Standing on the sprawling 580 acres of Texas A&M University – San Antonio, you’re surrounded by an expansive campus of modern buildings with a distinctive South Texas flair. The university was established on May 23, 2009, and quickly began offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Today, Texas A&M – San Antonio offers 26 undergraduate degrees and 13 graduate degrees spread across its four colleges and schools.
Although now an established 4-year institution, the university’s beginnings were humble. Classes were first held at Olivares Elementary School, a former school in the South San Antonio Independent School District, a temporary location before its permanent campus was built. Senator Frank L. Madla championed the cause for a public, four-year university on the South Side of San Antonio. His dedication and hard work paved the way for this institution.
The Central Academic Building, inspired by a cathedral in Granada, Spain, welcomes you with its impressive four-story arch and embossed copper-clad entry doors. In 2017, Esperanza Hall opened, the university’s first residence hall with a capacity of 382 students.
Texas A&M – San Antonio has experienced a phenomenal rate of growth since its founding, becoming the fastest-growing university in Texas from 2008 to 2013. As you stroll across the vibrant campus, you can feel the energy of a university that is constantly evolving and expanding.
The university’s commitment to serving its community is evident in its student population, with the majority of the students being first-generation college students from Bexar County. The university’s emphasis on accessibility and affordability has made it a beacon of hope for aspiring students in the South Side community, fulfilling Sen. Madla’s dream of bringing higher education to the neighborhood.