TITLE: Congratulating Manuel M. Vela on being named vice president and chief operating officer of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Manuel M. Vela on being named vice president and chief operating officer of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Manuel M. Vela has been named vice president and chief operating officer of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen; and WHEREAS, Now in its fifth year of operation, the Higher Education Center at McAllen offers undergraduate programs in agriculture economics, biomedical sciences, construction sciences, education, human resource development, engineering, maritime business administration, and public health; and WHEREAS, As vice president and chief operating officer, Manny Vela will oversee the university's efforts to develop the Higher Education Center's infrastructure, increase its academic offerings, and double its enrollment over the next five years; moreover, he will help direct the Colonias Program, which focuses on improving quality of life along the Texas-Mexico border; and WHEREAS, Mr. Vela is currently president and chief executive officer of Valley Baptist Health System, which he previously served as senior vice president and chief legal officer; over the course of his tenure, he has played an instrumental role in a number of major corporate transactions, including the purchase of Brownsville Medical Center in 2004 and a joint venture with Vanguard Health Systems in 2011; and WHEREAS, Through his leadership, expertise, and commitment to excellence, Manny Vela has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers, and he may indeed reflect with pride on his accomplishments as he takes on the challenges and opportunities of his new position; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Manuel M. Vela on his selection as president and chief operating officer of the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Vela as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Guerra Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1124 was adopted by the House on April 28, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House