The South Texan Vol. 97 Issue 14

TheSouthTexan.com

Rescuing, rehoming furry friends

TAMUK approaches Provost decision

There’s one less stray cat out on the streets tonight, thanks to the students of the Veterinary Technologist Club (VTC) and the Veterinary Technology Program (VTP) at Texas A&M University Kingsville.

Ringworms, ticks, matted hair, the VTP takes them all how they come. Each animal comes from the Kingsville Animal Control where they were either found homeless or abandoned.

Instructional Veterinarian Nurse and advisor for the VTC Tiffany Pope further explained exactly what the students do for the animals.

“The students alongside our professional staff do physical exams. So we look at all their bodies systems, take notes of anything that is abnormal, and then we also do some baseline health testing, so we take blood samples, and we test to see if they have an infection present, how their organs are performing, and we do infectious disease testing,” Pope said.

At the VTP their mission is to teach their students how to provide the best care for each animal.

“By the end of the semester, they [animals] should be as healthy as we can get them. They’ve got all of their preventive care, they’ve been spayed and neutered, and we have already done everything we can to treat them medically, and hopefully they get adopted out into new homes,” Pope said.

Once the animals are healthy, it is time for them to get adopted. This is when the VTC comes into the picture to help these fury animals find a forever home.

“The club is completely submerged into this process. We take photographs of the animals as well as write up bios and we post them on our social media, as well as word of mouth,”

VTC President Sylvia Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez explained it is important to send animals home once they have already been spayed and neutered. Since this will eventually help decrease

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Ronni

| Editor-in-Chief chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Texas A&M University-Kingsville is one step closer to filling the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs position.

On kk April 17, students, faculty and staff were notified that the university had invited four provost candidates to visit campus and give a 20-minute presentation in an open forum followed by a Q&A.

While four candidates were invited, one notified the search committee they accepted a position elsewhere. The university announced the three candidates –Dr. Royce Smith, Dr. James Palmer, and Dr. Orlando Perez. The candidates were given a tour of Javelina Nation and opportunity to speak with students and faculty on campus.

Smith was the first can-

Provost candidates visit campus Online Beat

didate to visit campus. From Montana State University, Bozeman, Smith currently serves as the outgoing Dean of Arts and Architecture and is a professor of Contemporary Art.

Smith’s April 20 presentation included his first experiences on the TAMUK campus, projects he’s helped facilitate at MSU, his openness of communication with faculty and staff, and curiosity in a presentation he titled “Turning Dreaming into Doing: Thoughts about Tomorrow’s Ready Leadership at TAMUK.”

“I think provosts, like deans, but to a greater extent, start to move a little bit further away from the specifics that inspired them to be professors in the first place. They start to advocate and support, and grow areas that are not their own, so you have to lean into listening, but you also [need] a perpetual sense of curiosity about what motivates people and to keep a laser focus on that. President Vela has that curiosity; he has that willingness to reach out the hand and to listen to what people’s sources of inspiration and passion are. I am that person, too,” Smith said.

Smith has led several initiatives at his university, including a two percent annual increase in the College of Arts and Architecture since 2016.

Palmer was the second candidate to visit campus.

Palmer serves as the provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). He made his presentation on April 27.

His presentation included the programs he helps

CACOST at no cost New medical help for students

Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) has partnered with Community Action Corporation of South Texas Health Center (CACOST) to provide students with health services on campus.

Services are offered at no cost to students.

During the pandemic, Texas A&M University Kingsville contacted Community Action to partner up by bringing a mobile facility to the university.

“Before I was insured, I would avoid seeking medical care due to the out-of-pocket expens -

es for the medication I needed. I knew the visit, alone, would be around $90, and the medication was $170, so I completely avoided receiving medical attention,” a student who visited the bus for health care needs who wanted to remain unidentified said.

With a facility that offers many services on campus, students no longer need to struggle to find transportation or money to get seen by a medical professional.

“For the general public, we adhere to the sliding fee scale-it is based on the ability to pay, and we do not deny services to anybody. As for TAMUK, we do not bill students if they receive services on campus since it is already included in their tuition fees,” CEO Ann E. Awalt said.

Students can call to make an appointment or be seen as a walk in. The mobile facility is located in the parking lot of the Student Health and Well-

ness building.

