TheSouthTexan.com Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication
Monday, June 27, 2022
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Vol. 96, Issue 16
The student of yesterday, the leader of today Javelina alumnus now serves as university president
Ronni Reyna | Editor-in-Chief chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Dr. Robert Vela, a Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) graduate, is officially the next university president. Vela started on June 15, after being named sole finalist
in late April. The 1994 graduate reflected on his time at the university as a student stepping on campus for the first time to his first days in the presidential office. “I think I’ve taken these last few days to really reflect and walk the same halls that I walked when I was 18 years old. I think seeing it through the lens of what it means to be a first-generation college student, what it means to be the first in your family to potentially walk the stage and earn a degree is
transformational,” Vela said. “To come full circle after 25 years in higher education to serve as the president of A&M Kingsville is just surreal to me because I never could have imagined walking the halls taking all the classes that I would ever become president of this amazing university.” Vela hopes to send the message to students that regardless of where you grew up, or the lack of resources you face, everyone See Vela, Pg 5
Search for new Enrollment VP begins
Pride Month Celebration
Progressive Pride flag infront of College Hall.
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Rae Martinez
Rae Martinez
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Entertainment Editor entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com
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Pride flags lining the boulevard during June.
Beat
Student Affairs but will soon transition to Vice President of Student Affairs and Community Relations.
Critical area for TAMUK a priority
A variety Pride flags line the boulevard as the university celebrates Pride Month with LGBTQ+ students.
Online
Ronni Reyna
Dr. Vela signs documents in his office.
The thought of seeing a plethora of students walking around campus is both a dream and a goal for Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) officials. With the recent decision to separate the division of Enrollment Services from Student Affairs, TAMUK is doing evDr. Rito Silva erything in its power to put the plan of increasing enrollment into action. Dr. Rito Silva held the title of Vice President for Enrollment Services and
TAMUK President Dr. Robert Vela explains that one of his goals is to increase enrollment. He explains that the purpose of the position split is to ensure that there is an even focus on both enrollment management and student affairs. “[Splitting the positions] allows the university to have two individual Vice Presidents to lead two critical areas that are closely tied to student success,” Silva said. Silva said he plans to continue to provide excellent wrap-around services that assist students and complement the work being done in the classroom. He also plans to continue to develop important relationships in the community that benefit students See Search, Pg 5
Jimenez’s passion soars in her voice TAMUK student takes the national stage Makaylah Chavez
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Managing Editor managing.editor@thesouthtexan.com
The lights dim, the audience grows silent and a single spotlight shines down as lifelong dreams turn into an awakening reality. Sophomore music education major Angel Jimenez hits the stage once again, this time, at a national level. Jimenez started singing when she was eight years old. She sings genres such as country and pop and performs song covers from artists like Adele and Whitney Houston. Her father, Abel Jimenez, is her in-
spiration to sing, especially when it comes to mariachi, one of her strengths. Jimenez is studying to be a director at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) but would also love to pursue a singing career. In March 2022, Jimenez found herself performing on Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento (TTMT), a national talent competition show done in a series of rounds. Auditions take place in the first round, followed by a head-to-head competition in the second, after that is the semifinals, during which the highest scorer amongst three semi-finalists compete leading up to the finale. Jimenez was a semifinalist and concluded her time on the show two months later in May. “My life has definitely changed since being on the show. I get recognized and more people in town know who I am. I have
Angel Jimenez sings onstage during the national competition.
