At Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK), establishing a caring and welcoming culture is a cornerstone of the student experience. As part of Caring Campus, TAMUK promotes a culture where students feel valued and empowered to reach their goals.
Amberly Zaragoza, a graduate student in plant and soil science, embodies the impact of this caring environment. An undergraduate course on soils first sparked her passion for plant and soil sciences, and she decided to pursue a master’s degree in the subject with the encouragement of her dean.
“Everyone at TAMUK is so welcoming, whether it’s professors, staff, or even fellow students – there’s always someone there to offer help or encouragement,” Zaragoza said. “They can’t seem to get rid of me here, so much so that I want to return as a professor and continue contributing to this great campus once I earn my Ph.D.”
Caring Campus equips staff and faculty with the tools to engage students in meaningful ways that promote retention, persistence, and success. The focus is on creating a supportive atmosphere where every student feels they belong. TAMUK first began implementing Caring Campus in January 2024.
Zaragoza credits the caring culture at TAMUK for helping her overcome challenges, particularly when she struggled with the demands of graduate school.
“It’s a really big thing when staff and faculty go out of their way to help students,” Zaragoza said. “Having staff and faculty members who reach out and support students on their own really goes a long way.”
Zaragoza’s journey reflects how TAMUK’s commitment to Caring Campus transforms individual experiences, creating a positive environment where students can thrive.
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