“What we provide there [mobile facility on campus] is primary medical care for the student population. They offer

sick/wellness visits and treat chronic conditions, including ordering maintenance medications for conditions such as dia -

*cough, cough*

Photo by CJ Cortez

Jessica Alvarez CMA, Yvette Lerma FNp-C and Christina Gonzalez CMA in front of the CACOST medical bus located outside of the Student Health and Wellness building across from Mesquite.

Reyna

Submitted Photo

Students from the Vet Tech program use a stethoscope to check a dog’s heart while distracting him with a treat.

Dr. Royce Smith

Dr. Orlando Perez

Dr. James Palmer

Briana Beltran | Circulation Manager

Briana Beltran | Circulation Manager

Submitted Photo

Students from the Vet Tech Program check up on a cat.

Irma Rangel : The First coming soon

Play about trailblazing alumnus

Irma Rangel was a trailblazer in Texas politics, becoming the first Mexican-American woman to serve in the Texas House of Representatives.

Born in Kingsville, Texas in 1931, Rangel overcame many obstacles to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

cy, but with his play Irma Rangel: The First, Dr. Patrick Faherty brought the story to life in a new and exciting way.

Dr. Faherty’s production is meant to showcase Rangel’s legacy and teach the audience about the famous representative.

“I want people to know Irma Rangel is an incredible woman,” Faherty said. “There’s a reason this building is named after her.”

Aaron Carbajal, one of the cast members, said the play is very different from a typical production.

“On stage we have

and giving a lecture.” Carbajal said. “I didn’t really know anything about Irma until I joined the cast for this show, everything we learned was new to me.”

The production was partially inspired by an article Dr. Manuel Flores had written about Irma Rangel.

“She fought tirelessly for higher education and professional schools, and her advocacy efforts helped establish a school of pharmacy in Kingsville, a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley, and dental schools in San Antonio and Lubbock,”

ration for the production, Dr. Flores expressed his gratitude for being able to contribute to the pro duction.

my article serve as inspi ration for Dr. Faherty’s play. The story of Irma Rangel is an important one, and I am glad that it is being shared with a wider audience,” Flores said.

will have two showings. The showings will be at 7:30 p.m. May 2 and 3 at The Little Theater. open to the public. For more information every one is encouraged to con tact Patsy Rios at tamuk.edu.

Smashing away stress before finals

Students released end of semester stress

Stress is something almost all, if not all, college students experience, especially as the semester comes to an end and finals creep up. The stress-free zone event gave students the opportunity to de-stress by smashing plates and learning about resources that are available to them to manage their stress.

Eli Garces with the Student Health and Wellness Center feels that events like this one are very beneficial to students.

“Many college students do things that they shouldn’t when they become stressed, but again, we’re college students so we help them learn what to do when these things happen,” Garces said.

“We teamed up with PEP talk, we have dental screenings going on, we have Men’s and Women’s Health Center, as well as Student Engagement and Careers, and Counseling Services available today for students.”

Student Alejandra Reyna also feels these events are beneficial to students.

“I was feeling very stressed, so I decided to come and see what resources are available to me,” Reyna said.

Reyna also said she

will attend other events like this one in the future, as long as the university keeps holding them.

Roxana Castellanos is a professional counselor at the Student Health and Wellness Center.

“Stress Free Zone is so amazing for students to get the chance to learn what resources are available to them, and also learn about ways to take care of themselves through these stressful times. And implement these practices to better perform academically and personally,” Castellanos explained.

Castellanos wanted to remind students that grades don’t define your worth and make sure to lean on supportive people that are going to motivate you through this stressful time, For more information

on how to stay healthy and de-stress, contact the Stu-

dent Health and Wellness at 361-593-3991

Career engagement hosts open house

Many services for students

Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Career Engagements Center (CEC) is a valuable resource for students and alumni seeking career guidance and professional development opportunities.

The CEC offers a wide range of services and programs designed to help students and alumni achieve their career goals.

In order to show students the many opportunities, the office hosted an open house.

“We help our students be prepared for years and decades after they graduate,” Director of Career Engagement and Corpo-

rate Relations Ralph Leal said.

Inside the office there is many areas that are free for student use, including a conference room and headshot photo room.

Along with this, the CEC provides students with access to career counseling, job search strategies, and assistance with resume and cover letter writing.

