The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University is celebrating a major breakthrough in its 18-year history. For the first time, the Texas Legislature has committed ongoing state funding to support BRI’s work in wildlife conservation, education, and outreach across the Chihuahuan Desert Borderlands.
Since its founding in 2007, BRI has largely depended on private donors and grant funding, with more than 90% of its support coming from philanthropy. That foundation helped build BRI’s reputation as a national leader in wildlife and habitat research, ranging from desert bighorn sheep and pronghorn to grassland birds and mountain lions. The new legislative appropriation provides stability for the institute’s future.
Sul Ross President Dr. Carlos Hernandez called the appropriation “historic and forward-looking,” crediting Sen. César Blanco, Rep. Eddie Morales, and the Texas State University System for their roles in securing the support. “This is a victory for our students, higher education in rural West Texas, and for conservation across the Greater Big Bend,” Hernandez said.
BRI Director Dr. Louis Harveson said the new funding will allow the institute to expand research, strengthen outreach, and continue training graduate students whose work influences land management decisions across millions of acres. To date, BRI has supported more than 100 master’s students and 20–25 graduate projects annually.
Harveson also recognized the efforts of BRI’s advisory board, citing leaders such as John Poindexter and Dan Allen Hughes Jr. for their long-standing support.
“This appropriation reflects confidence in our mission and places a responsibility on us to make both legislators and taxpayers proud,” Harveson said. “It’s an investment in conservation, higher education, and the economic vitality of West Texas.”
Borderlands Research Institute Photo
