The HRI's new state-of-the-art facility is located right at the front of campus at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). The university lies a 240-acre island just minutes from downtown Corpus Christi. It is one of the state's fastest growing four-year universities and currently serves more than 8,500 students. The university is a member of the Texas A&M University System.

TAMU-CC has five colleges, the College of Science and Technology, the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Business and the College of Education, and the College of Nursing.

As of Spring 2007, TAMU-CC offers 33 undergraduate programs, 25 graduate programs and two doctoral programs. Additional degree programs are being developed in response to the expanding student body and regional needs. The university also provides continuing education and outreach programs that serve the needs of area businesses, professionals and the general population.

TAMU-CC is committed to the pursuit of excellence in instruction, research and other forms of scholarly activity and public service. Consistent with this commitment, the university seeks to identify, recruit and retain students who have high potential for academic success, especially those from groups who historically have been under-represented in higher education.

Prior to becoming Executive Director of the HRI, Dr. Robert Furgason served as President of TAMU-CC from 1990 through December 2004. During this time, the university dramatically increased the size of its student body, significantly added to the number of programs and degree offerings including Ph.D. programs and earned a reputation as one of the best regional universities in Texas and the nation. The university has been recognized for its standing in U.S. News and World Report's: America’s Best Colleges and has twice earned the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s STAR award for success in providing access to higher education for all.