The center also hosts job fairs, networking events, and workshops on topics such as interviewing skills and salary negotiation.

The CEC also hires students in their office to help them develop their professional skills and offer valuable insight and support to their peers and contribute to the overall success of the office.

“I really like seeing the students come into our office and being able to help them be successful,” Joshua Macareno an employee of CEC said. Several students attended the open house and learned about the facility.

“I didn’t realize they provided so many opportunities for us here, like helping with our resumes or getting a headshot done,” student Micaela Gracia said.

With its wide range of resources and programs, the CEC is can be an asset to help students be successful.

For more information students are encourage to visit the Career Engagement Center, located in the Memorial Student Union Building on the first floor, Room 133.

Irma Rangel and her lega

Abigayle Hayden| Reporter

Abigatle Hayden| Reporter

Laryssa Salinas| Campus Editor campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Photo by CJ Cortez

Students from the production posing with their scripts in front of the Irma Rangel statue.

Photo by CJ Cortez

Female students posing with their hands in the air towards Irma Rangel’s statue.

Courtosy of @tamukcab Students relieved stress by smashing plates at the stress-free zone.

Review: Washing away all your problems

Can it really be that simple?

Yes it can!

What seems like a simple job in an even simpler career path quickly drags you into a world full of conspiracies and odd twists in “PowerWash Similator,” a game developed by Futurlab and published by Square Enix.

It might be a long journey but all you’ll need is some determination and a good power washer.

“PowerWash Simulator” is a first-person shooter (FPS). Sort of. You are shooting at something but you’re shooting

at dirt, grime and anything else filthy with your power washer.

It’s not a high-octane experience like you would expect from a more standard FPS like “Call of Duty,” a movement shooter like “Ultrakill” or a retro FPS like “Cultic.”

It’s a title in opposition to all of those. “PowerWash Simulator” is a relaxing and slow experience (unless you’re playing with friends which would help speedup the cleaning) that doesn’t ask too much of you.

Each level that you play in this game is presented as a different job.

There is not a single job in the game where you won’t be cleaning.

Each job will tell you how much you’re being paid when looking through them on the job

menu (payments are further detailed when you take the job).

You will be earning the money in increments since you get paid for every section that gets cleaned completely.

These jobs can range from something as simple as cleaning someone’s car to something as complicated as washing an entire Ferris wheel (the Ferris wheel is moving, but there is a button to shut it down to help with your cleaning).

There are currently 55 jobs (Downloadable content (DLC) included) available in the game with plenty more to come.

There’s also currently free DLC that includes crossover content in the form of jobs with “Final Fantasy VII” and “Tomb Raider.”

To help you clean all of these locations, there are four different levels of power washers that you can buy with the money you earn.

Alongside this are different nozzles for each power washer that will help diversify your cleaning kit.

There’s also different types of soaps that you can buy for washing specific surfaces, but I think the only useful one is the metal cleaner.

The game isn’t on the cutting edge of graphics but the locations and objects you’re cleaning look nice and bright once all the grime is gone.

The gameplay isn’t complicated by any means which makes it an easily accessible experience, even for people who aren’t familiar with games.

The gameplay loop may not sound interesting to most audiences, but there’s a lot of satisfaction to be had when looking at a freshly cleaned wall or driveway.

Especially when coupled with a loud “ding” noise that plays after you finish (or get close to finshing) a specific section.

If you want to have a bit of fun outside of that, you could always just draw on the dirt using your power washer.

You could play a game of tic tac toe with a friend on the side of the building you’re cleaning or you could write “Wash Me” like most people seem to do on dirty cars.

There’s also an interesting story to keep track of through the job descriptions and text messages that you receive from the people that employ you.

“PowerWash Simulator” doesn’t break the mold of the gaming industry, but it doesn’t need to.

The only molds that need to break are the ones that you find on the job.

I recommend this game to anyone looking for a relaxing time that can be enjoyed with friends.

Review: You passed GO! Collect $200!

Build a Monopoly over Kingsville

Last week I went shopping at Walmart and found a game of Monopoly based on real locations in Kingsville, Texas.

Out of curiosity I ended up buying the game and called some friends to come over and see how fun it would be knowing that we’ve been to most of these places.

The game is called “KingsvilleOpoly” and I don’t think they could have given it a more perfect name.

