Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Dr. Sandy, Dr. Sandra Hansmann, has recently taken on the role of Assistant Provost and Instructional Professor at Texas A&M University’s Higher Education Center in McAllen. In this capacity, she will promote the center to the Rio Grande Valley industry and support the initiatives of Mr. Manuel M. (Manny) Vela, the Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Higher Education Center at McAllen. Increasing enrollment and overall center awareness are key objectives in her new role.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Dr. Hansmann stated, “I think this is going to be an amazing endeavor here. Texas A&M is a world-class institution, one of the best schools in the world, if not the best school in the world.” She emphasized the strong support for education in the Valley, as evidenced by Texas A&M’s commitment to establishing a regional higher education center.
Dr. Hansmann’s educational background is robust. She received a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University, Texas, in Austin, followed by a master’s degree and a PhD from UT Austin. She has served as an assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), as well as associate dean and interim dean. This extensive experience in academia and administration positions her well for her new responsibilities at Texas A&M.
In promoting the Higher Education Center, Dr. Hansmann plans to leverage the stories of existing students and the expertise of the faculty. “We have incredible stories here at the Higher Education Center,” she noted. “Our students who are here and successful are a very important part of carrying the message out to other young people and students here in the Rio Grande Valley.” She also highlighted the talented faculty at the center, who are dedicated to working closely with the students of the Rio Grande Valley. Additionally, the staff, comprised of local and newly arrived professionals, plays a crucial role in spreading the center’s message beyond the region.
The values and culture of Texas A&M University greatly appealed to Dr. Hansmann. “You see the Aggie values when you walk into the building and downstairs. The very first one is respect, and the very first piece is valuing every person,” she remarked. This commitment to valuing every individual is particularly evident at the McAllen Center, which aims to serve students locally and promote community development.
On her first day, Dr. Hansmann observed that the center currently hosts approximately 400 students but has the capacity for many more. She was particularly struck by the scenic views from the building and described the surroundings as “world-class.” This combination of natural beauty and academic excellence accentuates the potential of the Texas A&M Higher Education Center in McAllen to attract the next generation of leaders and professionals in the Rio Grande Valley.
Dr. Sandra Hansmann, in her new role as Assistant Provost and Instructional Professor at Texas A&M University’s Higher Education Center in McAllen, is poised to bring fresh ideas and an innovative approach to her position. While she acknowledges the value of new ideas, Dr. Hansmann emphasizes the importance of understanding and aligning with the vision of Texas A&M’s leadership, particularly that of Mr. Vela, as well as the aspirations of the students, staff, and faculty at the center.
With the center’s significant room for growth, Dr. Hansmann is more than ready to take on the challenge. Her enthusiasm is palpable: “Oh, I’m very ready. I can’t wait. I’m incredibly excited. I cannot wait.” Her excitement stems from her initial visit to the campus pre-pandemic, where the potential immediately struck her for growth and development. “When I first visited this campus, it was pre-pandemic. The campus hadn’t been open very long, and right then, when I saw the building and how things were developing out here, I immediately, that was five years ago, started looking for opportunities to get here as fast as I could,” she explained. She is eager to connect with the students, faculty, and staff and to make a meaningful impact on the community she has called home for nearly two decades.
Dr. Hansmann’s passion for Texas A&M University is clear. “You see the Aggie values when you walk into the building and downstairs. The very first one is respect, and the very first piece is valuing every person,” she noted. This core value of respect and inclusivity is something she deeply appreciates and is excited to see in action at the McAllen Center.
When asked if there was anything more she could add, Dr. Hansmann responded with heartfelt sincerity: “Nothing. I feel like it’s been a dream come true, and that’s no joke. That is real. I feel like it is a dream come true. I have been put here at a time when everyone is so ready to grow and so ready to do amazing things. I could not have asked for more.”
Dr. Hansmann also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to share her enthusiasm for the new role and encouraged the community to stay tuned for future developments. “I’m grateful for you being here. Thank you so much for coming and taking the time to talk to me,” she said. “If I had anything else to say, stay tuned. Watch this space because you aren’t going to recognize where we are in five years.”
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Hansmann has lived and worked in the Rio Grande Valley since 2005, starting as a faculty member at UT-Pan American (UTPA). She most recently served as the Associate Dean of the Graduate College at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) since August 2018. Throughout her career, she has held various leadership roles, including positions in academic and student affairs, admissions and enrollment, research, program development, and international programs. Her extensive experience and dedication have made her a respected leader in the field.
Dr. Hansmann is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She received her B.A. in Behavioral Sciences from Concordia University Texas in 1990, followed by an M.Ed. in Special Education with a focus in Rehabilitation Counseling in 1993, and a Ph.D. in Special Education with a focus in Counselor Education in 2000, both from The University of Texas at Austin. Her scholarly work, supported by over $6 million in state and federal funding, has primarily focused on individuals with disabilities, with research interests in applied and professional ethics and the intersectionality of disability and artificial intelligence. With her extensive background and deep commitment to education, Dr. Hansmann is set to lead the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center in McAllen to new heights, fostering growth, innovation, and a strong community spirit.