Kaisey Garza, Sebastian Balderas, Jimmy Flores and Jeremiah Ramirez represented MECA at the conference, where they presented their work alongside college and university students from across the country. Their achievements marked a milestone for the program as they became the first dual credit students from MECA to participate in the AACS conference.

Garza tied for first place in the Research Poster Competition, while Balderas and Flores each received honorable mentions, tying for third place in the same category. Ramirez tied for second place in the Three-Minute Thesis Presentation Competition.

For the students, the experience provided an opportunity to challenge themselves academically, step outside their comfort zones and gain confidence in their abilities.

“Being able to tie for first place means so much to me because it reflects the time, dedication and hard work I’ve put into everything I do,” Garza said. “As a MECA student and dual enrollment student, balancing two different academic experiences every day can be challenging, but this opportunity makes it all worthwhile. I’m proud to represent both my school and my town at this conference, and I’m grateful for the chance to show that hard work and perseverance truly pay off.”

Ramirez said one of his greatest challenges was narrowing his research into a brief presentation while maintaining depth of information that made the topic interesting.

“I think the hardest part of condensing all the information was trying to pick out the most important data to present and to still summarize it in three-minutes,” Ramirez said. “I could not fully explain all the information I gathered or even go into detail on why it is so fascinating. If there was no time limit, I could have gone for at least 20 minutes explaining it all.”

For Balderas, qualifying for the conference and earning recognition helped him recognize his potential while navigating the demands of dual credit classes and extracurricular activities.

“Being able to even qualify for something this big helped me realize that I can achieve more than I believed,” Balderas said. “As a dual enrollment student and band student, there were moments where it was hard balancing both lifestyles and managing my time. Nevertheless, I am happy I followed through with the conference and I’m grateful for the experience.”

Flores also described the conference as a valuable opportunity to explore higher education and engage with students beyond his usual academic environment.

Flores added that the experience will benefit him, as he pursues future educational and career opportunities, expressing gratitude to Jenny Chamberlain, Sociology faculty for encouraging the students to participate.

“Participating in the virtual AACS conference with Ms. Chamberlain, Sebastian and Kaisey was a meaningful step beyond what I am accustomed to,” Flores said. “I was nervous at first, but once I got settled in, moving out of my comfort zone felt rewarding. I got to interact with college students and gained valuable insights into higher education.”

Chamberlain said the students’ participation alone was a significant accomplishment, making their competition results even more rewarding.

 “To think that these students competed against university students from around the country and ended up winning such high recognition is absolutely amazing and so rewarding,” Said Chamberlain.

She added that their success demonstrated the academic potential of students from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and the value of providing them the opportunities to participate in collegiate-level experiences.

The students’ achievements reflect their dedication and perseverance while highlighting the opportunities available to students through the partnership between STC and MECA.

The students will present their work to the community and get their awards at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at STC’s Mid-Valley Campus. The presentation is free and open to the public, offering community members an opportunity to learn more about the students’ research and celebrate their academic accomplishments.

STC congratulates the four students on their accomplishments and their representation of the RGV on a national academic stage.

The event invites visitors to walk the Mid-Valley Campus and visit booths hosted by STC faculty, staff departments and college services. Representatives will distribute Halloween treats while sharing information about their programs and services.

The event is designed to bring the STC community and surrounding areas together while highlighting the college as a welcoming and caring campus.

Rainlilly Elizondo, History faculty member and co-organizer said the event also provides an opportunity for STC to connect with prospective students and families in a relaxed setting.

“Being a ‘Caring Campus’ means finding meaningful ways to connect with the people we serve and making sure they feel welcome when they come through our doors,” she said. “Trick or Treat Fest allows us to do that in a very natural way. Families can enjoy an evening together, students can connect with faculty and staff outside of the classroom and community members, who may be considering college, can learn about STC without feeling like they are walking into a formal recruitment event.”

Mid-Valley Campus Administrator Daniel Montez said the event reflects STC’s commitment to creating meaningful connections with the community while promoting educational opportunities.

“The Trick or Treat Fest is truly an event for our community,” he said. “As we work to fulfill our mission as a Caring Campus, we want to create opportunities where our students, their families and community members can come together, enjoy themselves and feel connected to STC. Inviting the community onto our campus allows us to build those relationships in a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.”

The event is open to current STC students, their families and community members and will take place on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes and enjoy an evening of treats, activities and community connections.

The expansion will provide students in the Mid-Valley and surrounding communities with greater access to firefighter training while helping meet the continued demand for qualified professionals in the region.

“Fifteen years is a major accomplishment,” said Victor Valdez, Fire Science department chair at STC. “It represents all the students we have trained, the departments we have supported and the communities our graduates now serve. It also reflects the dedication of the faculty, staff and fire service partners who have helped build this program over the years.”

The academy has grown from operating out of a couple portable buildings at STC’s Technology Campus to utilizing a state-of-the-art facility at the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence Campus in Pharr. The program has expanded its locations, equipment and technology while developing stronger partnerships with fire departments and school districts.

“These departments see the need for this type of program and training for students,” said Daniel Montez, STC Mid-Valley campus administrator. “With a rigorous curriculum, well-qualified instructors and the support of our local fire service partners, we are excited to bring this opportunity to the Mid-Valley and help prepare the next generation of firefighters.”

Over the past 15 years, the academy has trained nearly 500 students, many of whom now serve fire departments throughout the RGV and across Texas.

“We are proud to know that many of them are protecting the same communities where they live,” Valdez said. “The academy has become more than a training program. It has become a pathway into the fire service and higher education, giving students the skills to begin their careers while also giving them an opportunity to continue growing professionally.”

STC’s Fire Academy stands out by combining firefighter training with college coursework.

Students can apply their Fire Academy courses towards and Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science, creating an opportunity to continue their education after completing their initial firefighter training.

Students also receive hands-on instruction from experienced fire service professionals and train with advanced technology, including virtual reality and a live-fire training facility.

The expansion to the Mid-Valley comes as a demand for the program continues to grow. The Fire Academy has reached capacity at its current location, with students placed on waiting lists.

“The demand is there,” Valdez said. “We have students from the Mid-Valley area who are already traveling to attend the academy in Pharr. Expanding to the Mid Valley Campus allows us to serve more students and remove some of the barriers that can make pursuing this career difficult.”

For Mid-Valley students, bringing the program closer to home could make a significant difference.

“The Fire Academy coming to the Mid Valley Campus will create new opportunities for students,” Montez said. “It also creates another strong pipeline for cities throughout our area to recruit qualified, well-trained firefighters who are prepared to help protect our communities.”

The expansion will help strengthen the region’s fire service workforce by increasing the number of qualified firefighter candidates available to local departments.

“Every additional student we are able to train represents another potential firefighter serving a community,” Valdez said. “But we also want students to see that becoming a firefighter can be the beginning of a career, not the end of their education. By earning college credit and continuing toward an associate degree, they can position themselves for future opportunities and advancement within the fire service.”

Organized through Continuing Education and Workforce Development, the courses are funded by an Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) grant and provide beginner, intermediate and advanced instruction free of charge for prospective students.

Qualifying students receive 80 hours of English instruction, a free textbook and online learning resources. Interested residents can begin by scheduling an orientation and placement through STC’s ESL webpage or visiting the Continuing Education office for assistance.

Mauro Hernandez, a program coordinator overseeing curriculum and instruction for the grant, said the classes address a challenge many students face, which is having some knowledge of English, but feeling unprepared to use it at work or during a job interview.

Placement testing helps staff group students with others who have similar English skills, creating an environment where beginners can participate without feeling discouraged by more experienced speakers, Hernandez said.

“One of the qualities that our program as well as our teachers represent is placing a priority on ensuring students come out of these classes prepared, but out of that preparedness comes confidence,” Hernandez said. “We make sure they are in a comfortable environment where they feel that they are learning along with other people who are also learning right beside them.”

For ESL student Rosa Ayala, the support offered by STC is helping her work towards goals she once felt were limited by her English.

With a college education from Mexico and aspirations in real estate, Ayala said she sometimes struggled to participate in workplace conversations.

Ayala began taking ESL classes at STC last November after learning about them from a friend. She had been paying for courses herself before receiving a call about the opportunity to take additional instruction for free through the grant.

Now, nearly a year into her studies, she said she values the encouragement she receives from instructors and the opportunity to learn alongside students of different ages.

“Sometimes I had to leave meetings because I couldn’t speak very well,” Ayala said. “Now here I am, almost one year since I began at STC and to be honest, I am very happy here. It’s such a blessing to know that I am working to improve a major challenge I have faced in the workplace.”

Roberto Martinez Jr., a Continuing Education ESL trainer, said students bring skills and ambitions to the classroom. Strengthening their English can help them put those abilities to work while setting an example for their children and their families.

Martinez said he encourages adults to remain committed, regardless of their age or how long learning takes.

For those who feel uncertain about returning to school, Hernandez said staff members are ready to guide them through the process.

“I know it’s scary. I know the idea of reentering the college system can be intimidating,” he said. “But we are here to help that process and put you on the right track to success.”

For more information, to schedule an orientation and placement test or to check eligibility requirements, visit STC’s ESL webpage at southtexascollege.edu/cpit/courses/personal/esl/.

Joining STC this fall as the Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) program’s newest faculty member, Sotelo brings 13 years of industry experience into the classroom with a personal mission to inspire the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

“Manufacturing is an art. It means taking a design and solving the puzzle to make something efficient in terms of cost and time,” Sotelo said. “We are teaching students how to create something with precise measurements and then mass-produce it for the world – it’s beautiful.”