“KingsvilleOpoly” had my friends and I fighting and laughing all throughout the night for simply trying to see who could win it all.

We played with four members, including myself, and the game was better than expected. The rules are the same as normal “Monopoly.” On your turn, you roll the dice, move your piece and choose whether you want to buy the property you land on or let the bank auction the place.

Throughout the course of the game, we found

ourselves fighting to own certain locations such as Pizza Parlor, El Dorado restaurant and even our very own Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK).The game was definitely fun.

We have played a couple more times throughout the week, however I do understand it might not be for everyone.

The game is still based primarily on luck and how well your dice roll is.

For some people this might not be the ideal game to play but I personally believe that “KingsvilleOpoly” is made more fun to play because you have those emotional attachments towards many of the places on the board.

Overall, I would give this board game an eight out of 10 simply for the many fun cards you receive and the excitement generated from fighting for TAMUK and other locations you like.

Of course, this is a collaboration with many other cities and schools so maybe you can give those a chance as well if you’re from out of town.

Regardless of wherever you come from, there is the chance that there’s a Monopoly made especially for you to play.

FrankVillarreal| Entertainment Editor entertainment.editor @thesouthtexan.com

Image from steampowered.com

Photos by Mariana Soria

MarianaSoria| Contributing Writer

August - September

The fall semester kicked off with the first Hog Call of the year. Also at the start of the semester, the Care Closet started offering fresh produce to students, the Javelina football team started their winning streak, The Mexican American Institute opened on the third floor of Rhode Hall, the Rural Mental Health Institute was started and the Conner Museum hosted the first Tamalada Festival during Family Weekend.

November - December

During the second to last month of the semester, The Rec got new equipment, the Sid Blanks Social Justice Symposium was held, a Veterans Day celebration was hosted, the Javelina Football Team took on Corsicana, art students took over downtown Kingsville to showcase their artwork, the Goswami’s retired and Javelina President Dr. Robert Vela was inaugurated.

October

October, the Javelina spirit month, was home to many things, including homecoming. The university hosted its annual fall carnival, Homecoming parade, Hog Call and football game at which the Homecoming King and Queen Jose “Whapo” Ramirez and Illianna Tijerina were announced after a long week of campaigning to the student body. Also in October was the Tejano Banquet recognizing Hispanic leaders on campus and the Javelinas beat West Texas for the first time, as they continued their winning streak.

The 2022-2023 academic school year was filled with so many moments for the university As The South Texan wraps up its last issue we wanted to take you through the last school year.

Jessica Tijerina

President Vela gives his inauguration speech.

Melissa Mata

Students and Sapphires dance in front of the Dining Hall during call Hog Call.

Jessica Tijerina

Skylar Farrell, Pily Stevens and Danielle Martinez getting pied to raise money for Dance Marathon

January - February

At the start of the new year, TAMUK welcomed Josh Peck in a continuing lectureship series, Erin McClure was promoted to Assist Dean of Students, Texas’ TikTok ban went into effect on campus and Oleksandr Zhalkovskyi shared his story of traveling to Ukraine to bring his mother to the United States.

March

March was home to Spring Fling, a new series of events aimed at male retention at the university, Protect the Pack, Mujeres A Travez Del Tiempo a book celebration inspired by the iconic mural in the ballrooms was held and the Javelina Cheer team took on Daytona and brought home third place in their competition.

April

In April the Maker Space had its grand opening, the Javelina Baseball team took on the Corpus Christi Hooks, Briana Carr made softball history, Coach Tanya Allen-Gonzalez had her 100th Beach Volleyball win, Dance Marathon raised over $15,000 for Driscoll Children’s Hospital, TAMUK announced a $1.4 million grant from the Hector and Gloria Lopez Foundation and Carissa Palacios was crowned Miss TAMUK.

Erik Estrada

TikTok ban in effect on campus.

Melissa Mata

The Javelina Cheer Team practices for Daytona.

Ronni Reyna

Members of the Dance Marathon Executive Board, (L to R) Pily Stevens, Skylar Farrel, Erin McClure, Danielle Martinez, Ana Vela, Jannet Flores and Joshua Macareno with John J (center).

Briana Beltran

Jaquline McClendon crowns the new Miss TAMUK Carissa Palacios.

Dominic Valdez

Josh Peck signs an autograph in his book “Happy People Are Annoying.”

