THECB Issues Cease and Desist Letter to Illegal TexAM Entity

May 7, 2026

AUSTIN – At the direction of Governor Abbott, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) today sent a letter (see full copy below) demanding that an entity calling itself Texas American Muslim University at Dallas (TexAM) cease all operations. The entity claims it is an educational organization offering higher education courses and degrees in Texas but has not complied with Texas laws for operating a higher education institution.

To operate or grant degrees in Texas, a private postsecondary educational institution is required to hold a Certificate of Authority issued by the THECB pursuant to Chapter 61, Subchapter G of the Texas Education Code. Because TexAM has never been granted a Certificate of Authority to operate in Texas, it is prohibited from offering to grant degrees or courses leading to a degree. TexAM also is in violation of section 61.313 of the Texas Education Code, which protects the use of terms such as “university” and carries potential criminal liability.

TexAM claims to offer STEM degree programs and admissions to a variety of bachelor’s degree programs. It must immediately cease this advertising and student enrollment.

THECB informed TexAM of these violations in a letter released May 7 and requires that it immediately cease operations and advertisement of unauthorized programs. If TexAM refuses to comply, the matter will be referred to the Attorney General for prosecution.

A copy of the letter to TexAM from the THECB:

May 6, 2026

TexAM University at Dallas
1100 E Campbell Rd
Richardson, TX 75081
Sent via email to info@texam.education
& CMRRR
Re: Notice of Violation

To Whom It May Concern:

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) recently became
aware of the website for “Texas American Muslim University at Dallas” (TexAM), which claims the entity is operating a “university” that “offer[s] STEM degree programs” both online and “at the Richardson campus.”1 After review, it has been determined that TexAM is not operating in Texas in compliance with the laws and regulations of the state of Texas.

In order to operate or grant degrees in Texas, a private postsecondary educational institution is required to hold a Certificate of Authority issued by the THECB pursuant to Chapter 61, Subchapter G of the Texas Education Code. TexAM has never been granted a Certificate of Authority to operate in Texas; therefore, TexAM is prohibited by law from granting or offering to grant degrees. A person or entity’s non-compliance with Chapter 61, Subchapter G, subjects them to criminal punishment, administrative penalties, and liability for civil penalties and injunctive relief (Tex. Educ. Code § 61.316-319). Furthermore, non-compliance is a violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and subjects the person or entity to the criminal and civil liability imposed under that act (Tex. Educ. Code § 61.320).

Additionally, the use of a protected term such as “university” without a certificate of authority is a violation of section 61.313 of the Texas Education Code. Such a violation subjects a person to criminal liability.

TexAM’s advertising and postings via its website indicate that your entity publicly holds itself out as offering in the State of Texas STEM degree programs, including a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and admissions to bachelor’s degree programs in computer science, IT, cybersecurity, and health informatics. TexAM, and all related entities, must immediately cease advertising, offering, and enrolling students in degrees or programs of study until it has applied for and been granted a Certificate of Authority. You must also cease and desist from using any protected terms immediately.

By May 8, 2026, you must sign the letter below and return it to our office, confirming that you have voluntarily, permanently, and immediately ceased advertising, offering, and enrolling students in degrees or programs in Texas and using protected terms. This matter may also be referred to local District Attorneys and the Texas Attorney General for further action. Please send all correspondence to Cathie Maeyaert, Director of Private Postsecondary Institutions at Cathie.Maeyaert@highered.txas.gov.

Sincerely,
Daniel R. Perez
Associate Commissioner
Academic & Workforce Initiatives

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Also, Texas A&M sent a cease-and-desist letter to TexAM due to trademarks infringement

At first I thought this was about Texas A& M University where I received my Masters Degree.

It looks to be some scam operation hoping to fly under the radar…NOT IN TEXAS!

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
At first I thought this was about Texas A& M University...

I thought the same thing.

But this does seem unfair. I am sure that some quality learing is going on there.


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quote:

Originally posted by TigerDore:

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
At first I thought this was about Texas A& M University...

I thought the same thing.

But this does seem unfair. I am sure that some quality learing is going on there.


.

A&M would not allow that, UT maybe but not A&M………..

According to the school's website, you can get a Master's in Artificial Intelligence for the low, low price $99 per 3 credit course and only 40 credits needed for the degree. Sounds legit.

What a deal

Gig’em, Abbott!

Come on up to MN Y’all, we’ll welcome you with open arms!