Farias awarded President’s Medal of Honor during UTRGV Spring 2024 Commencement

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EDINBURG, Texas – Dr. Fred Farias, III, chairman of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and president and CEO of McAllen-based 20/20 Vision Care, has been awarded the UTRGV President Medal of Honor.

The honor is a prestigious distinction only five others have received before. Of the five others, three were state senators, one a state representative, and the other, a joint presentation, was made to philanthropists Robert and Janet Vackar.

The UTRGV President Medal of Honor is the university’s highest honor, bestowed upon those “whose extraordinary contributions and exemplary dedication have profoundly impacted the university,” according to UTRGV.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey presented Farias with the award during the Spring 2024 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 11, in Edinburg.

“Receiving this award is an immense honor, one that fills me with both humility and gratitude. To be recognized in this manner, especially considering the esteemed company of the five previous recipients, is truly humbling,” Farias said. “I am deeply grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to contribute to our community.

“I am proud to have grown up in the Rio Grande Valley and am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students and families at UTRGV and across the state. I extend my gratitude to President Guy Bailey and the entire UTRGV leadership for their support and dedication to higher education excellence.”

President Bailey said that since his appointment to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) in 2015, and particularly during his tenure as chairman since 2021, Farias has played a pivotal role in expanding educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley. He said Farias was selected in recognition of his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing higher education in Texas.

“His commitment makes him a deserving recipient of UTRGV’s highest honor,” Bailey said. “Over the last eight years, we’ve added an enormous amount of degree programs. We’ve added more degree programs than any institution I’ve been a part of, and it’s made countless educational opportunities for our students.”

Bailey said these educational opportunities just don’t happen – they happen due to hard work and dedication by people committed to the advancement of education. People like Farias, Bailey said.

“His contributions to this institution helped us get to where we are today, so we want to honor him,” he said. “We’ve given very few people presidential medals at UTRGV. It’s the highest award we can give anybody and if anyone deserved a presidential medal from UTRGV, it’s Dr. Farias.”

During Farias’ time at the THECB, UTRGV has launched 40 new degree programs, with many more in development, significantly enhancing the university’s academic offerings and contributing to the region’s economic competitiveness.

“I have dedicated many years to improving higher education throughout the state and expanding local opportunities for our community,” Farias said. “But I believe my greatest contributions to UTRGV have stemmed from a collaborative effort alongside Dr. Bailey and the administration. Our collective efforts have expanded quality educational opportunities for students that meet the ever-changing demands of the workforce.”

Farias said he is honored to be recognized for his efforts, and he hopes to leave behind a legacy of empowerment and opportunity for students at UTRGV.

“By advocating for higher education opportunities and supporting the expansion of scholarships at UTRGV, my goal is to help alleviate financial barriers and ensure every student has access to a quality education,” he said.

“Further, I aspire to set an example for students by demonstrating the profound impact of dedication, collaboration, and service. Growing up, my parents ingrained in me and my brothers the values of service and giving back, which I am wholeheartedly committed to continuing in our community.”

Farias is on a bit of a roll for receiving top honors. Last December he was the recipient of the first-ever Visionary Leader in Higher Education Award, presented by the University of North Texas. In February, Farias was the recipient of the 2024 Mollie Armstrong Leadership Award, presented by the Texas Optometric Association (TOA). And in May, the Southern College of Optometry bestowed its honorary Doctor of Ocular Science degree upon Farias. The Southern College of Optometry is Farias’ alma mater.

Farias is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, former president of the TOA and the Rio Grande Valley Optometric Society, and a former member of the American Optometric Association Board of Trustees.

Texas Optometric Association award

The Mollie Armstrong Award is presented to a TOA member optometrist who has been in practice for at least ten years and has rendered distinguished service to the visual welfare of Texans. The award recognizes optometrists in the profession who have performed a significant public service for the visual welfare of others, educational institutions and organizations, research programs, and civic and community groups.

“I am honored to be recognized by my peers at TOA with this award,” said Dr. Farias. “The opportunity to serve Texans both in my career and through my role on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is incredibly rewarding.”

Southern College of Optometry award

Dr. Lewis Reich, president of Southern College of Optometry, said: “Southern College of Optometry’s Doctor of Ocular Science degree is conferred on those who have made outstanding contributions and who have rendered distinguished service to the profession of optometry and to the field of visual science. Through his many accomplishments and leadership roles, Dr. Farias is a proud alumnus representing his alma mater, and it will be my honor to bestow this honorary degree upon him at this year’s commencement ceremony.”

Farias is a 1987 graduate of Southern College of Optometry. He additionally received degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University, where he earned his Master of Science in Clinical Services Operations.

He has also been named an Outstanding Alumnus by The University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication.

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