Julieta Garcia (‘70, M.A. ‘72

A Well-Deserved HONOR

For many, July 7 is just another day. However, for Julieta Garcia (’70, M.A. ’72), this particular day is one that she will always remember. On July 7, 2022, Julieta Garcia received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.

Julieta Garcia was the first Hispanic woman to serve as a college president in the United States. As president of The University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB), she pioneered a partnership between UTB and Texas Southmost College, where she also served as president from 1986–1992. She stepped down as president of UTB in 2014 upon the establishment of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she currently teaches communications.

To allow a further glimpse into this successful alumna, we took the opportunity to ask Julieta some questions, ranging from life philosophy to personal achievements. As you will see, Julieta remains both grateful and humble.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Houston (UH)?

I married at 19 to a friend of my older brother. I was attending Southwest Texas State in San Marcos at the time, but he felt we had to live in Houston so he could get a job to support both of us. I recall that over a thousand people moved into Houston every week in those days. I finished my finals at SWTS one week, married over the weekend in Brownsville, and began classes the next week at UH.

What influenced you the most while at UH?

My professors demanded excellence and I tried hard to produce it. Often however, I went to class sleep deprived and less prepared than I should have been. I had two babies 13 months apart while in Houston. I remember wanting to tell my professors, “I’m really smart; I just haven’t slept in two years.”

How did your education at UH prepare you for your career journey?

It taught me to compete at the very highest level. I enjoyed that.

What is the one accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant: personally or professionally?

Surviving the tough times. I’ve worked for nine chancellors, many more regents, governors, legislators, and U.S. presidents. Each era brought with it challenges. I had to learn to survive the tough times because there was so much more work to do.

Who do you consider to be your role model?

I’ve learned from many people, but mostly from my father, who raised us after the death of our mother. He gave us strength, taught us independence, and had high expectations.

What is the single, best lesson that helped you navigate your career?

Raise your hand; let people know that you want to be in the game; not on the sidelines. Don’t demur.

What would you tell today’s students in how they should define success?

Find work to do that is important, that makes a difference in people’s lives, and then do it honestly.

In your teaching experience, is there something in particular that you believe students are lacking today?

I think they lack the opportunity for intimate and honest conversation. Time with elders to learn; to think and to grow their own courage.

Besides the academic side of teaching, how do you try to impact your students?

I try to infect them with the joy of learning something new; to have enthusiasm for hard work; to take on the responsibility of improving the world around them; be honest.

You have accomplished so much; is there something on your bucket list that you want to accomplish?

I have five grandchildren. The eldest is 26; the youngest is 6. I would enjoy getting to see who they become.