Originally aspiring to become an architect, Sotelo earned college credit through the STC’s Dual Credit Programs and then attended the former University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) on a golf scholarship.

She opted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering at UTPA, a decision which launched her into a successful career working for Horton Pedestrian Access Solutions, a manufacturer of automatic and manual pedestrian-access products, including sliding door, swing doors and specialized entrances for hospitals and businesses.

Sotelo remembers starting on the floor level, gaining experience as a manufacturing engineer focused on improving production processes, and then advancing to product manager, overseeing aspects like product sustainability, competitive analysis and new product development

Throughout her career, Sotelo said she was often the only woman engineer in the room, but it was that experience which motivated her to show students that opportunities in engineering and manufacturing are always within reach.

“I want female students to see that if I can do it, they can do it too,” Sotelo said. “I’m from the Valley. I’m Hispanic; but I was still able to break barriers and succeed in this male-dominated field. Anything is possible.”

AMT Department Chair Erika Guerra said students stand to greatly benefit from Sotelo’s engineering and automation experience.

Sotelo’s approach to the classroom is bound to provide students with valuable insight into the expectations of modern industry, Guerra said.

“She has the knowledge, the patience and the expertise,” Guerra said. “Students can ask questions, and she can explain concepts by relating them to real industry examples. She fits very well in our department, and we feel lucky to have her.”     

Sotelo said it was faculty members like Guerra that inspired her into a career in education. Now, she seeks to make an impression on students by connecting classroom theory with practical applications.

She also strives to do the same by explaining how the tools, measurements and safety procedures students learn at STC are used in working manufacturing environments.

Sotelo hopes to introduce students to emerging applications such as 3D printing, which can help companies create prototypes without interrupting production. Her broader goals include increasing enrollment and showing students how STC’s hands-on training can lead directly to the workforce or become a foundation for a future engineering degree.

“This program gives students the hands-on experience required to be successful in a manufacturing facility,” Sotelo said. “When they enter the industry, they will be skilled and ready. I can tell them why something must be done in a certain way because I have seen it and I have done it.”

This project will establish Little Free Libraries at each STC campus, creating accessible spaces where students and community members can take a book, leave a book and discover new opportunities for learning. The chapter is asking the community to donate new or gently used books to help stock the libraries before they are installed across the college district.

Donations of fiction, nonfiction, biographies and children’s books are welcome. Books can be dropped off at any counseling department office across STC’s campuses.

Celina Jorge, PTK advisor and psychological science faculty member, said the project grew out of the chapter’s Honors in Action research, which explored how communities can help build a better future by addressing barriers to literacy.

“Through our research, we learned that access to books remains a challenge for many individuals and families,” Jorge said. “We wanted to create a project that would have a lasting impact by placing free books directly into the hands of community members through Little Free Libraries across our service area, with one at each campus.”

Jorge said access to reading materials can support educational achievement, workforce development and personal growth by helping individuals build knowledge, strengthen critical thinking skills and explore new perspectives.

For Francis Rosales, PTK president of the Beta Epsilon Mu chapter, the initiative reflects the impact students can make when they turn research into meaningful community service.

“As president of our PTK chapter, this project means a lot to me because it shows how small actions can contribute to a better future,” Rosales said. “I believe education can open doors and create opportunities, and being able to encourage reading and learning through this initiative is one way we can make a lasting difference.”

The chapter hopes the project will make books easier to access while encouraging community members to share resources and develop a lasting love of reading.

Community members are encouraged to contribute to the drive and help bring “Jags Read” to life. Each donation will help stock the new libraries and create more opportunities for students, children and families to connect through books.

For more information or to donate, visit any South Texas College Counseling Department office or call (956) 872-6440.

Now, she has received her second National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award, recognizing her commitment to teaching and student success.

“I've never done this work for the recognition. What matters most to me is finding ways to improve our programs and give students the best opportunities to succeed,” Garza said. “At the end of the day, it's about making sure they're prepared for their careers and knowing we've done everything we can to help them get there.”

An experienced pharmacist and passionate advocate for the profession, Garza has made contributions to STC that extend well beyond Pharmacy Technology.

In addition to leading the program, her responsibilities have included overseeing Health Information Technology (HIT) and Medical Assistant Technology (MAT), as well as supporting the college's Healthcare Student Success course, helping strengthen academic programs and creating opportunities for students across multiple healthcare disciplines.

“When I was 5 years old, I wanted to be a teacher. Life eventually led me to another profession I love, but I never imagined it would also bring me back to teaching,” Garza said. “Sometimes things come full circle, just not always in the way you expect.”

Originally from Central Florida, Garza's journey into pharmacy began in high school, when she discovered an interest in chemistry and a talent for problem-solving.

That interest took her to Auburn University in Alabama, where she earned a bachelor's degree in 1994 and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1995. She later completed a pharmacy residency in Nashville, Tennessee, gaining clinical experience that would help shape her career.

“I've always enjoyed problem solving. In pharmacy, there are so many challenges, whether it's a patient's specific needs, medication shortages or even regulations,” Garza said. “Finding solutions to those challenges is something I've always found exciting.”

After completing her residency, a connection between her residency director and a fellow pharmacist introduced Garza to a job opportunity in South Texas. In 1996, she accepted a position with a company providing outsourced pharmacy services at McAllen Medical Center, marking the beginning of her career in the Rio Grande Valley.

In fall 2005, Garza joined STC. At the time the Pharmacy Technology program, established in 1999, was pursuing accreditation and required the leadership of a licensed pharmacist. With her clinical experience, Garza stepped into the role, beginning a new chapter in her career as an educator.

Drawing from her experience, she remains a passionate advocate for pharmacy technicians, whose important role in patient care she believes is often misunderstood.

“There's a misconception that pharmacy technicians only handle basic tasks, but their responsibilities go far beyond that,” Garza said. “They are an essential part of the pharmacy team, working alongside pharmacists to ensure patients receive the medications they need safely and efficiently.”

Over the years, Garza has built a life in the Rio Grande Valley, raising two children while dedicating much of her career to pharmacy and education.

At STC, she has helped the Pharmacy Technology program evolve alongside the profession, expanding hands-on training opportunities and introducing students to technology used in modern pharmacy settings. These efforts have included incorporating automated medication packaging equipment and opportunities for students to participate in simulations alongside other healthcare disciplines.

“STC has been such an important part of my life. I've had the opportunity to grow as an educator, work alongside incredible people and be part of something that makes a difference in our community,” Garza said. “I'm grateful that I've always had people willing to listen to my ideas and support the work we're doing for our students.”

Her contributions have earned recognition throughout her career, including her first NISOD Excellence Award in 2008, recognizing her continued commitment to teaching and student success.

For Garza, however, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing students grow in their understanding and confidence, particularly when teaching pharmacology, one of her favorite subjects.

“There's nothing like seeing that moment when something finally clicks for a student,” Garza said. “I remember what that felt like when I was learning, and now being able to give my students that same experience is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”

Looking ahead, Garza remains focused on strengthening the academic programs under her leadership, mentoring faculty and preparing future leaders who can carry the programs forward.

“I want to know that when my time here comes to an end, the programs I've helped build will continue to grow and students will continue to have the same opportunities, if not better ones,” Garza said. “If I've helped make that possible, then I know I've made a difference.”

With more than $400,000 raised and more than 500 donors and community partners in attendance, Marcos Silva, Ed.D., director of Foundation and External Affairs, said this is a testament to how many people in the community support student success.  

“The Gala is a fundraiser for scholarships, new programs and so that our Foundation can support the college in its goals and in its mission,” said Silva. “STC prides itself in being an affordable option for our students without them going into debt, and at the Foundation, we want to ensure that it remains true. If we can maintain scholarships and provide opportunities, then we know our students can stay in school.” 

With the support of partners like South Texas Health System (STHS), which for the fourth consecutive year was the Gala’s title sponsor, students can continue showcasing their talents in the classroom and workforce, thanks to the scholarships that make it possible.  

“It’s all about giving back to the community. This money is going toward scholarships because there are so many talented students in our community that may not be able to afford their education otherwise,” said STHS System Director of Marketing and Public Relations Tom Castaneda. “There are scholarships that are specifically for healthcare students because healthcare is an industry where you are able to thrive with a degree to accelerate your career further.” 

The evening of elegance, which included a fine-dining experience provided by Santa Fe Steakhouse, as well as a live and silent auction, honored sponsors and donors who continue to make an impact on students’ lives, such as DHR Health, LFD Home Furnishings, Vantage Bank, AEP Texas, Noble Charities and Johnson Controls, to name a few.  

STC Foundation Board President Laura Warren said more people are willing to invest in STC because they are witnessing the results of the impact the college has in the region.  

“Investing in our students is investing in our community,” she said. “Companies are looking at our region to grow their businesses and our students deserve to grow with them. When the whole community comes together and invests in success, everyone wins. We thank everyone for being a part of our story.” 

Among a long list of exclusive guests at this year’s event, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, who emphasized STC’s vital role in the region. 

“South Texas College is the key to our economy and to connecting our workforce to graduates who are in high demand,” said Hinojosa. “STC is an economic driver here in South Texas, creating training and job opportunities that through scholarships, students can take advantage of.” 

Over the last four years, STC’s Foundation Gala has raised close to a million dollars for student scholarships, creating emergency funds and educational opportunities for more than 2,600 students.  

STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said it’s a privilege to see how STC’s Foundation Gala has grown over the years and to witness community support increase exponentially. 

“We’re honored with the support that our community gives STC and that many believe in our mission and vision, the way we do,” he said. “This year’s gala exceeded our expectations. Our community came out strong and most importantly, they endorse and believe in what we do and what we provide. Together, we are helping our students succeed.” 

For more information on STC’s Foundation or how to become a donor, visit southtexascollege.edu/foundation.    

Over the last six years, Bardo, a client service analyst III for the STC Information Technology (IT) Service Desk, has earned the trust of her colleagues, earning the nomination for this year’s award that highlights excellence, innovation and professional achievement.  

“This was a great surprise; it’s a huge honor,” said Bardo. “While I’m bad at being in public, especially when attention is on me, I’m proud of this award because it gives a department that is generally behind the scenes, a moment in the spotlight. I’m glad that I can represent our department.” 

A shy dog lover, video game player and avid reader, she serves STC as a team lead managing technical solutions; data collection and reporting; team coaching and training; and leading campuswide phone upgrades and software transitions.  

Bardo’s supervisor, Service Delivery Manager Alejandra Morales, said Bardo exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional employee and colleague. 

“I am proud to see her contributions recognized through this well-deserved honor. Norine’s Employee of the Year award reflects her dedication, professionalism and meaningful contributions to our college,” she said. “She combines technical excellence with outstanding interpersonal skills, builds trust, fosters collaboration and consistently goes above and beyond to support others. What distinguishes Norine is not only the quality of her work, but also the positive impact she makes on the people around her.” 

Bardo, who has more than 30 years of experience in the IT sector, has most recently co-led the IT artificial intelligence (AI) team to implement new AI tools and security reviews for the college, serves on STC’s Staff Advisory Council and chairs the first Distinguished Leadership Academy mentorship program through the Teaching and Learning Center. 

“I try to participate around campus as much as I can,” said Bardo. “I like to help our faculty and staff. I work with such skilled people in my department, campuswide, and they’re the reason why I got this recognition.” 

The Michigan transplant moved to the Rio Grande Valley on recommendation from her grandparents who lived in the Valley for more than three decades, and now, calling the Valley and STC home, she is not only honored to have her work recognized, but she has goals that will continue moving the college forward.  

“We will continue to push AI, how to use it responsibly and ethically, I want to implement a repository of used cases and create a tangible way of calculating our return of investment on these programs,” she said. “At STC, we must keep up with all the innovative tools at our fingertips, and we must remain ahead of the game.”  

Continuing Education and Workforce Development and the Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships will give prospective adult learners information on STC’s short-term training opportunities, many at no cost. 

Olivia De La Rosa, dean of STC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development, said this is a great way of bringing services closer to home.  

“This is a great opportunity to inform the area of the programs we have available through Continuing Education,” she said. “We know that community members do not always have the time or means to be able to visit one of our campuses, so this event allows us to take the information to them.”  

Among numerous courses and trainings available through STC, free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, General Educational Development (GED) courses, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training, teacher aide and computer skills courses, along with other in-demand, workforce programs. 

“This initiative is part of CATA’s growth strategy, and an opportunity to increase student access to our multiple technical training programs,” said STC Dean for the Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships Carlos Margo, Ph.D. “We will initially be focusing on safety and construction-related programs in the Delta region.” 

The event, to be held at the Elsa Economic Development Corporation, will run from 5-7 p.m., will be open to the community at large, and is part of STC Trustee Rina Castillo’s commitment to break barriers and bring educational opportunities to rural communities. 

Castillo is STC’s newest elected trustee, representing district seven – Northeast Hidalgo County, North Weslaco, Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, Mercedes, Monte Alto, Northeast Alamo, Northeast Edinburg and Hargill.  

“Bringing higher education opportunities to the Delta area is personal,” she said. “This is something I have been advocating for, for over a decade, and now as a Trustee, I can continue that advocacy. Families in this area face barriers that include transportation, childcare and financial challenges. This event will allow us to advocate for the programs they need closer to home because everyone deserves equal access to education and economic opportunities.”   

For more information on the upcoming the event, call STC Academic Affairs and Workforce Innovation at 956-872-6453. 

These were the moments that laid the foundation for STC, according to Reyes, a retired History professor who paired high academic expectations with respect for the knowledge as well as culture that students brought to the classroom.

STC, from the start, was about helping students build the skills and confidence to help them continue their education, Reyes said.

“We as faculty knew that we were doing this, not for ourselves, but for all of our students,” Reyes said. “You can do anything at STC, the college puts everything in reach as long as it’s for the students, not for yourself.”

Being named Emeritus is a lifetime honor for faculty at STC, who are given the distinction upon retirement by their peers. Those faculty who have earned Emeritus status remain visible with the college and engaged in academic and professional activities even after their teaching careers have ended.

Reyes, who is also a former journalist, began teaching part-time at STC in 1996 and then full-time in 1997, joining the institution in its infancy, but prepared with a mission that enabled students to envision new possibilities for their futures.

Reyes estimates that more than 15,000 students passed through his classes during his career at STC.

All throughout, Reyes said it was his goal to bring curiosity as well as an appreciation for people’s experiences to this classroom.

That purpose shaped his approach to students who were developing the reading and writing skills needed for college coursework. He believed their experiences and understanding of their communities also provided a foundation for learning.

Familiar with the language and culture of the Rio Grande Valley, Reyes said he expected college-level work and took pride in watching students gain confidence as they met those expectations.

“We found, that over and over again, students’ self-esteem improved in leaps and bounds when they realized that they did have the ability to succeed in college,” Reyes said. “My goal was to make sure they understood what they were hearing. I needed for them to show me that they grasped what I was teaching.”

Reyes’ impact was also felt as he immersed himself in campus life and in his advocacy for faculty.

His contributions included serving as History department chair, participating in college committees and helping hire faculty committed to student success.

He also helped establish the first union for faculty at the college, helped develop STC’s Mexican American Studies program and represented the college in his mission to develop a statewide associate degree in Mexican American Studies.

Additionally, Reyes helped organize STC’s Speaker Series that connected students with experts and presented conference papers on Valley history and culture, bringing the region’s experiences into broader academic conversations.

“STC has been and always will be a dynamic place where we will allow people to use their expertise in whatever field they are in, regardless of what position they hold,” Reyes said.

Now recognized as a Professor Emeritus, Reyes said he remains more invested than ever in the college’s mission. The Emeritus distinction enables him to remain engaged in the shared effort by educators and employees whose talents helped expand educational opportunities for the communities STC serves.

Reflecting on the students and colleagues who gave that work meaning, Reyes said helping build the college in its formative years remains an enduring source of pride.

“I just feel privileged to have been part of STC’s early history,” he said. “I feel like this will always be an honor that I will never, ever forget.”

With that in mind, South Texas College Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program students and faculty recently donated eight boxes filled with hygiene wipes, disinfecting supplies and other much-needed essentials to Aurora House Foundation in Weslaco, a nonprofit providing end-of-life care at no cost to patients or their families.

“Our students visit Aurora House every semester, often within their first few months in the program, but this time I wanted us to do a little more and give something back,” said STC faculty member Benjamin Yeboah, DNP. “Seeing the care they provide is incredible, and we're grateful to be even a small part of their mission.”

Yeboah first visited Aurora House during the spring semester while accompanying nursing students for their clinical rotations. The visit is part of a partnership spanning more than 15 years, through which STC students learn about palliative and end-of-life care from healthcare professionals, social workers and chaplains.

Moved by the organization's mission and its reliance on community support, Yeboah coordinated with a Johnson & Johnson representative to secure the supplies, which he and his students delivered during a recent visit.

“These patients deserve to feel comfortable, cared for and respected,” Yeboah said. “As nurses, we have a responsibility to care for people beyond their medical needs. I hope experiences like this encourage our students to make a difference in their communities, and I look forward to finding more ways to support Aurora House in the future.”

Founded in 2007, Aurora House Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides end-of-life care to patients in a home-like setting. The facility relies on charitable contributions to support its services and works alongside local hospice providers to meet patients' medical needs.

“We've welcomed hundreds of STC students over the years as part of their clinical education, and we're extremely grateful to see that partnership grow,” said Monalisa Gonzalez, education and development coordinator at Aurora House Foundation. “Many of our patients are bedridden and depend on others for their daily needs, so these supplies make a real difference in keeping them clean and comfortable. We're thankful to STC for thinking of our patients and supporting our home.”

Beyond the donation, Aurora House offers students a valuable learning experience, introducing them to an important aspect of nursing that extends beyond traditional hospital care: supporting patients and their families through the final stages of life.

For first-year ADN student Nichole Luna, the visit was an emotional experience that challenged her understanding of what it means to care for patients.

“It was very emotional, but it gave us a new perspective,” Luna said. “It's not always about helping someone get better. Sometimes, it's about helping someone feel more comfortable as they're approaching the end of their life.”

The experience was particularly personal for Luna, whose grandfather previously received palliative care. Hearing from professionals about the challenges patients face reminded her of the importance of listening to their concerns, easing their fears and offering support to families during difficult moments.

With an interest in caring for older adults, Luna said the visit also strengthened her commitment to becoming a nurse who treats patients with empathy and compassion, regardless of their circumstances.

“Every patient deserves the same level of compassion and respect, regardless of what they're going through,” she said. “And that care extends beyond the patient. Their families are going through an emotional experience, too, and as nurses, we can make a difference for both.”

