By Karen Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MARCH 17, 2025 – Dr. Teresa Patricia Feria-Arroyo, a distinguished faculty member at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, continues to make waves in the academic community with her recent national recognition. Honored by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE), she is the 2025 recipient of the “Outstanding Support of Hispanic Issues Award,” solidifying her commitment to mentoring and supporting students in STEM fields. 

Dr. Teresa Patricia Feria-Arroyo, a distinguished faculty member at UTRGV, continues to make waves in the academic community with her recent national recognition. Honored by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE), she is the 2025 recipient of the¿“Outstanding Support of Hispanic Issues Award." (Courtesy Photo)

Feria has mentored approximately 103 students through their early careers, guiding them in presenting research findings, publishing papers and graduating with the skills needed to enter graduate programs or secure jobs in STEM-related fields. She has facilitated community engagement and research opportunities, noting that traveling abroad for research or attending conferences within the U.S. has been a significant opportunity for her students.

“For most of them, this is the first time they have traveled outside the Rio Grande Valley,” Feria said.   

On March 7-8, Feria attended the AAHHE conference at Metropolitan State University of Denver to receive her award. She expressed her pride in receiving the award, highlighting the significance of being chosen among her peers and being recognized for her efforts to promote opportunities for all UTRGV students at a national level.

Feria, a former UTRGV Provost Fellow and Office for Sustainability Fellow, has built a strong reputation for promoting high-quality, inclusive learning experiences for all students. She received the UT System Regent’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2020 and was inducted into the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers in 2023. In 2025, she was one of two UTRGV faculty to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). 

AAHHE also recognized Feria for starting the “¡Juntos al Éxito! - Empowering Excellence Program.” This program, which translates to “Together to Success,” provides insights, personal histories and advice to help faculty and students succeed through mentorship and community engagement activities.  

Feria thanked Dr. Julie Vanegas, assistant professor of Chemistry and an emerging researcher in nanoscience within the Department of Physics and Astronomy, who nominated her for the award. 

“This was a very, very nice surprise for me,” Feria said of the recognition. “I did not know she had nominated me until I received the ‘Congratulations’ email.”  

Receiving the award on the commemoration of International Women’s Day was particularly meaningful for her. 

“I dedicate this recognition to all the females that have shaped who I am now,” Feria said. “I hope that it will encourage our students and our faculty.”