also had some interviews since then,” Jimenez said. Jimenez states that the overall experience was incredible. She met and learned from some of her favorite singers. In addition to being a national singing sensation, she is involved in theater, choir and mariachi at TAMUK. She states
that she tries her best to manage her time and even though it gets stressful at times, it’s worth doing what she loves. Jimenez mentions how her hobbies made her who she is today. Some hobbies developed as time passed and quickly turned into passions, one of these being singing. Aside from
Submitted Photo
her passion for singing, Jimenez also loves to help teach others about music. Jimenez wants to finish her education first because she believes it is very important. Other goals of hers include performing live more and creating her own music. See Jimenez, Pg 5
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First DEI director Lujan joins campus Aims to promote inclusion Sarah Reyna | Campus Editor campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Texas A&M University–Kingsville’s (TAMUK) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program is under the supervision of its first director, Dr. Jarett Lujan. “Being the inaugural director of this role on campus means a lot to me. The responsibility of this role is not lost on me,
and I know there will be a lot of challenges along the way,” Dr. Lujan said. “However, I am really excited to get started educating, advocating, and helping those populations in Jarett Lujan most need. DEI Director Within this role I hope to hold various DEI related trainings, advise on programming, and doing all that we can to make TAMUK more in-
clusive.” A national search was conducted to fill the role and Dr. Lujan was one of the many applicants who applied and participated in the interview process. The selection advisory committee was made up of students, faculty and staff from across campus representing various parts of the community. After the exhaustive search, Lujan accepted the offer and officially joined Javelina Nation on May 23. “TAMUK is not only
a South Texas university with a regional mission, but it is also an institution with a global outlook and commitment. The University’s emphasis on (DEI) is a reflection of that commitment,” Regents Professor of Political Science and Search Committee member Dr. Nirmal Goswami said. “The University has had a long history of participative tradition of upholding principles of social justice and equity. In the 1960s, TAMUK’s role in opposing discrimination is part of a well-doc-
umented record of the University’s equity-driven activism. So, in many ways, a DEI initiative is a continuation of the University’s legacy.” As Director, Dr. Lujan is charged with forming a new University Committee on DEI which will report to the President. This committee will replace the President’s Committee on Climate, Diversity, and Inclusion which was a special committee formed by former president Dr. Mark Hussey in 2020 to specifically look at areas of concern
at that time. Their charge was limited to reviewing campus culture and bringing forth any recommendations to improve the community. “Our hope is that as a community, we can further develop and implement policies, programs, and educational opportunities that actively foster an equitable and inclusive learning, research and work environment, and create a space where everyone feels welcomed and accepted,” Chief of Staff John Carrillo said.
Sylvia: man’s best friend TAMUK professor directing, alumni acting
Sarah Reyna | Campus Editor campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Texas A&M University–Kingsville’s (TAMUK) Professor and Aurora Arts co-founder, Corey Ranson is directing, designing and producing Sylvia. Sylvia tells the story of Greg and Kate. The couple moved to Manhattan after 22 years of child-raising in the suburbs. One afternoon, Greg brings home a dog he found in the park—or that has found him— bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and poodle,
Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife and Sylvia thinks Kate just doesn’t understand the relationship between man and dog. The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives. “This is the third time I have worked on the show in the past 20 years,” Ranson said. “It’s a funny play because of the way the playwright wrote it, in that the dog is played by a human. The reason why he did that is because he highlights the fact we all treat our dogs and pets like they’re human.” While Ranson is work-
ing behind the curtains, two TAMUK alumni, Laurie Guajardo (Kate) and Jesse Ochoa (Tom), are part of the onstage magic. “There are a lot of similarities between myself and the character of Kate. Kate is a mother, wife and graduate student trying to find a way to take care of her family while making herself a priority as well and it’s always a joy to find that sort of connection to a character as an actor,” Guajardo said. “I take my craft very seriously, but I have a lot of fun doing it. To me acting is so much more than learning lines and blocking. I try to bring life to the characters I play as much as possible by making them authentic as I possibly can.” While Guajardo was excited to be part of an
authentic and inventive production, Ochoa’s first impression was not as positive. “When I first read the description of the play, I wasn’t really too thrilled because I didn’t see where I could potentially fit in, and I definitely didn’t plan on auditioning,” Ochoa said. “That is, until I clicked ‘read more’ on the audition post and found out that there were other side characters involved. I saw the description for my character, Tom, and I was sure the part was mine. Playing Tom is an absolute blast. The previous few characters I’ve played have been fun, but this boy Tom is wild. He is, for lack of better words, a dog.” The production of Sylvia will go on for one
Submitted Photo
Collage of pictures from Sylvia.
more weekend – 7:30 p.m., Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2. Individuals interested in watching the play can purchase tickets online, at www.auroraartstheatre. com, but you better purchase quickly; tickets are going quickly and the theatre only holds 100 people. “I think people could learn a thing or two
about dogs, that’s for sure. But also, there are many lessons regarding our human relationships. Spousal relationships, relationships with strangers, relationships with ourselves. We often overlook the beauty of raw interaction,” Ochoa said. “I’ve learned so much about people and life in general already and there’s still more to be uncovered.”