Dominic Valdez

Arnold Gonzales’ paining that hangs in the MSUB ballrooms surrounded by those in attendance at the book celebration.

CJ Cortez

Kendall Reeves and company preform live on the Boulevard.

Our Opinion

Texas seek to arm educators and employees

Texas House Bill 13 aimed at safety in schools includes mental health training, fentanyl poisoning awareness week, armed guardians on school campuses, active shooter preparedness, funds for safety and the requirement of surveillance systems. This comes in the wake of numerous mass shootings and gun violence which has resulted in many young lives and educators alike being taken away from their families.

All could greatly impact Texas schools in a positive manner, and most aspects of the bill we agree with. However, following the countless mass shootings across the United States and here in Texas recently, where is the legislation to ban assault weapons?

This bill would provide more funding towards school safety and establish active shooter drills to be updated and revised every four years. Schools cannot be safe until semi-automatic assault weapons are banned and have no way of getting into our schools. This plea to have educators or school staff trained to carry weapons on campus seems like one option to protect our students and educators, but it is not enough.

The South Texan staff has varying opinions regarding teachers and school employees having weapons. Some see it as a way to save lives, others see it as dangerous. However, we all agree that though Texas focusing on school safety is a step in the right direction, the focus should be on actual assault weapons, not combating weapons with weapons in the same areas we wish to have protected. Place the blame on the actual cause of school shootings, assault weapons, instead of making school districts work harder to protect their children and possibly endangering them further.

Schools will not be safe unless these weapons are off the streets, out of the hands of the public, and away from our school grounds. These weapons have no place on school campuses yet time and time again they make their way in. Robb Elementary should have been the final straw and yet we still have no legislation barring the purchase of assault style weapons. Schools should be safe, and we need the right legislation to ensure that.

One chapter finished so it’s time for the next

What is there that I could say about college that hasn’t been said already? I don’t know if I’d call it the best experience of my life (would’ve been nicer if it wasn’t so expensive), but I can say that it has had a major impact on who I am. I’ve also learned a lot of valuable information for doing what I enjoy and it has

Frank Villareal Entertainment Editor Emeri Drewey Contributing Writer

been incredibly gratifying to see my writing improve. There’s not much for me to say about my time at Texas A&M University Kingsville, but I am grateful for being able to go to college even if it took me longer than I expected to finish. The only nice thing I can say about having attended for a while is that I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing and interesting people, both peers and professors alike. Much like the end of any chapter, you can’t help but wonder what happens next, and I’m

wondering the same. I have plenty of ideas for what I’d like to do such as some freelance writing or editing or maybe I could just work on some creative projects that I’ve had sitting on the backburner for what feels like ages at this point.

Maybe I’ll dive straight into the workforce and see where I end up. Maybe I’ll try my hand at doing all three of those things at once at the risk of burning out. Who knows really?

I certainly don’t know as of writing this article, but I think that’s quite all

right. Rather than feeling some fear for the uncertainty of my future, I feel immense excitement. I think there’s a sort of joy that comes from approaching the unknown, especially if you’re willing to handle anything that you throw yourself into.

If there’s anything that I find I can’t handle then I’ll simply do what I can to find a way to make things work out in my favor. I know most folks might not think it’s the best or most sound plan, but to be Frank, planning was never my strong suit.

Looking to the next chapter, but thankful for this one

As I begin to write this, I reflect on my past three years at Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK). I am so thankful for the friendships I’ve created, professors I’ve been mentored by and student organizations I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of.

The student media department has allowed me

to explore areas of communication that I had no prior experience in and become a member of an amazing team of students! Leaving a campus that has felt like home is what makes goodbyes so difficult.

Deadlines to meet, articles to write, interviews to prepare for and campus news to report on are just some of the things I have been committed to the last two years and I have enjoyed every minute of it. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

I’ll take TAMUK and the

memories with me wherever I go. Forever proud to be a Javelina! As my time at Javelina Nation is winding down I look forward to my next chapter in my life.

To all the brilliant and talented student workers who are taking over in our shoes (The South Texan, Javelina Broadcast Network and KTAI), cherish your time as it will go by in the blink of an eye.

