We, the students and alumni of the UTRGV Art Department, are calling for the reinstatement of Professor Stephen Hawks for one final three-year term. Professor Hawks is more than just a ceramics instructor — he is the backbone of the 3D program in Brownsville, a mentor, a technician, a caretaker of the studio, and a passionate educator who has deeply impacted our artistic journeys.

Despite the well-documented challenges the art department has faced — including mold, lack of resources, and inadequate maintenance that even made headlines — Professor Hawks has remained a committed advocate for students. He has fixed kilns, repaired pottery wheels, stayed after hours, and even traveled from Georgia each year, dedicating himself far beyond his official role.

Thanks to his efforts and the efforts of students like us, a new building is finally in progress. But now, the professor who helped advocate for that change won’t be here to witness the results of his hard work. The recent decision to restructure positions and hire new faculty for "prestige" should not come at the expense of someone who has consistently shown care, expertise, and love for this community. No other professor from Edinburg could take on all that he does — and many of us doubt they would.

We DO NOT want to see him go. His presence has shaped our education, our studio culture, and our future as artists. This is not just about one professor — it’s about valuing the people who build our programs from the ground up and giving them the chance to finish what they started with dignity.

We respectfully urge UTRGV administration to allow Professor Hawks to return for one final term, so he may retire with the benefits and respect he has rightfully earned.

Let’s do what’s right — for him, for us, and for the legacy of the art program we believe in.