Hoggie Days orientation returns to TAMUK Students, parents learn about university life Rae Martinez | Entertainment Editor entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com
The buzzing murmurs of families filled the Memorial Student Union (MSUB) as they entered and registered for this year’s new student orientation at Texas A&M University–Kingsville (TAMUK), also known as Hoggie Days. “Hoggie Days is the
orientation where we have the undergrad students come meet with the staff, other students and get an idea of what college will be like for their first year,” Senior processor for freshman admissions Apolonio Muñoz said. During Hoggie Days, incoming students get to stay for two days and participate in scheduled events catered to them. From college presentations to student life and housing tours, there is something for both incoming students and their parents to do. For the first time in two years, since COVID-19 first began, students were finally
Javelina Camp leaders and new students hold their Js up.
able to visit Javelina Nation in person. “I was not here during the virtual orientations, but from what I heard, it was difficult,” Muñoz said. “A lot of students were confused because they did not have hands-on experience or advisors next to them to guide them.” For incoming students, their day starts at 8 a.m. when they register. There are different events like Javelina Welcome, College Presentations and Future Javelina Time that take place until 11 a.m. as students get taken to the dining hall for lunch. More events like Learn How to Get Involved on cam-
Javelina Camp leader Trenton Payne tells new students about Javelina Camp.
pus and Student Life 101 happen until 1:30 p.m. Finally, they register for classes at 2 p.m. and take housing tours 30 minutes after. “[I was most excited] to see the campus,” incoming student Alinah Hernandez said. “I had just seen pictures of it before, but now that I am actually here, I think I am really going to like it.”
Hernandez will be attending the university in the Fall and will be majoring in Architectural Engineering. While students are in the MSUB, their parents are taken across to Peacock Auditorium where the Dean of Students Kirsten Compary presented a PowerPoint presentation containing rules and resources for their children while they
Rae Martinez
stay at TAMUK. “I hope to show them what a good college role model is like,” Welcome Services Helper Elizabeth Stransky said. “I volunteered to help at Hoggie Days because I want the students to feel like they made the right choice in choosing TAMUK.” Hoggie Days continues through the summer.
Rae Martinez
Parents sit at new parent orentation given by Dean of Students Kirsten Compary
Rae Martinez
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Review: The battle of the glazed doughnut
On the quest for the best bakery in town RaeMartinez|Entertainment Editor entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Looking for bakeries is an easy task but looking for the best bakery is entirely another thing. I have been a resident of Kingsville, Texas, for three years now and I have yet to complete this simple task. That is why last Thursday (June 23), I went out on what seemed to be the most important mission of my life thus far, finding the best bakery. As far as I am aware, Kingsville has four bakeries (aside from Walmart and H-E-B). There is El Pastel on 7th street, The Donut Palace behind McDonald’s on E. King Ave. Kingsville Bakery behind Walgreens and Ares Bakery Donuts near Chicken Express on 14th Street. For this review, I purchased a single glazed doughnut from each bakery, because a friend of mine told me that if a bakery can make a de-
licious, simple glazed doughnut, it is likely that its other pastries are just as tasty. It took much longer than expected to realize what the best bakery for me was. I spent the entire morning going back and forth, taking a bite of each pastry, and contemplated over its flavor, freshness, size and texture. While this was an important mission for me, it also proved to be the most difficult. Alas, a decision was made.
I was not as satisfied as I was when I was trying El Pastel. These doughnuts are smaller in size and thicker, but not as fresh as I thought they would be. They were a bit hard even after I heated it up, but I still enjoyed it. There was also an assortment of other baked goods, and the customer service was excellent. This bakery ranks third on my list.
El Pastel is the closest bakery if you live near the university like I do. Its home-y feel is nothing but inviting. This place had the widest variety of baked goods to choose from for really good prices. Its glazed doughnuts were by far the biggest. Anyone can tell how fresh these pastries are just by looking at it, and smelling and tasting it confirms it. Upon the first bite, these doughnuts melt in your mouth. Its smooth glaze is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, and it is not too overwhelming. These doughnuts were also the biggest in size. Personally, this is my second favorite bakery.
The Donut Palace is near Kingsville Bakery. This bakery also has a drive through, which is extremely convenient if you just want to make a quick stop. It is worth noting that they did not have as wide a variety as the other two. This could mean that they either do not make enough or they run out fast. If it is the latter, it shows that people really like this place. These doughnuts were fresh but got mushy and squishy so quick, I almost dropped it because of it. Its glaze was too sweet for my liking and it cracked as soon as I picked the pastry up. The customer service was also excellent, and the place itself has a nostalgic, old-school feel to it that makes you smile as you walk in. Unfortunately, this ranks last on my list.
