Our History

1990s - 2000

Texas A&M University–San Antonio (A&M-SA) was born from a vision to expand higher education access to San Antonio’s historically underserved South Side. Sparked by Texas Senator Frank Madla’s advocacy in the late 1990s, the Texas A&M University System responded with a proposal that led to the opening of a System Center at the Palo Alto Community College campus in 2000.

2007

Starting with just 126 students and seven academic programs, the institution steadily grew, bolstered by a major land donation in 2007.

2009

The passage of Senate Bill 629 in 2009 officially established A&M-SA as a stand-alone university. Under the leadership of its first president, Dr. Maria Hernandez Ferrier, the university launched innovative programs, while enrollment surged and student organizations expanded.

2011

The new Main Campus building opened its doors in 2011 to an enrollment of over 3,500 students. In the early 2010s, the university strengthened its ties to the military community, earning national recognition as a military-embracing institution. It launched international partnerships, such as a collaboration with Universidad Loyola Andalucía in Spain, and hosted its first major art exhibition, celebrating the cultural richness of San Antonio.

2014

In 2014, A&M-SA reached a major milestone by earning initial accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which recognized A&M-SA as an independent institution, no longer part of TAMU-Kingsville. That same year, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson was named interim president, ushering in a new chapter of leadership. Continuing on its upward trajectory, the university expanded both its academic offerings and community impact.

2016

The inaugural class of first-year students and new transfer students started in fall 2016. In 2017, it would open its first residence hall, Esperanza Hall.

2020

In 2020, A&M-SA was welcomed into the NAIA and Red River Athletic Conference.

2020-present

In recent years, A&M-SA has continued to break records. By fall 2023, enrollment had grown to over 7,600 students, and the university achieved a fundraising record of more than $6.6 million. It earned the prestigious VEER Gold Award for excellence in veteran education and received a $3 million federal grant to improve access to technology and address economic challenges. Leadership transitions brought new energy, with Dr. Linda Schott serving as interim president and Dr. Salvador Hector Ochoa taking the helm as the new president in 2024. Under his leadership, the university launched the Jaguar Promise Program and announced new men’s and women’s basketball teams for the 2024–25 academic year, signaling a bold new era of growth and engagement.

From its humble beginnings, A&M-SA has evolved into a vibrant, forward-thinking university that continues to shape the educational, cultural, and economic landscape of San Antonio. Its story is one of resilience, vision, and a steadfast commitment to empowering students and communities alike.