UACH Students Collaborate with Hunt Business Peers

The Big Picture
Twelve students and faculty from Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (UACH) visited the Woody L. Hunt College of Business on November 4–5 for a binational learning exchange centered on US-MX commerce, finance, and higher education partnerships.

The exchange added a new chapter to UTEP’s cross-border collaborations, highlighting how students from both sides of the border learn from the region’s shared economy and culture.

Why It Matters
Cross-border partnerships help students apply classroom learning in real-world contexts — preparing them to navigate the complexities of international business.

Through joint class projects, shared presentations, and faculty-led discussions, the UACH and UTEP students explored how regional economies intertwine and how collaboration fuels growth on both sides of the border.

What Happened
Over two days, the visiting delegation engaged in a full agenda that included:

• Campus tours and presentations led by UTEP faculty and staff, including sessions with UTEP Assistant Vice President for International Relations Arturo Barrio and Elisa Ortega from UTEP Student Affairs.
• Joint classroom project to develop pitch for small business start-up between UACH students and Hunt Business students in course led by Bill Conwell and Ismelda Griselda Morales Loya.
• Exchanged classes lectured by Manuel Urias (UTEP) and Javier Ortega (UACH) about the US-MX financial systems.
• Breakfast and networking in the WestStar Collaborative Atrium with remarks from Dean Hadjimarcou, Cristina Cabrera, and Arturo Barrio.
• A special lecture by John Gibson, Ph.D., on US-MX trade and commerce, followed by a collaborative finance discussion.

What They’re Saying
John Gibson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
“The US-MX relationship is one of the most dynamic in the world. Giving students a direct look at how trade and innovation move across borders helps them realize the scale of opportunity that exists in our region.”

Bill Conwell, Associate Professor of Practice
“This collaboration reminds students that business takes place between people and across borders and cultures. When students from both sides of the border come together to address issues and solve problems, they learn and demonstrate how business, culture, and community all connect.”

Manuel Urias, Assistant Professor of Practice
“Bringing UACH and UTEP students together provides a deeper context of the US financial system, the Federal Reserve, and financial career paths. Exchanges like this gives students an understanding of the differences between the US-MX financial systems.”