Kingsville Bakery is the second closest to the university. Make no mistake, these doughnuts were tasty too, but
If you are not a fan of driving through busy streets, Ares Bakery Donuts may be the last place you would
Review: Nice to meat you, Belchers
Bob’s Burgers: A legacy continued on the big screen
want to go since this is the furthest location. Personally, I believe this place is worth the drive. It can be hard to miss if you are not paying attention. Truthfully, you would not have known it was a bakery had it not been for the sign and billboard attached nearby. Once you find it, you will be glad you did. This bakery, too, has a drive-thru, but going inside is worth it. The employees at Ares Bakery Donuts were unaware of my existence before June 23. This will quickly change, and they will soon expect me there every day. Their glazed doughnuts were the smallest out of the four, but boy are they mouthwatering. I seemed to have arrived just in time to get a pastry from the batch that was previously in the oven.
If you looked at the word fresh in a dictionary, you would see a picture of a glazed doughnut from Ares Bakery Donuts attached to the word. These doughnuts were so good, my mouth waters as I write this. The soft texture immediately melts in your mouth. The doughnuts are chewy but in the best way possible. The customer service was also excellent and fast. There is also a wide vari ety to choose from. I only went for two glazed and two doughnuts with sprinkles, but the employees went out of their way to add two extra doughnuts. As if things could not get better, everyone who buys baked goods from here leaves with a free bag of a dozen
doughnut holes. What we did to deserve such generosity is beyond me, but I am not complaining at all. If you could not tell, Ares Bakery Donuts takes the number one spot for me. This place left me satisfied, it left me with a smile on my face, and it left me with the urge to go back again the next day, and the next, and the next.
Screenshot from Zelda.com.
Review: Saving the world after it is gone
MakaylahChavez|Managing Editor
managing.editor@thesouthtexan.com
Movie fanatics eagerly walk into the theater awaiting either a comedy, drama, action movie, perhaps even a musical. What if I said that with a purchase of a single ticket, you could get a steal of a deal with a four-for-one? The Bob’s Burgers Movie has made more of an impact in the past month than burger grease makes on a grill in a restaurant’s lifetime. Without spoilers, the movie centers around the Belcher family and each of their personal, internal struggles. The main struggle, however, is one that dedicated fans of the show have known since it was introduced in season one: making payments on time, specifically repaying a bank loan within seven days. The little over oneand-a-half-hour movie has an 87 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and feels like you’re enjoying a really long episode. Anyone can sit through a 20-minute cartoon, but asking someone to sit through a mov-
Rae Martinez Array of doughnuts from Ares Bakery Donuts.
Breath of the Wild is a game for all
FrankVillareal| Reporter
Screenshot from @bobsburgersfox on Instagram.
ie is pushing it, yet Bob’s Burgers delivers an experience equal to that of devouring your favorite burger: magnificent. As much as I want all Bob’s Burgers fanatics and potential fanatics to buy tickets and sell out the theater, I would like to thank all those who slept in the morning of my showing. Because of you all, I had the entire theater to myself and was able to laugh as much and as loud as I wanted, and truthfully, I may have overdone it a tad bit. The movie has a different storyline for each character, but perfectly ties them all together towards the end to form one main plot, which
makes it easy for viewers to follow. Time really does fly when you are having fun and this film does not overstay its welcome, but instead leaves fans wanting more, which is why the show has just announced their upcoming 13th season after the new and refreshing wave of excitement around their genius movie. Overall, I rate this movie a 9/10, losing a point for ending too soon. I would happily see this movie again with anyone who is willing to get a premium experience for their buck, but then again, I am a Bob’s Burgers megafan, but for good reason, as most of the nation agrees with me.
