Acclaimed actor and engineering enthusiast Terrence Howard visited Edinburg last week to meet with UTRGV in regards to a potential research and development project.
He is developing omnidirectional flight vehicles under his company “Lynchpin By Terrence Howard.” The company develops custom drones, aerial photography solutions, delivery systems, wireless transmission systems, UAS, UAV, and swarm technology.
His nephew, Josh Howard, of Edinburg, is the chief branding officer of Brand Geniuz and Social Fest co-founder, who says his uncle is looking for a new homebase for his tech company, which is currently located in California, and his meeting at the university was “very productive.”
“Imagine a drone that could move at any degree necessary,” Josh narrated. “It’s unlike any other.”
Josh added that his uncle was invited to Edinburg by the university as well as “other interested parties.”
“Many people don’t know that the advanced manufacturing department at UTRGV is one of the top within the country,” said Josh, who added that the university has specific technology no other school in the nation possesses, but did not elaborate on particulars.
He called the Rio Grande Valley the “manufacturing region of the U.S.” adding that UTRGV’s proximity to the border increases its potential to serve as the project’s new homebase.
“It’s so close to Mexico that parts can be manufactured there and assembled on this side,” he said, but clarified they will also be exploring U.S. based manufacturing to give Valley residents jobs.
“There’s a lot of talent here that leaves the university and goes other places,” Josh, whose wife teaches at UTRGV, recognized. “We need to work to retain that talent.”
While Terrence was in town last week, visiting local businesses and exploring the Valley on Monday and Tuesday, July 27-28, he took time to speak to engineering students at UTRGV’s manufacturing department, about the “importance of challenging what are considered as traditional scientific values and understandings.”
Terrence’s belief is that otherwise, there would be no breakthroughs or new discoveries.
One moment from his classroom talk stands out to Terrence and his nephew. A student told him “there are three different types of people in this world: followers, managers and leaders.” “‘And you are the latter — because just from this short moment with you — we will follow you,’” Josh and Terrence recounted.
Terrence plans to return to Edinburg if progress is made within the deal he is looking to possibly strike up with UTRGV, but in the meantime, the celebrity, theorist, and omni-flight vehicle pioneer praises the “genuine authenticity” of the people who call it home.
“The people here were not afraid to show excitement and exuberance,” said Terrence. “They were not afraid to embrace something new. Even though I’ve challenged the status quo, they are willing to take the walk with me.”