About Valley Grande Institute
History
On September 14, 1992 the Texas board of Vocational Nurse Examiners (BVNE) approved the Vocational Nursing (VN) program for Valley Grande Academy, Weslaco Texas. Founded by Professor Andrew Leonie, B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Dr. C.C.C.; The program began with 12 students and operated as a post-secondary program of the Valley Grande Academy. Presently the school is non sectarian, but still reflects its original beginnings and previous affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist educational system. This relationship is demonstrated in its philosophy, as the school continues to build upon those Christian traditions that deal with the development of the “whole” person. After putting approved associated degree programs in place the school adopted the name Valley Grande College of Health and Technology. On September 07, 2001 the school’s board voted to change the name to Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies , since the associate degrees are not offered at this time.
Official Mission Statement
The primary mission of the Institute is to instruct students in Vocational Nursing and other Allied health Programs and to qualify them for employment. The Institute advisory board, consisting of prominent members from the public and private sectors of business, public service, medical and other fields, guide the school in its programming plans. Such input from the committee enables the Institute to stay ahead of industry and technologic change to provide the latest in technology, facilities, equipment, and training for the students.
Institutional Purpose
Develop and maintain an effective and accessible learning environment.
Offer courses and programs that can fulfill the student’s personal desires and needs, while at the same time making the student a useful participant within society.
Provide programs that will serve as “stepping stones” of opportunity for careers or higher education.
Assist every student to find success, whether in a job situation or personal intellectual endeavor.
Have students demonstrate qualities of ethical behavior, which reflects the Christian World-view.
Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies Affiliation
Board of Vocational \ Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas
Texas Department of Health-Radiologic Division
Texas Department Department of Human Services
Texas Workforce for Competency Testing
Weslaco Chamber of Commerce
Local Workforce Development Board-Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
Approved by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
Department of Education