Legend of Zelda has always been a series that focused on exploration and puzzle solving but Nintendo expanded that with Breath of the Wild, a game that provides the player with some of the most freedom I’ve ever seen. Breath of the Wild is an open world adventure game set in the kingdom of Hyrule 100 years after a calamity that cleared a majority of civilization. You wake up as Link, a champion with amnesia, and are tasked with a singular goal to “Destroy Ganon.” This is the end goal after the Great Plateau, an area intended to be an appetizer for the level of exploration the entire kingdom has. The game offers vast mountain ranges, arid deserts, a scorching volcano and many more for Link to conquer on his
quest to save Hyrule. However, you will need to solve the first four of 120 available shrines to get special runes (bomb, cryonis, stasis and magnesis) before getting off the plateau. These runes will be the primary tools used to explore and solve various puzzles across the kingdom. Initially, they may feel difficult to use but you may begin using them in combat after enough practice. The plateau provides many situations to test the runes so the player can get a feel for what to expect on the adventure. Some towns you visit will inform you of possessed mechanical beasts that threaten their lives. These machines can be freed to help you with the final battle but you can completely ignore them and the other 116 shrines. The choice on what to do is completely up to the player. You can challenge the final boss from the beginning if so desired. You do not need
the series staple Master Sword despite its usefulness in combat. Aside from his usual sword and shield, Link can use anything he comes across ranging from greatswords to tree branches. There is also a wide variety of armors to find and wear. The only issue I have is the weapon durability system. Weapons break after enough use and sometimes it feels like you’re losing something you just picked up. There is also a weapon inventory limit (that can be increased by solving small puzzles) which I think limits the room that players have to experiment. Regardless of my issues, Breath of the Wild is a game that I’m able to get lost in and enjoy for hours on end whether it is riding a horse through the kingdom, scaling mountainsides for secrets or completing quests found while exploring. I recommend this game to anyone even if they are not interested in video games.
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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” Our Opinion
Cuban’s fight against big pharma Billionaire businessman Mark Cuban has made one small step for prescription drug companies and one giant leap for national healthcare. Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company is a new pharmaceutical option for consumers who are in need of required medication who may be uninsured. Americans who can’t afford insurance pay more for medications that most need to live, and Cuban’s company is trying to fight that. Cost Plus Drugs will only charge consumers the price at which the medication was bought for, a three dollar handling fee, five dollar shipping fee, plus a 15 percent markup. Even with insurance copay, customers are still likely to pay more for prescribed medication and generic drugs, which makes Cuban’s company a great option for those insured, as well. At the moment, Cost Plus Drugs stocks around 700 generic drugs for the general public. Abacavir / Lamivudine (generic for Epzicom), an important drug used to treat and manage HIV, retails for $1,096.10. On Cuban’s website the drug is listed for $57.60 without any processing costs applied. It’s no secret that the pharmaceutical industry profits from illness and chronic conditions. We shouldn’t have to risk going into debt because we need a certain medication to live, we shouldn’t have to make the decision of waiting to go to the hospital because we can’t afford it or can’t risk the thousands of dollars of debt it would put us in. It is time to look at the American healthcare system as a whole, it is time for change. Obtaining pharmaceuticals at an affordable price should not be as difficult as it is today. Individuals should not have to decide if they want to buy medicine that they need to live or if they want to save the money and pay off other things they may need. In a country that is so deeply concerned with the lives of unborn babies, the thought of individuals who are alive and have a difficult time staying alive should be revolting to them. This country cannot claim to be pro-life and simultaneously ignore a literal life or death issue half of its citizens face on a daily basis. The opportunity to access pharmaceuticals in a more affordable manner is finally upon us, all thanks to Mark Cuban. If one single billionaire man is able to do this, the entire American healthcare system should have no problem doing the same thing.
I dress to express
The way I dress is for my satisfaction solely. I do not dress for the male gaze, nor do I dress to seek out compliments f r o m strangers, contrary to what Makaylah others Chavez m i g h t Managing Editor think. My outfit is my choice and my form of self-expression. I cautiously choose what I want to wear each day to stand out and make a bold statement because
self-expression is necessary. Now-a-days, it feels like we can all be clones of each other regarding the way we speak and our mannerisms. That is why I actively hold myself accountable to think outside the box and put together styles that I know I won’t run into crossing the street. Yet, sometimes those around me disagree with my stylistic choices and even go as far as complaining about them to the extent where I am removed from certain premises. Why am I judged and prevented from express-
ing who I am and who I want to be? Why are any of us shamed when we take that fashion risk in a life where risks should be taken? Fashion risks keep things exciting. Trying on pieces of clothing that younger you wouldn’t have dared to dream is what helps you grow as an individual. Fashion is a way to showcase your personality without having to say a word. It allows you to fully and thoroughly find out what you like best and what works for you. Having dyed hair shouldn’t be considered
unprofessional. Having sparkly pants on at work shouldn’t be considered unprofessional. Having a nose piercing shouldn’t be considered unprofessional. We need to stop succumbing to a society that prevents us from taking risks. Expression itself should not be considered unprofessional. We shouldn’t have to adjust our lifestyle choices to fit someone else’s. There are bigger problems in this world to focus on than what I so boldly and powerfully choose to wear.