Luna was among 26 nursing students who accompanied Yeboah to deliver the donated supplies to Aurora House in late September. According to Gonzalez, caregivers began sorting through the items and offering them to patients that same day.

“Knowing that our community is thinking of our patients and supporting our home means so much to us,” Gonzalez said. “We're incredibly grateful to STC, Mr. Yeboah and the students for their generosity. It's wonderful to see future nurses already learning the importance of giving back, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”

Tello, a specialist with Student Activities and Wellness, received the inaugural honor in recognition of his dedication to students and his commitment to creating a welcoming and engaging campus experience.

“I honestly didn’t expect this award,” he said. “There are so many people here who work hard and care about our students, so being recognized among all of them is something I’m truly grateful for. It means a lot to know that the people I work with see the value in what I do.”

Tello’s connection to STC began in 2006, when he joined STC as a work-study student in the Testing Center. He later worked in the library before earning his associate degree in interdisciplinary studies from STC.

His journey eventually led him to Student Activities and Wellness, where he has spent the past four years creating opportunities for students to connect, have fun and feel a sense of belonging on campus.

For Tello, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing the impact those experiences have on students.

“What motivates me is seeing their reactions when they come to our events,” he said. “When you see them smiling, laughing and having a good time, and they come up to you excited about what we have planned, it’s really gratifying. You realize that you’re giving them an experience they might not otherwise have and that means something.”

While the events may bring students together, Tello said the relationships that develop along the way are what makes his work most rewarding.

“For me, working with students is about making a connection and being there to help them,” he said. “The students are the reason we’re here. Without them, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to do what we do. If I can help a student, make them feel welcome or make their day a little better, then I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.”

Having worked in several areas of the college, Tello has had the opportunity to interact with students in different settings. His roles have allowed him to build relationships that often continue beyond a single interaction.

“You see students at an event and maybe you only talk to them for a few minutes, but then they come back and they remember you,” he said. “Eventually, they start asking, ‘What are we doing next?’ or they stay around to help. Those moments are special because you realize they feel comfortable here.”

Tello is particularly grateful for the close-knit atmosphere at the Starr County Campus.

“I’m grateful to be part of this community,” he said. “We may be a smaller campus, but we communicate with each other, and we really get to know one another. There’s something special about being part of a place where people look out for one another.”

After nearly 20 years at STC, Tello hopes the students he has encouraged remember him not simply as the person behind campus events, but as someone who genuinely cared about their experience.

For someone whose own journey began as a work-study, student, being recognized as Staff of the Year carries a special significance.

“I’m really thankful for everyone who nominated me and everyone who recognized me,” he said. “Being selected means they appreciate the work I do and the way I support our students. I don’t take that for granted.”

Through practical instruction, students learn how to prepare patients for testing, correctly position electrodes, operate EKG equipment and obtain accurate readings. The training also emphasizes patient communication, professionalism and the importance of helping individuals feel comfortable and respected during medical procedures.

“For me, it’s not just about what students learn in the book,” said EKG Instructor Anita Toral. “I want them to understand what they are doing and why it is important. We do a lot of hands-on practice so they can build their confidence and learn how to establish rapport with patients.”

The training can prepare students for entry-level opportunities as EKG technicians in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices and cardiology departments. It can also serve as a foundation for individuals interested in pursuing additional education and careers in fields such as nursing, emergency medical services, medical assisting and cardiac monitoring.

“We saw an opportunity to help people take the first step into healthcare,” said Daniela Masten, director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at STC. “The EKG Technician course gives students a chance to gain hands-on skills, prepare for a rewarding career and meet the growing need for healthcare professionals in our community.”

For Toral, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching the course is seeing students’ progress from feeling nervous about performing a procedure to confidently working with patients.

Her goal is for students to complete the program with the technical knowledge, practical experience and confidence needed to begin pursuing opportunities in the medical field.

“I want them to leave my class feeling confident and knowing, ‘I can do this,’” Toral said. “Most importantly, I want them to believe in themselves and know that this can be the beginning of something bigger for them.”

Classes are scheduled for Oct. 26 through Jan. 7 at STC’s Technology Campus and Nov. 9 through Feb. 24 at the Starr County Campus. The course costs $1,286, with 50% tuition assistance available through the Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG), subject to eligibility requirements.

For more information on STC’s EKG course, visit southtexascollege.edu/cpit/course-list.html.

More than a decade later, the proud graduate of STC’s Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and is now preparing to take her licensure exam, bringing her one step closer to fulfilling the dream inspired by her father’s recovery.

“My dad was in the hospital for months after developing severe pneumonia from bronchitis,” the 31-year-old shared. “It wasn’t until he went through physical therapy that I really saw him come back to life. Now, I’m excited to be part of that change for others.”

The Brownsville native had always envisioned herself helping others through a career in health care, although she wasn’t initially sure what that career would look like.

After graduating from Pace High School, Hernandez attended Texas A&M University in College Station, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2017.

During her first year, her father became seriously ill with bronchitis and later developed severe pneumonia, requiring weeks of intensive care followed by rehabilitation.

“Seeing him light up and get excited because he was getting better, walking and doing the stairs again, really touched my heart,” she said. “He was motivated to get back to the way he was before, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be that person for other people, and help them get back to doing the things they love.”

After unsuccessful attempts to enter a physical therapy program, Hernandez began exploring other options and discovered STC’s Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2019, which offered her an alternative path into the profession.

Despite the challenges of completing the program during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hernandez graduated with an Associate of Applied Science as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2021 and began working at an outpatient clinic in Brownsville, where she gained more than two years of experience as a PTA.

That experience ultimately opened the door for Hernandez to return to her original goal through the University of Texas Medical Branch’s PTA-to-DPT Bridge Program. This summer, she became the 10th STC graduate and first female to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through the collaboration between the two institutions.

“Chelsea’s graduation is such an exciting milestone for our program,” said STC PTA Program Chair Diana Hernandez, PT, M.Ed. “She marks our 10th graduate in 10 years to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through the UTMB PTA-to-DPT Bridge Program, and with six more STC alumni currently enrolled and others pursuing admission, we’re quickly gaining momentum.”

Since 2015, STC graduates have had access to two guaranteed seats each year in UTMB’s PTA-to-DPT Bridge Program in Galveston, one of only four such programs in the nation. The two-year and four-month hybrid program recognizes the education, clinical knowledge and professional experience of practicing PTAs, offering a condensed degree plan with minimal on-campus requirements that allows students to continue living and working in their communities while advancing their education.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Hernandez and excited about what this opportunity continues to mean for STC graduates and the Rio Grande Valley,” Diana Hernandez said.

More than a degree, the recent doctoral graduate said the accomplishment represents years of hard work and sacrifice as she prepares to take her physical therapy licensure exam at the end of October and hopes to pursue a career in acute care or inpatient rehabilitation, with a special interest in working with older adults.

“Sometimes I think to myself, ‘Me, a doctor?’ At 31 years old, it’s so surreal,” she said. “But then I remind myself, ‘I deserve this, and I earned it.’ It’s an honor, and I’m very humbled by it. I’m especially thankful to my parents for always supporting me and helping me get to where I am today.”

As she prepares for the next chapter of her career, Hernandez remains grateful to the STC instructors, staff and lab assistants who helped her build the foundation that ultimately led her back to her original goal.

“Without STC, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said. “I’m very grateful for everyone who helped me along the way. STC gave me the foundation and fundamentals I needed as a PTA, and now as I become a physical therapist.”

Amid the shock and uncertainty, an STC jacket in the back of Amaya’s truck caught the attention of STC alumnus Baldomero Solis, and what started as a simple recognition of a familiar logo soon became something much more meaningful: two Jags, brought together by chance at a moment when one needed the other most.

“Looking back at the pictures of the accident and at the scar that I got, I should not be here,” Amaya said. “Mr. Solis was extremely knowledgeable. He was able to make sure that everything was going to be OK and he shared with me how much he had enjoyed being an STC student. Not only did God allow me to survive, but I also had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact we make through higher education.”

On March 2, Amaya, a faculty member in STC’s Surveying and Geospatial program, was waiting for roadside assistance between Kingsville and Riviera after dropping off his daughter in Corpus Christi and heading back to the Rio Grande Valley when another vehicle struck his parked truck at highway speed, crushing the truck bed and sending the vehicle spinning 180 degrees.

Amaya, who said he was thrown around the cab during the impact, was able to walk to the ambulance on his own, believing his injuries weren’t that serious. As paramedic Solis began treating the cut on his head, which would later require 12 staples, he noticed something familiar among Amaya’s belongings: an STC jacket.

“At that moment, he was simply someone who needed help, and that was my focus,” Solis said. “When I realized he was an STC faculty member, it became a full-circle moment because it reminded me that sometimes, the same community that helped build you is the one you’re called to serve.”

A graduate of STC’s Emergency Medical Services program, Solis earned his Paramedic Associate of Applied Science in 2023 after completing his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basic training at the top of his class in 2021 and EMT-Advanced training in 2022, earning National Registry certification at each level.

A Rio Grande City native, Solis began his career with Starr County Memorial Hospital EMS before joining Allegiance Mobile Health, where he has provided 911 emergency care across South Texas and responded to high-pressure emergencies.

“I knew since high school that I wanted to become a paramedic,” Solis said. “My brother-in-law and close friends worked in EMS, and seeing their passion inspired me to pursue a career where I could be a source of calm, hope and compassion during some of the hardest moments of people’s lives.”

In 2026, his experience also led to opportunities to serve on specialized deployment teams supporting emergency operations, including severe weather response and wildland fire missions.

