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Special Collections & University Archives: University Archives

Welcome to our LibGuide! Use the pages here to learn more about our department and research collections.

Explore University Archives Resources

Materials from our legacy institutions may include records, catalogs, posters, brochures, programs, newsletters, and other items published by our previous colleges and universities. Explore our library holdings below

Budgets & Finance

Commencement Programs

Course Catalogs

Dissertations & Theses

University & Student Publications

Official publications from our legacy institutions, including newsletters, student newspapers, fact books, and more...

Electronic (Online) Holdings

Electronic holdings are born-digital or digitized materials available online.

Physical Holdings

Physical holdings represent hard copy/ printed materials and artifacts held at our campus locations in Brownsville and Edinburg.

University Publications

Archival Collections

  • Archival collections such as press releases, departmental records, and more can be found by searching or browsing our archival management system
  • Use the search function for "UTB/TSC Archives" or "UTPA Archives" for materials related to legacy institutions.

NOTE: For alumni seeking transcripts from UTRGV legacy institutions, please contact the University Registrar or submit an online transcript request.

Legacy Institution: University of Texas-Brownsville

The legacy and history of the University of Texas at Brownsville cannot be separated from that of Texas Southmost College, especially when their paths formally converged in 1992. And while we honor our shared legacy with TSC and its origins in 1926, UTRGV Special Collections and Archives is not the institution of record (or institutional repository) for Texas Southmost College. Our archival coverage begins in 1973 with the establishment of PAU-Brownsville.

Pan American University at Brownsville (1973–1989)

Texas Southmost College partnered with Pan-American University to establish a four-year university in Brownsville in 1973.

University of Texas-Pan American at Brownsville (1989-1991)

When Pan American University joined the University of Texas System in 1989, the campus was renamed University of Texas Pan-American at Brownsville (UTPA-B).

The University of Texas at Brownsville (1991)

Brownsville sought recognition directly under the UT System becoming the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) in 1991.

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (1992–2013)

A partnership was established between UTB and TSC in 1992 to allow students to seamlessly transition to the four year university without reapplying. This partnership was ended by the University of Texas System Board of Regents in 2011. Between 2012 and 2013, the University of Texas Board of Regents approved the merger of UTPA , UTB, and a medical school into one regional institution called the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Legacy Institution: The University of Texas-Pan American

Edinburg College (1927–1933)

Edinburg College was founded as a junior college in 1927 as part of the Edinburg School District.

Edinburg Junior College (1933–1952)

In 1933, it was formally accredited as state junior college.

Pan American College (1952–1971)

Pan American College was established as a four-year university in 1952 and became a state senior college and member of the Texas System of Colleges and Universities in 1965.

Pan American University (1971–1989)

In 1971, Pan American College achieved full university status and changed its name to Pan American University when it was approved to offer graduate programs. A second campus at Brownsville was established in 1973 to accommodate growing student enrollment. (The PAU-Brownsville campus evolved into the University of Texas at Brownsville.)

University of Texas–Pan American (1989–2013)

In 1989 the University became a member of the University of Texas System. Between 2012 and 2013, the University of Texas Board of Regents approved the merger of UTPA , UTB, and a medical school into one regional institution called the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

University Archives Transfers

Do you have publications, reports, or memorabilia to transfer to the University Archives?

University Archives is charged with preserving the institutional memory of UTRGV, including its predecessor institutions dating back to 1926/1927. The University Archives collect, preserve, and make accessible university-related material, both analog and digital, that is of enduring historical, research, financial, administrative, or legal value. University Archives collects the scholarly and creative output of alumni, students, staff, and faculty.

Therefore, please contact us if you have materials to transfer to the University Archives.

Helpful Links

Get Research Assistance!

Submit an Online Research Request Form

Maximize your time and effort. Let our staff assist you with finding and accessing resources online.

Schedule a Research Appointment (On Campus or Online)

We also invite you to schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one with a member of our Special Collections & Archives staff. Schedule an on-campus research visit or choose to meet online (video chat).