Continuous Innovation

South Texas College will soon become the number one provider for workforce and economic development in the region, according to STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis.

Speaking to a packed house on his first official visit to STC’s Technology Campus Sept. 13, the visit included an opportunity to speak and address faculty, staff, and students’ concerns at the campus.

Pressed on his outlook for the future of the college, Solis said STC’s workforce and continuing education efforts are key to the growth of the communities in the region, and the college will be responding and anticipating this growth.

“Continuous innovation is our ultimate sustainable competitive advantage. South Texas College will created the most advanced technological facility to address industry needs on a global level,” Dr. Solis said. “Our Technology Campus is going to be an advanced, high tech facility that will be extremely vital for the growth of South Texas College.

“Our expansion for this campus has been rooted in our strategic masterplan that addresses both training and academic program needs for the future,” he said. “We are looking to capitalize in becoming the No. 1 provider in advanced manufacturing along the U.S. and Mexico border region and state. The new expansion of facilities will position us to achieve and succeed in assisting businesses with their training needs and contribution to the regional economy.”

The discussion with faculty and students was then followed by a luncheon with college trustees, commissioners from the City of McAllen, and industry leaders. In attendance were STC trustees Vice Chair Dr. Alejo Salinas, Gary Gurwitz, and Danny Guzman.

McAllen District 6 commissioner Jose R. “Pepe” Cabeza de Vaca attended on behalf of the city.

“You have a partner with the City of McAllen,” Cabeza de Vaca said at the luncheon. “It starts now. We are going to do this together, and we have to do this together, so please let us know how we can help.”

At the luncheon with stakeholders, Dr. Solis emphasized his background in economic development to outline his plan that will combine technology and health to grow local economies.

At its roots, economic development is improving and setting up those conditions to improve growth and quality of life for communities, according to Dr. Solis.

Drawing upon experience in international trade, from international bridges to industrial parks in diverse regions including Mexico, South America, China and finally the Rio Grande Valley, Solis said it’s the community colleges that are now perfectly positioned to provide the next generation of skills providers in the nation.

“South Texas College is very lucky and happy to have found a new leader who will take us to a different level and in a new direction, who is certainly focused on the communities we serve and the students who are with us,” said STC Trustee Dr. Alejo Salinas. “We found a person who has extensive experience in business and industry and partnerships in economic development, which is something we all feel is very important for our communities and certainly for South Texas College. We also found a person who is a dedicated educator, and we are certainly supportive of his approach to operations at the college.”