“Baldomero’s professionalism, compassion and clinical excellence reflect exactly what we strive to instill in all our students,” said Joseph Archer, one of Solis’ former STC faculty. “It is always rewarding to see our graduates apply their training in ways that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Following the accident, which left Amaya with a head wound and changes to his vision, he wrote a heartfelt email to STC’s Emergency Medical Services department thanking faculty for the preparation they provide their students and the care he experienced firsthand through one of their graduates.

“While I have always known that our EMS program is outstanding, experiencing firsthand the excellence of one of its graduates gave me an even greater appreciation for all the dedication, training and high standards faculty pours into our students,” Amaya wrote. “Moments like this remind us why our work matters.”

For Amaya, the experience reinforced both his pride in seeing students succeed and the importance of never taking safety for granted.

“To see a student be that passionate about the degree they earned and to have that pride in being part of STC, to me, that’s an awesome thing to see,” he said. “And if you get a flat, get off the expressway completely. Ruin the rim, ruin the car. It doesn’t make a difference. It’s not worth your life.”

Today, months after the accident, Amaya said he is grateful to be moving forward.

“Today, everything is golden. I am enjoying life, and I am very, very thankful,” he said.

Since May, four students, selected from 26 applicants and now in their second year of the program, have balanced paid positions at Driscoll with STC’s rigorous coursework and clinical rotations, gaining valuable experience alongside respiratory therapists.

“Driscoll approached us and invited our students to apply for the positions because of our program’s strong outcomes,” said STC Respiratory Therapy Program Chair Gabriel Peña. “That made me incredibly proud of the program we’ve built and the reputation our students have earned. This is such a great opportunity for them, and we’re honored and excited to see them take this next step in their careers.”

As paid Driscoll employees, the students earn $15 an hour and work at least one shift each week in addition to their STC coursework and clinical rotations.

Under the supervision of licensed respiratory therapists, they assist with approved respiratory treatments and patient care throughout the hospital, gaining experience on patient floors and in areas such as the emergency room and pediatric intensive care unit.

Driscoll Children’s Hospital RGV Respiratory Department Manager Jose Nava said bringing students into the hospital before graduation gives them an opportunity to build valuable pediatric experience while preparing for the transition from college to career.

“We’re extremely satisfied with the results we’re seeing so far,” Nava said. “The level of engagement from these students is very high. They go to school and do their clinicals Monday through Friday, and then they’re coming here and working on the weekends or whenever they have availability. They’re essentially doing respiratory care six or seven days a week, and that says a lot about their commitment.”

An STC alumnus, Nava recently earned his bachelor’s degree in Medical and Health Services Management from the college and said the opportunity has become a full-circle moment as he now looks to STC to help build Driscoll’s respiratory care workforce.

“Nearly 80% of my respiratory staff comes from STC, and the graduates we get are amazing,” Nava said. “They come prepared with the right concepts and everything they need to succeed. We’re very grateful for the relationship we have with STC and for the opportunity to give these students even more exposure while they’re still in school.”

Among the four selected was 22-year-old Katya Jimenez, who had stopped working to focus entirely on the demanding program, making the opportunity to earn an income while gaining experience in her future profession especially meaningful, and further confirming her passion for pediatric care.

“Being with Driscoll has really shown me that what I’m doing is what I’m meant to do,” she said. “I absolutely love working with kids. When I see that kid smile after they’ve been in a hospital bed all day, getting them to laugh is truly the best reward you can get.”

Fellow Respiratory Therapy student LeeRoy Medina, 28, a former STC nursing student and certified nursing assistant, said the experience has strengthened his confidence and given him a clearer picture of the respiratory therapist he hopes to become.

“Balancing everything has been challenging, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat,” Medina said. “I feel incredibly privileged and honored to have been chosen for this opportunity. We get to learn from amazing respiratory therapists who set the standard for the kind of professionals we want to become. It’s been such an incredible experience, and every sacrifice has been worth it.”

Building on the success of the initiative so far, Driscoll plans to continue offering Student Respiratory Tech positions next year, giving more STC students the opportunity to gain hands-on pediatric experience and potentially strengthen their prospects for future employment at the hospital.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Driscoll for believing in our program and giving our students this opportunity,” Peña said. “These four are setting the example and opening the door for the students who come after them. We’re excited to see where this opportunity takes them and what it can mean for the future of our program and our students.”

For Tovar, the honor is a reflection of her own journey through education as she remembers facing many of the same challenges she sees among students at STC.

From completing an ApplyTexas application and understanding financial aid, to overcoming a language barrier as a native Spanish speaker, Tovar reflects on what it felt like to be a first-generation college student trying to navigate higher education without knowing where to begin.

Today, as a staff member with STC’s Cashier’s Office at the Technology Campus, Tovar said she uses those experiences to make sure students know that they do not have to navigate college alone.

“I put myself in the shoes of these students because I was once that type of student,” she said. “I really want to help them as much as I can so they can surpass these challenges. I see myself in them.”

The first-ever staff award recognizes those who demonstrate exemplary performance, embody STC’s core values and who make meaningful contributions to students, colleagues and the college community.

For Tovar, who joined STC as a cashier in 2023, assisting students often extends far beyond answering questions about their accounts.

After noticing students walking around campus unsure of where to go for assistance, Tovar began collaborating with Technology Campus faculty to bring Cashier’s Office information directly into classrooms.

“I thought ‘Staying here at the desk is not helping in the way that I preferred,’’’ she said. “That’s when I decided to start with the classroom presentations.”

The results were immediate. Tovar said student visits increased from only a handful to at least 53 following her first round of presentations. As more faculty became involved, that number continued to grow. During her busiest semester, she said she assisted more than 424 students at one point.

The presentations also became an opportunity for students to ask questions beyond cashier services.

“It may not be related to my department, but I tell them ‘Come see me, and we can guide you to the right department that can assist you,’’’ she said.

Tovar’s willingness to help comes from her own journey at STC.

She first learned about the college through an STC information table at a community gathering. She later enrolled and earned associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Social Work, graduating cum laude in 2019.

Tovar is now returning to STC to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership.

Her commitment to service also extends beyond the college. Beginning in 2016, she spent eight years involved in community service working on projects ranging from public lighting to community cleanups.

But some of her most meaningful moments come when former students return to tell her how they are doing.

She recalls encouraging one nervous 19-year-old Welding student before his first industry test. He passed, entered the workforce and eventually purchased his own welding rig before beginning contract work for industrial companies. Even after entering the industry, he contacted Tovar about returning to complete his associate degree.

“It’s very rewarding because you have a front-row seat looking at all they have accomplished,” Tovar said. “They are able to find a job, build a career and provide for their families.”

When her name was announced as Staff Employee of the Year, Tovar said she was so surprised she could not believe it.

“I’m very blessed and very grateful for the opportunity,” she said. “It motivates me to continue assisting students in different ways, but also pursue more personal and professional growth.”

That is the same message she shares with students who may question whether they belong in college, which she notices often.

“I always tell students that is very important to believe in themselves,” she said. “They need to know that they are capable of doing so many things. If I can, then the students can too.”

The grant, which will be distributed incrementally throughout the four-year award period, will help STC continue providing childcare assistance to eligible student parents throughout the college district.

“This is an especially competitive CCAMPIS funding cycle, and we are hearing that many institutions, including some with long-standing CCAMPIS programs, will not receive awards,” said Andrew T. Fish, STC academic initiatives officer. “Securing continued funding for STC is therefore a significant accomplishment, and most importantly, ensures that this critical support remains available to our parenting students.”

Through Project ACCESS, STC will also expand childcare support beyond students who use the Mid-Valley Child Development Center by establishing partnerships with eligible, highly rated childcare providers throughout the college district.

“We are excited to have been selected to receive the CCAMPIS grant so that we may continue to support our student parents with childcare services,” said Bianca Diaz, Child Development program chair. “With this grant, we will begin to build strong collaborations with outside childcare centers and be able to bring childcare services to student parents at other campuses. Our goal is to bring quality childcare services to our student parents.”

For student parents currently utilizing the Mid-Valley Child Development Center, the grant can make a significant difference in their ability to balance their education and family responsibilities.

“It will continue to help our parents stay in school,” said Sylvia Serrano, Mid-Valley Child Development Center manager. “This grant pays for their child’s tuition at the center, and it has already helped so many students graduate from college since they do not have to worry about childcare expenses.”

The impact of that support is reflected in the experience of STC student and grant recipient Gizell Quintanilla, a single mother who said access to childcare has allowed her to focus fully on her education.

“Since I am a single mom, this grant has allowed me to enroll my kids into the center at no cost,” Quintanilla said. “It has allowed me to bring up my GPA from a 0.0 to a 3.11 by giving me peace of mind that my kids are being taken care of when I have class. I truly couldn’t do this without them.”

As STC begins the next four years of the CCAMPIS-funded project, it will build on the foundation established through its Mid-Valley Child Development Center, while working to make childcare assistance more accessible to student parents throughout STC’s service area.

“Receiving the CCAMPIS award for the next four years is an incredible honor and a tremendous opportunity to continue supporting the success of our student parents,” said Child Care Services Developer and CCAMPIS Grant Project Director Cecilia Villagran. “We are deeply grateful for this investment in STC and in the families we serve.”

For more information on the Mid-Valley Child Development Center, visit southtexascollege.edu/child-development-center/.

Esparza is pursuing a Child Development and Early Childhood Preschool certificate at STC with hopes of becoming a teacher and serving as a positive role model for children.

