Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Jervis Launches TAMIU Lecture Series with Panel on BP Serial Killer

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) will present two distinguished speakers this Fall as part of its new Border Voices Lecture Series, providing various audiences with enriching educational opportunities.  Both offerings are sponsored by a generous grant from Humanities Texas and are free and open to the public.

The first was Oct. 17, 2024 in the Center for the Performing Arts Recital Hall, with anb enlightening panel, “Capturing the Border Patrol Serial Killer,” featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Rick Jervis.

Jervis, a journalist with USA Today, spoke about his book, The Devil Behind the Badge, an exposition of the U.S. Border Patrol agent turned serial killer who murdered four sex workers in Laredo in 2018. His book skillfully raises serious questions about the border crisis, the story behind events that shook the Laredo community in 2018 and honors the victims of serious crimes while asking questions about the killer’s motive.

He has over two decades of experience working at the Miami Herald, the Wall Street Journal Europe, the Chicago Tribune, and USA TODAY, where he has worked since 2005. He lives in Austin. The Devil Behind the Badge is his first book.

“Though Jervis’ topic is tragic, his book puts Laredo on the map in the true crime genre and faithfully represents the daily struggles of our border community," said Dr. Adam Kozaczka, TAMIU assistant professor of English and Series organizer, "His victim-centered approach is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often mistakenly glorifies killers, and his insights into the history, politics, and culture of Laredo make him a strong advocate for the border. Humanities Texas and TAMIU have provided generous support to make possible a difficult and enlightening conversation.”

The second event sees the return of Laredo native Dr. Norma E. Cantú on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The acclaimed author and scholar will present “From the Self to the World: A Generative Writing Workshop” at the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library, 1120 E. Calton Road.

Dr. Cantú’s workshop enables participants to construct their border art through the written word, exploring themes of self and community. As it is writing-intensive, the event capacity is limited to 30 people.

She is the Norine R. and T. Frank Murchison Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Trinity University in San Antonio. Earning a Ph.D. in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, she has had an illustrious career serving in various capacities at higher education institutions in Texas, California, and Washington, D.C.

She recently served as President of the American Folklore Society and currently serves on several boards including the board of directors of Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, CantoMundo, and Macondo.

The Border Voices Lecture Series will continue in the Spring of 2025 with the following speakers. More details are forthcoming:

* A Reading and Talk from Elizabeth González James (February 6, 2025), author of Mona at Sea and The Bullet Swallower.

* A Film Screening and Conversation with Paloma Martínez (March 20, 2025), award-winning filmmaker, teacher, and labor organizer.

* Border Girls: Reading Laredo with J. Buentello Benavides (April 17, 2025), writer, teacher, editor, translator.

The Border Voices Lecture Series is made possible in part with a grant from Humanities Texas, the State affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information, visit  go.tamiu.edu.bordervoices, contact Dr. Kozaczka at 956.326.3300, or email adam.kozaczka@tamiu.edu

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this speaker series do not necessarily represent those of Humanities Texas or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing, and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.

University news and information is online at tamiu.edu and from TAMIU’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Rick Jervis

Dr. Norma E. Cantú