Act your age; it is not that hard
Working in the food service industry made me realize that people seem to forget what manners are when they enter a restaurant Rae and order. Martinez Not only Entertainment do they Editor bring their wallets, but they also bring in a sense of entitlement. Make no mistake, not everyone is like this, but
there are far too many people, especially the older demographic who walk in and expect to be treated like royalty. I am well aware that there is no actual rule that says customers should treat employees with respect, but these are the same people who spent half of our lives telling us to, “treat people the way you would like to be treated.” I’ve only had three encounters with unfriendly customers, but that was already too much for me. I worked long-hour
shifts at an understaffed restaurant where I got paid minimum wage. I did not have time to take lunch breaks due to how packed the restaurant got, yet customers still got frustrated at my coworkers and I for taking too long? Even worse, for defending ourselves from their condescending comments? The food is not going anywhere, and the restaurant is not closing down anytime soon, so there is no need to treat employees like they are
beneath you. These are the individuals who are preparing your food, and you think it’s okay to treat them with such hostility? I am more than sure that is not the way you speak to a loved one, and if it is, I am deeply sorry for them. Please try to empathize with individuals who work in the food service industry when they say they are doing the best they can. If you are not willing to empathize, pick up a job application.
Time for an update
It’s good to be updated on what you’re interested in and sometimes getting those updates can be presented as a fun and entertaining experience. M a n y in the film FrankVillarreal and techReporter nology industries like to present their updates as a spectacle and I think that streaming these reveals is a great way to engage with and excite the audience. While these events may simply be glorified
ads, I think it can be exciting to watch how the event unfolds and see if there’s any surprises that’ll appeal to you. The contents of the showcase will always depend on who made the event, so tech companies like Apple will host an Apple Event to show off their newest products or software. For events like Comic-Con (which holds news ranging from films to merchandise), companies like Marvel and Netflix will show up to make announcements for their upcoming films or shows. Video game companies hold these events as well, but are they as worth watching as the
ones from other industries? I think they are since there’s a certain buzz of excitement surrounding even just the announcement of an event happening. Communities will come together to speculate what’ll be shown based on rumors alone. Fans will keep an eye on what they enjoy but companies need to have these events somewhat frequently to make sure their latest games stay in the general public’s view. Larger companies, like Microsoft, have them further apart but indie companies, like Devolver Digital, have them often.
Makaylah Chavez
For such an interactive medium, it’s good to get updates on franchises you enjoy or learn about titles you didn’t even know you wanted. There’s a shocking amount of excitement that comes with seeing a game you’ve been waiting years to hear about and that joy alone makes watching the showcases worth it in my eyes. That’s not even accounting for the creativity and variety different game studios can present in these shows. There will always be something for everyone to enjoy at any point in the year, so I suggest keeping an eye out for the next big event.
