As a young girl, growing up in India at a time when girls didnòòò½ÊÓƵ™t pursue a higher education, my greatest dream was to obtain the highest education possible. The roadblocks were vast.

Yet thanks to American higher education, I fulfilled that dream, against all odds, and it took me to places I never imagined.

Now, today, as Chancellor of the University of Houston System, itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s that same dream and commitment to student opportunity that guided my involvement in the process to transfer the University of Houston-Victoria to the Texas A&M University System.

While it was not an easy decision, I initiated the discussion during this session because I believed it offered the best path forward for the institution and the region.

I want to thank Senator Lois Kolkhorst for her leadership in shaping this transition and the Texas Legislature for its support. She has been thoughtful, visionary and strategic in shepherding the transfer. I also thank Representative AJ Louderback for moving the bill through the Texas House and Governor Abbott for supporting it.

Over the past 50 years, weòòò½ÊÓƵ™ve proudly grown UHV from humble beginnings as an instructional site with about 100 students to a comprehensive, award-winning university with residence halls, four colleges and over 50 degree programs, educating thousands each year.

Students have flourished, becoming leading nurses, educators, entrepreneurs and CEOs. UHV has invested in the community through education programs for youth, the Victoria Regional History Center, its Small Business Development Center and the UNV Nonprofit Center, among many other initiatives. The university is already a destination campus. And now itòòò½ÊÓƵ™s time for it to chart a new path to excellence.

On behalf of the University of Houston System Board and leadership, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Victoria community for your love, attention and support. Great universities are built by great communities, and you certainly are a great community.

It is my belief that under the new system, UHV will be able to offer programs that serve the region and its students better. It will be able to use the current infrastructure as a launchpad to soar into the new horizon.

I thank UHV President Glenn for his amazing heart, leadership and service. I also thank the UHV faculty, staff and students for allowing us to take this bold step. While I will miss the warmth, love and affection that is unique to Victoria, it will be my honor to watch you reach new heights.