Eloisa Garcia Tamez facts for kids

Eloisa Garcia Tamez (born March 2, 1935) is an important American leader. She is a professional nurse, a professor, and a retired officer from the United States Army's Nursing Corps. She is well-known for speaking out against the Texas–Mexico border wall.

Early Life and Education

Eloisa Garcia Tamez was born on March 2, 1935, in Cameron County, Texas. She grew up in a community with her parents, Jose Cavazos Garcia and Lydia Esparza Garcia. Her family included her siblings, grandparents, and many cousins.

Schooling and College Degrees

After attending school in La Encantada and San Benito High School, Tamez went to St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Galveston, Texas. She earned her first nursing degree, a Bachelor of Science, from Incarnate Word College in 1968.

Later, she continued her studies. She received a Master of Science degree in nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Nursing in 1973. In 1985, she earned her Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Texas at Austin.

Fighting for Fairness

In the summer of 1952, when she was a teenager, Eloisa Garcia Tamez became a leader in her community. She helped local families fight against a school plan that would have treated poorer Mexican-American families unfairly. This plan would have given more advantages to wealthier families.

During this time, she worked hard to protect the rights of families in her area. Her community respected her greatly for her efforts and called her "La Chata."

Military Service and Nursing Career

Eloisa Garcia Tamez worked as a nurse at the Audie L. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. She was there from 1972 to 1982.

Serving in the Army Reserve

From 1982 to 1999, she served as an officer in the United States Army Reserve. She rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. During her time in the Army Reserve, she worked as an assistant chief nurse or chief nurse at VA hospitals. These hospitals were in places like San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hot Springs, South Dakota, and Cleveland, Ohio.

In 2008, she joined the Texas State Guard Medical Brigade. She became the Commander for the Rio Grande Valley Company.

Teaching and Leadership

Tamez also had a long career as a teacher. She taught at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). She became an important leader there, serving as the associate dean for Student Success and Engagement at the UTRGV School of Nursing.

Founding Nursing Organizations

Eloisa Garcia Tamez helped start two important nursing groups. She co-founded the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. She also helped create the International Latino Nurse Faculty. These groups work to support Hispanic and Latino nurses and educators.

Awards and Honors

Eloisa Garcia Tamez has received many awards for her work and leadership:

• 2024: “Leader and Legend of Texas Nursing,” from the Texas Nurses Association
• 2008: Henry B. Gonzalez Civil Rights Award
• 2008: Provost's Hispanic Heritage Award, from the University of Texas-Pan American
• 2003: Alumna of Distinction, from the University of the Incarnate Word
• 1994: Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
• 1994: "A" Proficiency Designator, from the United States Army Medical Department