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campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com The South Texan is a student publication produced by Texas A&M University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The
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From Vela, Pg 1
faces barriers. Attending university shows you are willing to work hard to reach your goals, and you can achieve them. As the university’s new president, Vela is prepared to take on challenges facing the university, listing enrollment as the main issue of concern at TAMUK. “Top priority for me is to grow enrollment,” Vela said. “We have an environment that’s open for all students, that all students are welcome, so it’s very important for me that we all ensure that enrollment becomes and will stay top priority for us.” Vela believes enrollment is everyone’s concern on campus. “Enrollment is everybody’s business. We as employees or alumni or students, we should all be advocating for this amaz-
From Jimenez, Pg 1
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, catching up on sleep and practicing, whether that be scripts, vocals or mariachi. Jimenez’s close friends have also taken notice of her musical and character progress since her first time arriving on campus. “Her passion for music comes naturally. She’s a hard worker and takes her music very seriously. She’s always trying to do her best. She found her calling and it shines through,” sophomore Sociology Major and Choir Mentor Alexzandra Garcia said. Garcia and Jimenez both attended a choir camp to further increase their chances of advancing to region choir and the two enjoy singing together for fun. “Angel achieving her dreams has inspired me to achieve my own. We are supportive of one another,” Garcia said. TAMUK’s Director of Choral Activities Dr. Kenneth Williams strives to produce the best music educators by teaching through performance. One of the ways he does this is by encouraging non-music majors to join his ensemble groups. Jimenez, a member of the campus concert choir, has worked closely with Williams to make great progress in her private lessons and more. “Angel has grown in many ways. She demon-
ing university,” he said. As President, Vela has no plans to cut program, if enrollment continues to decline. Faculty Senate President-Elect Dr. Michael Houf said that he and the Faculty Senate President will meet with the President and Provost of the university monthly, with open lines of communication on each side. The role of the Faculty Senate is to provide representation to all departments and colleges on campus. “We meet to talk about the issues and opportunities that the faculty have,” Faculty Senate President Dr. Tanner Machado said. “I’m super excited about being able to work with Dr. Vela, the opportunity for him to come down, an individual that is from South Texas, who understands South Texas, who
strates an understanding of the potential of her voice in all its capabilities and a variety of styles. One of the most striking growths that I have seen in Angel is her confidence and in her belief in the potential of her voice,” Williams said. Williams states that singing can give students a sense of belonging, which is something Jimenez found gradually along the way. “She is a born performer, unlike most in that when she performs in front of an audience, her nervousness spurs her to greater heights. This she has demonstrated in her many performances within the university and without,” Williams said. Jimenez is grateful for her support system and to everyone who plays a part in helping her get to where she is today. She plans to audition for other shows in the future, and believes she is still learning and improving with each performance but likes to appreciate the experience she gains out of it nonetheless. “My advice would be to just go for it. You’re going to hear a lot of nos before you finally hear that one yes, and that one yes could possibly change your life,” Jimenez finishes. The lights turn back on as supporters and audience members cheer in applause. Jimenez stands proud, having an unforgettable experience behind her and a bright future ahead.
understands the culture that the university has, so I’m super excited to be a part of helping him transition as a president here, to understand the needs of the faculty.” Vela will also work closely with student leaders in the Student Government Association (SGA). “The plan that I have to ensure that Dr. Vela is able to listen to the student’s concerns is to deeply inform him that the students’ well-being is the main priority. Without the students there will be no university. Every single student on this campus has a powerful voice and every single one should be heard,” SGA President Tyler Larraga said. Traditionally, SGA meets with the university president on a regular basis and Larraga is confident Vela will continue to meet with SGA allowing
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Ronni Reyna
Dr. Vela answers phone calls sitting in his office.
them to continue advocating for student life “I want students to know that I’m approachable and that I’m a good listener and I really care,” Vela said. “I’m very empathetic about what students are going through. For me it’s always about really listening [and] understand-
ing that student lens and ensuring that students have a voice and they’re being heard and they have a seat at the leadership table to have an active voice in decision making for the future of this university.” As Vela completes his first weeks in office, the Javelina alumnus assures
From Search , Pg 1
Jimenez on stage during the competition
Jimenez passionately sings.
Jimenez adorned in a red dress with stitched flowers during the vocal contest.
Submitted Photo
Submitted Photo
Submitted Photo
and the university. “Both positions are critical to the university’s mission,” Silva said. “Having two separate individuals dedicated to both divisions will help ensure that we can continue to focus on growing enrollment while providing students the experience and support they need.” Dr. Silva said the search for the new Vice President of Enrollment Management will begin immediately and he will be chair for the search. Director of Marketing and Communications Adriana Garza-Flores said the new enrollment VP will lead the two critical areas for enrollment – admissions and finan-
students he will listen. “At the end of the day we want our students to graduate, that’s the most important thing,” he said. “We all have a role in ensuring that students ultimately succeed here.” To hear the full interview with Dr. Vela, visit thesouthtexan.com
cial aid. Vela described the ideal candidate as someone who understands managing enrollment. To ensure that the new Vice President for Enrollment Management is doing what they are supposed to do. “It is important to me as the university President, for all of us, to get a candidate that really wants to be at A&M Kingsville and wants to serve our community,” Vela said. “They have to be 100 percent invested in our community and our mission here at the university.” Garza-Flores said the search committee held its first meeting on June 22. The goal is to have the position filled by the end of this year.
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June 27, 2022 thesouthtexan.com