U.S. Consul General in Tijuana Visits USD to Discuss Binational Initiatives

U.S. Consul General in Tijuana Christopher Teal visited campus on Monday to engage with students, faculty, staff and members of various campus centers and institutes in a broad discussion about the future of binational programs and initiatives. The visit highlighted the growing relationship between the United States and Mexico, focusing on key areas such as education and cross-border collaboration.

Teal began his visit by meeting with the team from The Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, part of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES). The team shared details about their programs that promote innovation across the border, including the Jacobs Teen Innovation Challenge. The global initiative encourages teams of students from around the world to engage in the design process to develop solutions aimed at improving quality of life and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Following the meeting, SOLES Dean Kimberly A. White-Smith hosted a collaborative lunch with Teal and his team where several university members from across campus discussed ongoing cross-border projects and opportunities to expand our initiatives. During the meeting, Teal emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between communities on both sides of the border, particularly in education, research and innovation. He also learned more about the university’s role in fostering binational relations and its efforts to connect U.S. and Mexican students and professionals.

Dean White-Smith expressed her gratitude for Teal’s visit and reaffirmed the university’s commitment as an anchor institution to facilitate democratic partnerships and build solidarity to foster greater inclusion, prosperity, and social justice.

"Today’s conversation with Consul General Teal reaffirmed our shared commitment to building bridges through education, innovation and cross-border partnerships that uplift and unify communities on both sides of the border," said Dean White-Smith.

The event highlighted the ongoing significance to address shared challenges and drive productivity and success in the border region.