In everything y’all accomplish while a student make sure it makes you happy, and boosts your resumé is just a plus. For

those who are graduating in a few weeks I hope your upcoming goals and accomplishments big or small are nothing short of what you dreamed of as a child! Don’t forget your time at TAMUK but be bold in the pursuit of what makes you stand out in this world. As for my post-graduation plans, I’ll be leaving Kingsville to complete my master’s degree at Baylor University beginning in the fall. I’ll leave you with my favorite quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”- Ghandi.

Farewell Javelina Nation

This experience has been unique and once in a lifetime. Leaving home for a higher education was always an option I knew was possible the older I got.

Dylan Sanchez Opinion Editor

After my senior year at Fort Bend Marshall High School, I chose Texas A&M Kingsville to be my next destination. Now, this place will forever be the home I had for four years of my life.

2019 was truly the year my life changed because I

was on my own with the responsibility to maintain excellence in the classroom and on the football field. After my first year of college, COVID-19 came into our lives and changed it again. I’ve been through a lot of change in the past four years for sure, but I am overall just thankful to have had this opportunity to succeed and become a college graduate.

I’ve met men and women of high character and fellow students that have made my time here a pleasure. For starters, I would like to thank Nicole Morris and The South Texan staff who

STAFF

Ronni Reyna Editor-in-Chief chief.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Melissa Mata Managing Editor managing.editor@thesouthtexan.com

have been my colleagues and friends for three years now. Being a communication major with a passion for journalism was the most fortunate combination I feel I could have had.

This organization full of hard-working individuals has introduced me to my hidden talents for writing and radio. I will be forever grateful for that.

I also would like to thank Head Football Coach Michael Salinas. Coach gave me a chance to stay on this team after a regime change just after my first semester of school. I worked hard to

Dylan Sanchez Opinion Editor opinion.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Dominic Valdez

Asistant Digital Manager

Abigayle Hayden Senior Reporter

the bone during hot summers and warm winters in the weight room, on the field, and in the classroom.

Javelina football taught me character and discipline. As I soon begin my coaching journey as a high school football coach, I hope to help young men just as Salinas helped me.

I truly thank the friends I have met, my brothers on the field, and most importantly my family as I start a new life. Despite the ups and downs, Javelina Nation will always be connected to my life and I’m just fine with that.

Nicole Perez Morris Adviser nicole.morris@tamuk.edu

Advertising

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 South Texan uses student fees in part to publish. The South Texan is part of the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT) and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).

Laryssa Salinas Campus Editor campus.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Zena Desouza

Chris Olivarez Co-Sports Editors sports.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Frank Villarreal Entertainment Editor entertainment.editor@thesouthtexan.com

Mireya Martinez Jessica Tijerina Photographers

Mackenzie Best Social Media Manager

Briana Beltran Circulation Manager

Aryssa Enriquez

Assistant General Manager Student Media aryssa.enriquez@tamuk.edu

For advertising inquiries, e-mail The South Texan at advertising.manager @thesouthtexan.com or call (361) 593-4370.

Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom

speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.”

the population of strays.

The VTC even works to donate items for animals who are in need.

“We participate in canned dog and cat food drives to take to the animal shelters, we will put a few

boxes around the school to collect and donate,” VTC member Darby Dugan said. Although many animals don’t get adopted by the end of the semester, they don’t get sent back to animal control. Instead,

they go to rescues.

If you’re interested in adding an adorable new furry friend to your household check out the Veterinary Technologist Clubs’ Facebook @Tamuk Vet-Tech Club and Instagram page @ tamukvet_tech.

facilitate at PVAMU, his hands-on time with faculty and staff, his push for faculty and student success, and his management of several millions of dollars in funding.

After speaking with students in the Student Government Association (SGA), Palmer already saw aspects in which he would help improve campus.

“It is interesting to think about the student perspective because I met with SGA. They said there’s some kind of rich history here about family culture and small classrooms at the same time they said they would like to see faculty be more engaged with them and responsive to them, and so I think we need to allocate some resources in

terms of faculty development,” Palmer said.

The provost search committee is collecting feedback from faculty and student opinions on goals and priorities for the position, asking those in attendance at the presentations to fill out feedback forms.

The third and final candidate is set to visit campus May 1, but was available for an interview with The South Texan.

Perez is dean of the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences and a professor of Political Science at the University of North Texas at Dallas.