Her interest in child development began when she watched her nephew grow, learn new skills and experience the world, which sparked her curiosity about how children develop and learn.

 “Watching my nephew experience different stages and learn new things made me curious,” she said. “The more I learned about children and spent time with them, the more I realized that I wanted to work with them.”

Although working with children was not always part of her plans, her experiences have helped her discover a passion for creating a positive learning environment for children. Through her coursework and field study at the STC Child Development Center, she has gained firsthand experience observing the kids as they learn, play and reach new milestones.

“I love seeing the kids learn and be happy when they achieve a goal,” she said. “Even when it is something small, it is exciting to see them accomplish something they have been working on. It makes me happy to see their progress and know that I was able to be there and encourage them along the way.”

Her field study experience has also given her the opportunity to develop skills that will serve her well as a future educator. Working directly with children has strengthened her communication skills and taught her the importance of patience, especially when helping young learners work through new challenges.

“The children have taught me that I can be more patient and take my time when helping them,” she said. “Sometimes they need a little more time to understand something or feel comfortable trying something new. Learning to be patient has helped me understand that every child learns differently, and I need to be there to support them at their own pace.”

For her, those everyday interactions are what make working with young children so meaningful. Whether she is watching them discover something new or simply seeing them smile and enjoy learning, she values the opportunity to contribute to their growth.

Her goal extends beyond helping children succeed in the classroom. She hopes to become an educator who helps children develop into caring, compassionate individuals while encouraging them to believe in themselves.

“I want to help them grow up to be loving and caring people,” she said. “I want to be someone who helps them learn and become good people.”

As she continues her studies, she remains excited about what lies ahead and the opportunity to turn her passion for working with children into a career.

“I am really excited about becoming a teacher and getting to work with children,” she said. “I am excited to keep learning and growing so I can be the best teacher I can be. I know I still have a lot to learn, but every experience with the children is helping me become more prepared for the teacher I want to be.”

The oldest of five children and the first in her family to attend college, Munguia immigrated from Mexico and grew up in a low-income household. Her experiences shaped her commitment to education and to supporting students who may be navigating challenges like hers.

“My own first‑generation journey helps me create spaces where students build confidence, find community and access the resources they need to thrive,” she said.

Munguia earner her associate degree in mathematics from STC in 2010 before completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Texas-Pan American, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Her passion for math began when two teachers recognized her potential. Her eighth-grade math teacher noticed her ability, while her high school Algebra teacher advocated for her to move to Pre-AP Algebra.

“I didn’t know I was good at anything until my teachers noticed my ability,” she said. “They changed the direction of my future.”

By high school graduation, Munguia knew she wanted to become a math teacher. It was during College Algebra at STC that she realized she wanted to teach at the college level.

“STC has been my second home since 2008. It’s where I met people who changed my life and where I learned to believe in my own potential,” she said.

Today, Munguia works to provide her students with the same encouragement that once helped shape her path.

“What I enjoy most is helping students recognize abilities within themselves that they may not yet see,” she said.

She creates a classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes, while also helping them connect with resources across campus. Her assignments encourage students to visit services such as the tutoring center, student activities, counseling and academic coaching.

Munguia also incorporates opportunities for the students to step outside the classroom and connect with their peers. She occasionally takes her classes to student activities events, giving students a chance to experience campus life and take a break.

Beyond her classroom, Munguia remains deeply involved in helping students build community and explore their futures. She is active with the Ascender program, Noche de Familia at the Mid-Valley Campus has chaperoned university tours for her students and serves as an advisor for the Girls Discovering Math Club.

For Munguia, the greatest reward of teaching is watching students begin to believe in themselves.

“Every visit to Building J (STC’s South Academic Building) takes me back to that shy student who came from humble beginnings and was quietly working through a difficult chapter, but determined to keep going,” she said.

She carries that memory with her as she supports today’s students who may be facing their own difficult chapters.

“STC becomes their home, their safe space, their place to breathe, to hope and to build a better future,” Munguia said.

Through her teaching and involvement across STC, Munguia strives to help students leave the college with more confidence, resilience, critical thinking skills, the ability to advocate for themselves and a sense of purpose that motivates them to keep moving forward.

The national recognition honors community college employees who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, leadership and learning.

For Santos, the award affirms a journey that began in the cosmetology industry, led her to an unexpected calling in education and eventually brought her back to where it all started.

Now, she said she works with the motivation to inspire a new generation of professionals at STC. 

“I was genuinely surprised,” Santos said. “I didn’t realize that the work I had been quietly doing was being noticed. It was a reminder to me that making an impact doesn’t always have to be loud.”

Before joining STC in Jan. 2025, Santos said she spent two decades in the cosmetology industry. Seeking a new challenge, she returned to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, the science and art of applying nutrition principles to human diet, feeding and health.

Shortly afterwards, an opportunity to teach food science at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) North High School changed the direction of her life. Although she never envisioned becoming a teacher, she soon recognized that educating others came naturally.

“Once I entered the classroom, I realized that teaching was much more than delivering content,” she said. “It is about helping people recognize what they are capable of. That is what kept me in education.”

Santos went on to spend 24 years in education, serving in roles as an educator, career and technical education leader and STC Dual Credit instructor. She also earned a master’s degree in education while continuing to maintain her cosmetology license.

Joining STC allowed her to unite both sides of her professional journey.

“Cosmetology was where my journey began and education was my calling,” Santos said. “Now, I am able to connect both in a way that supports and inspires the next generation of professionals.”

As site manager, Santos works behind the scenes to ensure the Cosmetology program has the resources it needs to operate successfully. Her responsibilities include supporting faculty and students, coordinating operations, managing equipment, maintaining compliance and ensuring classrooms and labs are prepared for instruction.

Santos said she views her role as more than managing a facility. Her purpose is to remove barriers so instructors can focus on teaching and students can focus on reaching their goals.

“Even though I am no longer in the classroom every day, I still consider myself an educator,” she said. “The difference is that now my classroom is so much bigger. It essentially extends throughout the college system.”

During her first year at STC, Santos focused on listening, building relationships and earning the trust of faculty and staff. In time, leadership in the Cosmetology program said her ability to turn challenges into practical solutions has strengthened the program’s operations and created a more effective student-centered environment.

“Cristina has made a tremendous impact on our program from the moment she joined our team,” said Cosmetology Department Chair Carla Balleza. “She is dedicated, creative and always willing to go above and beyond for our students and faculty, and I am incredibly proud to see her recognized with the NISOD Award.”

Santos said every milestone reflects the combined work of faculty, staff and collegewide services committed to helping students succeed.

“My role may have changed, but my purpose hasn’t,” Santos said. “The students we support today may become the next instructors, colleagues and leaders at STC.”

Her dedication to students, faculty and colleagues, along with her willingness to step in wherever help is needed, has earned her recognition as STC’s 2026 Staff Employee of the Year for the Health Science Professions (HSP) Campus.

“Some days my job feels disconnected because I’m just in an office doing things, but at the end of the day, when I look at the big picture, especially when students are getting close to finishing, that’s when I see how everything we do supports them,” Cantu said.

Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Cantu, 33, is a mother of two and comes from a migrant family. She spent much of her childhood traveling across the country as her parents followed work opportunities in different states.

Cantu holds a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Education from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and initially envisioned a career in education. However, life took her in a different direction, leading to a series of administrative roles through which she discovered a passion for helping others.

“I originally saw myself going into education, but life happened and I ended up moving to the Dallas area with my now-husband,” she said. “At that point, it was about finding work, and I found a job I really liked where I started doing more administrative work. From there, I realized that was something I really enjoyed.”

When Cantu returned to the Valley, she continued building her experience through roles assisting Medicaid applicants at a plasma center and later at McAllen Medical Center. Years later, those experiences in healthcare and education came together when she joined STC in November 2024.

“When I started working for the college I was back in education, surrounded by healthcare and still helping people. It felt like all those different experiences had led me to STC.”

As secretary for the Vocational Nursing program, Cantu works closely with students throughout their time at STC, assisting with registration, orientation, student files and day-to-day questions while helping faculty ensure classrooms, supplies and other program needs are ready each semester.

“We start with them (students) from the beginning,” she said. “We register them, guide them through orientation and stay in communication with them every semester about anything they might need. Then you get to see them finish and graduate. It’s nice to see that whole process.”

As employee of the year, Cantu is one of five recognized across STC for exemplary performance and meaningful contributions to students, colleagues and the college community.

The recognition celebrates employees who go beyond their everyday responsibilities and embody STC’s core values of service, integrity, opportunity, excellence and caring.

“From the very beginning, Claudia has been a gift to our VN program,” said Jessica Neely, Vocational Nursing program chair. “She brings a rare combination of intuition, patience and unwavering dedication, often anticipating the next step before anyone has spoken it. What stands out most is her drive. Claudia approaches every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and her eagerness to learn has made her an invaluable part of our team. Our program is stronger because of her.”

Honored during STC’s Fall Convocation, Cantu received a commemorative plaque, a reserved campus parking space for the fiscal year, $1,000 and a $100 cafeteria lunch voucher from the STC Foundation.

“I knew at least one staff member and one faculty member had nominated me, and honestly, that alone meant a lot,” Cantu said. “This past year, I’ve really tried to be open to helping wherever I’m needed, whether it’s within our program or helping other areas when they were short-staffed. I don’t mind stepping in because the work must get done, and if I can make time to help, I will.”

