission, where full-time program specialist Omar Rodriguez assists local businesses from the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED).Bringing UTRGV to Mission was one of the issues Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza campaigned on when running for office.Ron Garza, associate vice president for workforce and economic development at the university, explained the concept.“A few months back we established a relationship with the Mission EDC (economic development corporation) and created our hub office here,” Garza said. “That is six different centers and departments dedicated for small business development, workforce programs, and just economic development in general.”Garza said Rodriguez works to “generate leads and activities and then does a “very soft handoff to generate all this activity.”From January the Mission center will offer a Kaufman cohort training program, Garza said, as part of Mission EDC’s Ruby Red Ventures program.“So, really, it is the footprint, the front door of UTRGV here in the city of Mission, here at CEED, which is perfect environment to do that.”Here is an audio recording of an interview with Garza and Rodriguez. Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.