EL PASO, Texas (Nov. 21, 2025) – At a ceremony last night, the Consul General of Mexico, Mauricio Ibarra Ponce de León, presented the Ohtli Award to Heather Wilson, president of The University of Texas at El Paso, for her leadership and contributions to the Mexican and Mexican-American community in the field of education.
At a ceremony on Nov. 20, 2025, the consul general of Mexico, Mauricio Ibarra Ponce de León, presented the Ohtli Award to UTEP President Heather Wilson for her leadership and contributions to the Mexican and Mexican American community in the field of education. The Ohtli Award is the highest honor bestowed by the government of Mexico upon individuals who have paved the way to improve living conditions and create development opportunities for Mexican communities abroad.
The Ohtli Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Government of Mexico upon individuals who, through their careers, have “paved the way” (referred to as “Ohtli” in the Nahuatl language) to improve living conditions and create development opportunities for Mexican communities abroad.
“Mexico is a key strategic partner for UTEP,” Wilson said. “I am humbled to accept this award on behalf of our faculty, staff and students. Personally, it is an honor to be recognized by the government of Mexico. I look forward to continuing our partnership.”
The distinction awarded to Wilson highlights her commitment to access to higher education for students of Mexican and Hispanic origin. Since assuming presidency of UTEP in 2019, Wilson has spearheaded programs and initiatives that promote the retention, academic success and social mobility of thousands of young people in the border region.
Under Wilson’s leadership, UTEP has strengthened cooperation with Mexican educational institutions, promoting joint research projects, academic exchanges and cross-border collaborations that solidify the University’s position as a benchmark of educational excellence and a binational link.
Wilson has also actively supported cultural and community activities organized by the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, which contribute to pride in Mexican identity and the strengthening of the border community.
At the ceremony, the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso expressed its deep appreciation to Wilson.
“It is a true honor to present the Ohtli Award to Dr. Heather Wilson,” Ibarra Ponce de León said. “She is an invaluable ally whose leadership, commitment and vision embody the deepest values of this distinction: opening pathways, building bridges and transforming lives through education.”
Last Updated on November 21, 2025 at 12:00 AM | Originally published November 21, 2025
By MC Staff
UTEP Marketing and Communications