Surrounded by students and colleagues working toward their academic and professional goals, Cantu said her time at STC has inspired her to reconsider her own. She now plans to pursue a master’s degree related to higher education administration.

“Being in a college environment makes you want to keep growing too,” she said. “That’s what we’re here for, to help our students grow, and being surrounded by that makes me feel like I can do it too. I want to continue learning, earn my master’s and hopefully continue growing here at STC.”

Ultimately, Cantu said the recognition has made her even more grateful to be part of STC.

“The fact that someone took time out of their day to sit down and write about me feels really special,” Cantu said. “It makes me even more grateful to be part of this community and to keep doing my part to help our students grow. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re all here for.”

First certified in 2023, STC is the only college in Texas and only ninth in the nation, to boast this certification.

ACTLA is a national organization focused on improving tutorial programs and related services by advancing excellence with discipline and practice. Through professional development, certification and dialogue, it fosters and promotes racial and socioeconomic equity in student achievement.

“I am particularly proud of this certification because of its prestige,” said STC CLE Director Lynell Williams. “This is a testament to the quality of our online programs and the work of our CLE staff. The ACTLA organization recognizes the critical role of tutoring and learning assistance programs, and at STC, we want to empower our students through our services.”

Spearheading the recertification were CLE Assistant Director Rosario Vasquez and Learning Excellence Specialist for Online Services Jessica Torres.

They described the recertification process as extensive. It took nearly one year to get all documentation and applications complete.

“We took a holistic approach on this project, including hardware, software, professional development and bundled it with STC’s mission and core value of caring,” said Torres. “The application process requires reflection and evaluation of what we offer and how it impacts our college community.”

Additionally, Torres and Vasquez also said they had to recalibrate around some of the topics touching on diversity, equity and inclusion to comply with new Texas laws that govern what can and cannot be required of the tutors, while still maintaining the integrity of the certification.

“We spent a lot of time not just working together but also remaining in communication with ACTLA representatives to make sure that we complied with everyone’s standards,” said Vasquez. “At the same time, we’ve made sure to still focus on caring and empathy, institutional values we still hold true.”

The CLE offers postsecondary 24/7 online tutoring programs, endorsed by the Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations (CLADEA), which provide tutor training certification programs to deliver recognition and positive reinforcement and set standards of skill and training for tutors and peer educators, and augment program credibility for administrators and institutions.

Additionally, it provides in-person tutoring, academic coaching, supplemental instruction, embedded class tutoring, computer labs, a writing center, student workshops, independent study rooms and Texas Success Initiative (TSI) testing preparation.

“Rosario and Jessica have shown and dedicated countless hours to encompass everything we offer and provide our staff and students for this recertification,” said Williams. “We don’t only meet ACTLA’s minimum requirements, we exceed them. This recertification means that our students can depend on high-caliber service when it comes to online tutoring and that we have a benchmark and a credential that is recognized nationally. We always ensure that our students have an excellent experience with excellent tutors.”

For more information on the services offered at STC’s Centers for Learning Excellence, visit southtexascollege.edu/cle/about.html.

It is through his work, that Esmaeili has recently been selected to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Working Group on Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Pathways, a 13-member group established at the direction of Texas Governor Greg Abbot.

“Dr. Esmaeili’s appointment reflects STC’s continued commitment to advancing innovative higher education pathways that support student completion, affordability and strong connections between education and workforce,” said STC Vice President and Provost of Academic Affairs and Workforce Innovation Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D. “Congratulations to him on this well-deserved appointment and we wish him success in this important statewide role.”

Esmaeili is one of only four community college leaders from the across the state to be selected to this working group, along with nine other universities representatives, to develop a statewide framework for establishing three-year bachelor’s degrees pathways.

“Through my work at STC, we’ve created bachelor’s programs with credible reputations that are accessible, affordable and competency-based, leading our students to educational success,” said Esmaeili. “We started our programs within a state pilot group of at least three other community colleges in 2003, testing how this would impact our institutions and our students, and now, we’re a model program. That is why STC has a seat at the table, and I’m honored to have been selected to that seat.”

A press release from THECB states Esmaeili and the working group will develop recommendations regarding academic standards and requirements for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways; high-demand occupations for which three-year bachelor’s degree pathways may be most appropriate; student demand and employer workforce needs, accreditation and institutional approval requirements and administrative changes necessary for statewide implementation.

“We look forward to hearing from these expert educators as they identify accelerated programs that can offer students a quality education leading to a durable, financially-rewarding career,” said Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wyn Rosser.

According to data from the THECB, a three-year bachelor’s degree could reduce the cost of earning a degree by up to 25% and save Texas students between $15-35K.

Esmaeili said STC has already changed the educational landscape of the Rio Grande Valley with every certificate, degree, noncredit and workforce training program it offers, and being able to collaborate with others from the across the state to design even more opportunities for students is a responsibility and commitment he takes seriously.

“From a founding dean of the bachelor’s programs to this working group, my dedication will always belong to the students we serve and designing and implementing programs that will benefit generations to come,” he said. “STC has graduated thousands, many who go on to receive master’s and doctorate degrees and be changemakers in their communities. I look forward to sharing our students’ stories at a state level and allowing this to be a basis for the recommendations of a brand-new framework we will present later this year.”

STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said he could not imagine anyone other than Esmaeili sitting among this group.

“Dr. Esmaeili is the founding dean of our bachelor’s programs. He has been here since the very beginning,” said Solis. “He demonstrates his passion for STC, our students and the work we do, every day. He played a crucial role in implementing our bachelor’s programs, and there is no doubt that he will continue working with STC administration and leadership in creating new opportunities for our students. This is another step in his lifelong career of education. We congratulate him. We know he will always represent STC well.”

The statewide group will submit its final recommendations to the governor’s office before the end of the year, and the Governor plans to use the framework to make the pathways official through legislation.

The 28-year-old student recently received the $1,000 award, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an international honor society for students at two-year colleges.

“After being out of school for so long, it was scary to come back at first, but then I got reignited with a passion to help people through occupational therapy,” she said. “Being involved with my community and my school has taken me places I never thought I’d be, including receiving this scholarship.”

The Edinburg native graduated from Edinburg North High School in 2016 and pursued computer engineering at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). By her junior year, however, she began questioning whether it was truly the path she wanted to pursue and decided to step away from college.

What she expected to be a temporary break stretched into nearly five years.

“I started thinking, ‘Wait, is this something that I really want to do?’” she said. “I decided to take a break, and then the COVID pandemic happened, and I just never went back.”

Pena eventually began working at a local hardware store, where she met her boyfriend, who was studying occupational therapy at UTRGV. Hearing about his coursework and watching him work on a capstone project with adults with intellectual disabilities sparked her own interest in a field she had never considered before.

“I had never even heard about occupational therapy before, but he would tell me about his classes and what they were learning, and that’s when I started looking into it,” she said. “Suddenly, I found something I could truly see myself doing in the future.”

Pena enrolled in STC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program in 2025 and found a new passion for helping others. Now, in her second year of the two-year program, she has her heart set on making a difference in the lives of her future patients.

“I love that you can do anything with it. You can help anyone with anything across the lifespan,” she said. “You can work with babies and kids to elders. I like that there is such a broad range of things you can go into.”

As Pena found her place at STC, her academic achievement led to an invitation to join PTK, where she learned about scholarship opportunities available to members.

Encouraged to take advantage of those opportunities, Pena applied for the Chime Workforce Scholarship, highlighting the extensive community service experiences she gained through the OTA program, from participating in Alzheimer’s and autism awareness walks and promoting heart health education to working with older adults through an Adopt an Elder project and implementing emotional regulation strategies with adults with intellectual disabilities at Camp University.

“Abagil came into the program really shy at first, and I love seeing that growth in our students as they prepare to go into fieldwork and eventually graduate,” said OTA Program Chair Celina Casas, OTR, OTD. “She has a big heart, she knows what she wants and she’s going to achieve it.”

Casas said she encourages eligible students like Pena to join the honor society and pursue its scholarship opportunities, even when the national scope of an award may make applying feel intimidating.

“A lot of times, they don’t apply because they know they’re nationwide and they don’t think they’ll get it,” Casas said. “I always tell them, if you don’t apply, you’ll never know.”

The Chime Workforce Scholarship supports students completing certificates or associate degrees that prepare them to enter the workforce in high-demand fields.

“I believe what made my application stand out was how involved I’ve been in the community because of the OTA program,” Pena said. “From the very beginning, we’re taught about caring for patients and how to interact with them. I was shy at first, but throughout my first year, I gained so much experience and became more confident.”

Expected to graduate with her associate degree next year, Pena is looking forward to a future in occupational therapy, with a particular interest in working with older adults and specializing in hand therapy. She also hopes to continue her education, eventually earning a doctorate and becoming an occupational therapist.

“I have STC, my faculty and Phi Theta Kappa to thank for all these new opportunities coming into my life,” she said. “Now that I’m back, I don’t intend on stopping. I found something I’m passionate about, and now I want to see how far I can go.”

“I’m very proud of the action the board took today in adopting and maintaining tax rates that will be of great benefit to our students, administration and taxpayers,” said STC Board President Paul R. Rodriguez. “We owe our constituency transparency - this vote is going to allow us to continue our aggressive program in reducing our bond debt.” 

The board adopted a property tax rate renewal of $.1620 per $100 taxable value, remaining the same as the previous year. 

The maintenance and operations rate remains at $.14 per $100 taxable value, which is the maximum voter-approved tax rate, although the voter-approval tax rate sits at $.1513.  

