Senator César J. Blanco Announces Major Funding for Sul Ross

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
May 28, 2025
Senator César J. Blanco Announces Major Funding for Sul Ross
Austin, Texas – Today, Senator César J. Blanco announced more than $13 million in new state
funding for Sul Ross State University, including:
• $5 million for Academic Program Development to grow high-demand degrees in nursing,
education, cybersecurity, and more.
• $8 million for the Borderlands Research Institute to support wildlife conservation, expand
research, and launch a new Center for Land Stewardship and Community Engagement.
These investments will help meet workforce needs in the region and strengthen conservation efforts
across the Big Bend and Trans-Pecos.
Senator César J. Blanco issued the following statement:
“These investments are game changers for Sul Ross and West Texas. As our region grows, we need
to ensure rural students can access high-quality degree programs that lead to good-paying jobs in
fields like nursing, education, and cybersecurity, all without having to leave home.
“At the same time, we need to preserve the natural beauty and economic potential of the Trans-Pecos.
The Borderlands Research Institute is a West Texas treasure, training the next generation of
conservation leaders and working with ranchers, landowners, and communities to protect wildlife and
habitat that are vital to our tourism and agricultural economies.
“I’m proud to support Sul Ross as it continues to serve as a cornerstone of opportunity, education,
and conservation in the Big Bend region and beyond.”