The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has admitted senior Araely Ruiz into its highly competitive Physician Assistant Career Track (PACT) Early Assurance Program.

Ruiz is set to take on the challenging program as she strives to become a physician assistant and serve the community. The PACT Early Assurance Program allows undergraduate students to complete their degrees while fulfilling the prerequisites for the PA program. Those accepted into the program are guaranteed admission into the PA program if they meet the necessary academic standards and requirements.

Her acceptance into the PACT program is a testament to her academic achievement and commitment to serving the community.

As a physician assistant, Ruiz will work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients, playing a vital role in the healthcare system. Her admission into the program comes when the need for healthcare professionals has never been more critical, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affecting the community.

Ruiz’s determination, hard work, and passion for healthcare will positively impact the lives of many in the community.

Ivan Silva serves as the advisor for RedGold News Student Publications, where he mentors student journalists and oversees all aspects of the publication. In addition to his work with RGN, Silva teaches Dual Enrollment courses in Speech Communication and Interpersonal Communication, helping students bridge the gap between high school and college-level academics.

He is also an adjunct instructor at South Texas College (STC), where he brings his expertise in communication studies into higher education classrooms. On campus, Silva is actively involved as the UIL Coordinator and UIL Journalism Coach, guiding students to success in academic competitions at the district, regional, and state levels.

Through his combined roles as Journalism Advisor, RGN Advisor, and educator, Silva is dedicated to fostering student voice, leadership, and excellence in communication, both in print and beyond.