Mexican American Studies Institute

Established in 2022, the Mexican American Studies Institute (MASI) at Texas A&M University-Kingsville celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of Mexican Americans in the Coastal Bend, South Texas, and the Texas-Mexico borderlands. As part of the university's commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, MASI provides students, faculty, staff, and the broader community with opportunities to explore the experiences, achievements, and enduring legacy of people of Mexican origin.

Through academic programming, lectures, cultural celebrations, research, and study abroad opportunities, MASI fosters meaningful dialogue, expands cultural understanding, and prepares students to become informed leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.

Being part of MASI provides:

• Opportunities for intellectual conversation about Mexican American students and faculty
• Sarape Stole Ceremony at commencement
• Academic lecture series for students, staff, and faculty
• Engagement with Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean as partners in the progress of people of Mexican origin
• An understanding and honoring the legacy of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement and the Chicano Movement

Student Voices

"MASI is the only reason I’m going to attend grad school."

"The mentors are amazing in any questions you may have regarding your current degree plan and plans for graduate schools ... It’s also a place for everyone to be heard and accepted!"

"MASI is one of the best things TAMUK has to offer!"

Contacts for the Mexican American Studies Institute:

• Michelle Ramirez, PhD (email) michelle.ramirez@tamuk.edu (phone) 361.739.5764
• Daniel Arias (email) daniel.arias@tamuk.edu (phone) 361.593.2113

Why September 15?

Dating back to the early 1900’s, community leaders came together to advocate for a revolutionary campus in the heart of South Texas, now known as Texas A&M University-Kingsville. With a strong focus on education reform, there was a need for quality teachers who were also bilingual in Spanish. After a twenty-year battle and a generous land grant from King Ranch, the creation of a normal school in South Texas was on the horizon. On September 15, 1924, Robert J. Kleberg turned the first shovel of earth for the new school.

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