“I’m honored and humbled by being considered a potential provost at TAMUK. I think Kingsville is a great institution; it’s one of the leading HSI institutions. I’m a first-genera-

tion college student. I’m a first-generation immigrant to the United States. I was born in Cuba and came when I was a toddler with my parents so I appreciate the value of institutions like TAMUK to be committed to affordable, accessible high-quality education for students who would otherwise perhaps not be able to access such quality education,” he said.

Perez, who is a “Texan by choice,” stressed his appreciation to the university.

He also noted his care for students in his experience in curriculum development and strategic planning.

Perez’s presentation was held in the Recital Hall in the School of Music May 1.

The Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs is expected to be chosen by summer.

betes or high blood pressure,” COO Elizabeth ‘Nikki’ Alviar Garcia said.

Community Action Corporation of South Texas Health Center serves 16 counties in South Texas, a complex area that lacks medical professionals.

“We [CACOST] receive a small amount of funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration. We must raise about 66 to 67 percent of what it takes to operate; most funding comes from private foundations and public institutions,” Awalt said.

Other services provid-

ed are dental services, Head Start programs, housing/ utility service assistance and senior nutrition programs.

CACOST has provided Javelina Nation with primary medical care, referrals and sexual health care during the spring semester.

By calling (361)2390600, patients can also receive assistance from one of Community Action’s 24/7 on-call providers if they need medical care after business hours.

CACOST will be available for one last Saturday for the Spring semester from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May

6, in their bus located outside of Student Health and Wellness.

They will continue providing services throughout the summer for students enrolled in the Fall semester; the mobile facility will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you are searching for a job after graduation, the corporation is hiring; some positions available are teachers, physical therapists, speech pathologists and nutritionists.

You can visit their website at cacost.org for more information on career opportunities.

• Sign up for the classes you need at the times you want.

• Stay on track for graduation.

• You can register now—and pay later! Registering early doesn't mean paying early. Payment plans for the fall open July 24. You'll have until August 15 to enter into a payment plan or to pay without receiving a late fee.

• If you’re currently receiving Javelina Promise, you must register by June 1 to remain eligible for funding for the fall semester.

Questions?

Undergraduates: Connect with the Center for Student Success 361-593-3290. Graduate students: Contact your graduate program coordinator. For a list of program coordinators, visit:

From Provost, Pg 1 From Vet Tech, Pg 1

Submitted Photo

The Vet Tech Club gathers and donates supplies to animals in need.

From CACOST, Pg 1

Photo by CJ Cortez Medical supplies within the CACOST bus and its hours of operation.

January - February

At the start of the new year, TAMUK welcomed Josh Peck in a continuing lectureship series, Erin McClure was promoted to Assist Dean of Students, Texas’ TikTok ban went into effect on campus and Oleksandr Zhalkovskyi shared his story of traveling to Ukraine to bring his mother to the United States.

March

March was home to Spring Fling, a new series of events aimed at male retention at the university, Protect the Pack, Mujeres A Travez Del Tiempo a book celebration inspired by the iconic mural in the ballrooms was held and the Javelina Cheer team took on Daytona and brought home third place in their competition.

April

In April the Maker Space had its grand opening, the Javelina Baseball team took on the Corpus Christi Hooks, Briana Carr made softball history, Coach Tanya Allen-Gonzalez had her 100th Beach Volleyball win, Dance Marathon raised over $15,000 for Driscoll Children’s Hospital, TAMUK announced a $1.4 million grant from the Hector and Gloria Lopez Foundation and Carissa Palacios was crowned Miss TAMUK.

Erik Estrada

TikTok ban in effect on campus.

Melissa Mata

The Javelina Cheer Team practices for Daytona.

Ronni Reyna

Members of the Dance Marathon Executive Board, (L to R) Pily Stevens, Skylar Farrel, Erin McClure, Danielle Martinez, Ana Vela, Jannet Flores and Joshua Macareno with John J (center).

Briana Beltran

Jaquline McClendon crowns the new Miss TAMUK Carissa Palacios.

Dominic Valdez

Josh Peck signs an autograph in his book “Happy People Are Annoying.”

Dominic Valdez

Arnold Gonzales’ paining that hangs in the MSUB ballrooms surrounded by those in attendance at the book celebration.

CJ Cortez

Kendall Reeves and company preform live on the Boulevard.