Texas A&M University Kingsville

KINGSVILLE, TEXAS (News Release) — A familiar face in South Texas and an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster will be joining Texas A&M University-Kingsville to help advance the study and conservation of Tejano music and media. Long-time KIII 3News anchor and Tejano Music historian Rudy Treviño will begin his new role at the University in January 2025. The long-time journalist will serve as Professor of Practice and director of a future academic center focused on collecting and studying Tejano music and media. The university awaits Texas A&M University System Board of Regents approval for the center in the coming year.

In addition to co-anchoring the top-rated newscast in the Coastal Bend, Treviño has also served as host of Domingo Live, the longest-running bilingual news and entertainment show in the nation. The show airs Sunday, locally on KIII, and across the country through streaming. Treviño will continue to host the show, which first aired in 1964 and is a showcase for Tejano music and a variety of other regional and state-wide talent. He also co-hosts a syndicated radio program, Rudy Treviño’s Tejano Gold Countdown.

“South Texas’ vibrant culture has strong roots in the Tejano tradition. As we prepare to celebrate our centennial, Texas A&M University-Kingsville is proud to continue our legacy of celebrating and documenting our region’s history through the study and conservation of Tejano music and media,” said Texas A&M University-Kingsville President Dr. Robert Vela.

“Rudy Treviño is singularly positioned to lead these efforts. Integrity and a strong commitment to community define Rudy’s career in journalism, and his passion for Tejano music continues to expose new generations to the genre. We are honored that Rudy will bring those strengths that have made him a trusted name in news for nearly 50 years to Javelina Nation.”

Treviño is a sixth-generation Texan, born and raised in Beeville, and a proud Navy veteran. For Treviño, the next step in his career marks a significant milestone and an opportunity to continue to impact communications and Tejano music.

“The transition between a 47-year career in broadcast journalism and into the critical role of academia is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Treviño said. “To be offered that responsibility, to inspire others interested in our culturally rich indigenous music, is nothing short of a blessing to pay forward that which has played a key role in my life and in the lives of so many who hunger for knowledge of nuestra música.”

KIII-TV General Manager Rebecca Cantu notes that Treviño’s impact on 3News and the South Texas community is immeasurable.

"His passion for storytelling, love for Tejano culture, and unwavering commitment to our viewers have set a standard of excellence. While we’ll miss seeing him on the evening news, we’re thrilled he’ll continue to bring his heart and energy to Domingo Live,” Cantu said. We’re also proud to support him in this next chapter at Texas A&M-Kingsville, knowing he’ll continue to inspire and shape the next generation of storytellers and musicians."

Treviño’s skillset has the potential to help shape the next generation of communicators and enhance current University programs, including the Mexican American Studies Institute, the John E. Conner Museum, and the South Texas Archives.

“The origins of Tejano music and media are firmly rooted in the region we serve, and the study and conservation of these media aligns with several current programs, including the master’s degree in cultural studies and undergraduate programs in communication, music, and concentrations in sound recording technology,” said Texas A&M-Kingsville Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. James Palmer. “Mr. Treviño’s expertise in these areas is unmatched.”