UTPA professor known for helping students achieve goals

EDINBURG — Family, colleagues and former students of Miguel Paredes said he always sought ways to inspire his students to continue learning.

Paredes, a math professor at the University of Texas-Pan American for 25 years, oversaw programs that helped middle and high school students strengthen their math and science skills, funded research projects for undergraduate students and helped grade school math teachers do their jobs more effectively.

One of Paredes’ sons, Miguel, said his father, a native of Chile, was able to come to the United States and study at Columbia University in New York and the University of Utah because of support from his brother Rafael, as well as mentors.

“For him, education was a ticket in a way. I think the reason he worked in the programs he did (was because) he wanted the kids to have the same opportunities,” Miguel said.

Paredes died Thursday at the age of 65.

Colleagues of Paredes said the professor was accessible to students and their families and did whatever he could to help them.

“What always impressed me was that he was very dedicated to empowering his students,” said Felipe Salinas, director of the division of enrollment and student services’ college access and support programs.

Salinas worked with Paredes on the university’s Texas Pre-freshman Engineering Program, or Tex PREP, a summer enrichment program for middle and high school students.

“I think he understood high school students,” Salinas said.

Edwin LeMaster, dean of the university’s college of science and engineering, said Paredes always sought programs that would fund student research and education.

“He would say, ‘The students are the most important thing about this university so I want some money.’ It was hard to say no to him,” LeMaster said.

During his tenure, Paredes also oversaw the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program, which pays for undergraduate research projects; the Parks City Mathematics Institute, a world-renowned program in mathematics education; and another program that helped graduate students continue to work toward their doctorates.

Melina Treviño, an employee and former student of Paredes, said the professor was strict but kind to his students.

“He was very nice but at the same time he asked a lot, expected a lot (from students),” Treviño said.

His sons said Paredes applied the same philosophy in coaching soccer.

Paredes coached UTPA’s soccer team from 1995 to 1998. Miguel and his brother, Marcelo, played on the team.

They said their father always pushed academics and encouraged them to continue their education. He helped many players apply for scholarships.

“He was a father figure to many of these players,” Marcelo said.

A number of players would ask for his father’s advice about what classes to take and even called him “Coach Papi,” he said.

Paredes’ sons said they, too, could always count on their father for help.

“He would support us no matter what,” said Mario, another of Paredes’ sons.

Family and colleagues said they plan to set up an endowment scholarship in Paredes’ honor. Those interested in donating to the fund can send checks to the University of Texas-Pan American University Advancement, care of Development Office, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, Attn: Dr. Miguel Paredes Endowed Research Scholarship Fund for Mathematics.

Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.