The interest and sinking tax rate also remains at $.0220 per $100 taxable value. This is the rate needed to fund this fiscal year’s debt service and future year debt retirement.  

To give some perspective and understanding, the Hidalgo County and Starr County average homestead taxable value of $205,461 will be assessed an additional $3.30 of annual property taxes. 

STC Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services Maria Del Paz said the excess revenue collected from the proposed rates will be used to reduce the college’s future debt.  

“This move is going to save taxpayers approximately $1.3 million,” she said. “Prudent financial responsibility requires the college to analyze the overall interest and sinking tax liability that will positively affect our taxpayers in short and long-term.”  

In a recent economic impact study on STC, for every $1 a student invests in the college, the student gains $8.70 in lifetime earnings and taxpayers gain $1.10 in added tax revenue and public sector savings.  

Ultimately, STC’s total annual impact equals $693.5 million in added income to the region.  

Rodriguez said STC is expecting an underpayment from the state for completion performance measures as part of changes in funding models and state fund allocations.   

“Unfortunately, we’re in a situation where despite our success in filling the mandates set forth by the state in producing more dual credit hours, more workforce training, increasing certificate, associate degree and bachelor’s degree completion, etc., we will still be short $6.5 million,” he said. “We’re not sure what to expect in the future. Overall, this vote, is a win-win situation for the college and our taxpayers.”   

These new tax rates go into effect for fiscal year 2027. 

Nearly 13,000 students are now being served through STC’s Dual Credit Programs, an increase from 11,511 students last academic year.

“For the last 26 years, we have changed the lives of more than 150,000 students through our dual credit programs,” said Associate Vice President of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships Rebecca De Leon, Ed.D. “Growing dual credit enrollment reflects the growing awareness among students, families and our school district partners of the value of starting college in high school with STC Dual Credit Programs.”

STC’s Dual Credit Programs was recently reaccredited through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) and still remains the only accredited dual credit program in Texas, upholding its promise of providing students from its more than 21 school district partnerships, with a high-quality college education.

Roma Independent School District Career Technology Education (CTE) and College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) Director Jaime Escobar Jr. said his district has seen about a 30% increase in students participating in dual credit and this has been in part with STC’s pivotal role in creating and facilitating a seamless high school-to-college transition.

“STC does a phenomenal job in fostering its school district partnerships and ensuring that our district, our students and their parents are always well informed. It’s no surprise they’re seeing record enrollment,” he said. “STC takes the lead when it comes to educating students and parents about the benefits of dual credit and how much money they can save, especially in today’s economy. STC is the leader in dual credit here in the RGV, and we’re proud to be a partner.”

Over the last two decades, STC has provided tuition-free dual credit programs, saving families more than $464 million, while offering more than 1,400 courses, taught by more than 500 highly-trained dual credit faculty and graduating thousands every fall and spring semester.

From traditional academics to specialized pathways in areas such as business, healthcare and technology, STC’s Dual Credit Programs offer students multiple pathways that create a college and workforce-ready population.

Some of those students come from Donna ISD, where Debra Medrano, executive director for Secondary Leadership, is seeing an increase in how many of their dual credit students are graduating from STC.

“Donna ISD recently reached the milestone of having a dedicated early college high school, and it’s possible because of our partnership with STC,” she said. “Last year, we had our largest graduating class to date - 43 dual credit graduates who received an associate degree. This year, we are expecting 57 graduates. We know if we’re partnered with STC, this number will continue to grow. Their efforts are unmatched here in the Rio Grande Valley, which is why we’re all experiencing success.”

De Leon said that through the program’s strong partnerships with area school districts, such as Roma and Donna ISDs, they are changing students’ perspectives of college and what can be achieved.

“This growth represents both an opportunity and a responsibility to continue expanding access while maintaining the quality and support that our students deserve,” she said. “Through our strong partnerships with area school districts, we are helping more students earn college credit, save time and money and explore academic and career pathways while still in high school. Most importantly, these opportunities can change what students see as possible for their future, opening doors to college completion, careers and continued education that may have once seemed out of reach.”  

For more information on STC’s Dual Credit Programs, visit southtexascollege.edu/dual.

College Factual, a national higher education data and analytics resource, also ranked STC’s program No. 2 among 96 schools evaluated across the Southwest region.

“South Texas College is tremendously proud to see our Associate Degree Nursing program recognized as the No. 1 program of its kind in Texas,” said Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D., STC vice president and provost for Academic Affairs and Workforce Innovation. “This recognition reflects the exceptional commitment of our faculty and staff, and most importantly, the talent and determination of our students.”

College Factual’s rankings consider a variety of factors, including graduation rates, educational resources, accreditation, demand for the major and a school’s focus on registered nursing, using data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.

The recognition comes as STC’s Associate Degree Nursing program continues to report strong student outcomes. In 2025, the program achieved a 99.43% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), the national examination for nursing licensure, as well as a 98.6% job placement rate.

“With 99.43% of our 2025 graduates passing the registered nurse licensure exam on their first attempt, our students outperformed state and national pass rates,” Petrosian added. “Our graduates demonstrate that they are prepared to meet the highest standards of the nursing profession. Their success is not only a point of pride for STC; it strengthens the healthcare workforce and the communities of the Rio Grande Valley.”

The website also describes STC as “one of the finest schools in the country for getting an associate degree in registered nursing.”

STC Dean for Health Science Professions Margo Vargas-Ayala, DNP, said the recognition reflects the support, high standards and partnerships that have contributed to the program’s continued success.

“The success of our program is built on a culture of continuous improvement, strong student support, outstanding faculty and meaningful partnerships with healthcare providers throughout the Rio Grande Valley,” she said. “This recognition is a testament to the caring, compassion and commitment to excellence that define both our program and the nursing profession.”

Recent STC Associate Degree Nursing graduate Diego Rosales is among those experiencing the program’s outcomes firsthand. After passing the NCLEX-RN in July, Rosales is preparing to begin his career as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Rio Grande Regional Hospital.

“For STC to receive this ranking, I think it’s very accurate and very true to the amazing work of the faculty I had,” he said. “Recently taking my licensure exam, I felt like I was very prepared. The resources they gave us, along with their teaching and the strategies I learned, helped me get through it.”

Rosales credits much of the program’s success to its high standards and faculty who maintain high expectations while remaining accessible to students.

“Having that high bar really prepares us for what comes next, from taking the licensure exam to entering the nursing profession,” he said. “The professors set high expectations, but they’re also very accessible and supportive. Even with so many students in the program, I always felt seen.”

From strong student outcomes to graduates like Rosales entering the local healthcare workforce within months of graduation, STC leaders reaffirmed that the program’s success is a collective effort, rooted in a culture of support, teamwork and a shared commitment to serving the Rio Grande Valley.

"This ranking is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment put forth by our faculty and staff throughout our nursing programs at our Health Science Professions Campus," said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. "Getting this accolade would not have been possible without them, our students and our many local and statewide healthcare partners who entrust us in providing highly-skilled, highly-qualified, compassionate healthcare professionals. Congratulations."

After months of coordination through a partnership with STC and Texas Workforce Solutions, the event offered hands-on career exploration meant to guide students into career pathways and discover real-world opportunities.

Students from 11 school districts within Willacy, Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr Counties enjoyed demonstrations and gathered information from nearly all of the college’s career and technical education programs along with federal and local law enforcement, healthcare organizations and first responders for the one-of-a-kind event.

“Having these hands-on activities is very important because this could be the next potential step in their careers,” said STC Business, Public Safety and Technology (BPST) Interim Dean Joe Vela. “This is not only our pilot program, but it’s a first for the state of Texas and we’re excited to see where this goes in the future.”

Representatives from Texas Workforce Solutions said the event grew from its annual youth conference, which is held in the spring. The organization asked employers from across the region to provide exhibitions that included tools of the trade to give students insight into their industry.

“This is our region’s spin on what is a national event. It was born here as this new entity so they interact with those employers who will possibly hire them in the future,” said Julio Salinas, communication specialist with Workforce Solutions who was present at the event. “We are thankful for this partnership with STC because the college opened its doors to us and has given us the chance to grow this even bigger in the years to come.”

Criztian Garcia, a student from Mission Junior High School, said he was attending the event to start learning about career skills and get a head start on the options available to him while in middle school.

“You never know, this could lead to something you decide to do for life,” Garcia said. “It’s all here for us, police officers, fire department, electric companies – I feel like everything is on the table to find what we want to do in the future. I feel excited about what I am going to learn next.”

Elizabeth Jalomo, a senior at Progreso High School, said she attended the event with a goal in mind to enter a career as a federal investigator. The Worlds of Work event opened her mind to all the unique opportunities available to her as she looks ahead to graduation, she said.

“This is just opening the door to all the careers out there as I look ahead to graduation, but it really doesn’t matter what grade you’re in,” Jalomo said. “You must always take advantage of these opportunities when they are presented to you. That’s why I am so thankful to STC for giving us the opportunity to visit the campus and give us the chance to meet and talk to people in these career fields.”

“STC’s continued recognition as a national leader in economic mobility for Hispanic students reflects our commitment to transforming lives through quality, accessible education,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “It is our responsibility to ensure that our students have the resources and support they need to succeed, and this recognition is a testament to the impact our faculty and staff have on our students, and it reinforces our mission to create pathways that empower and strengthen our communities to build a brighter future for South Texas.”

This classification by Washington Monthly, focuses on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), like STC, using transfer data and graduation rates of Latino students to provide unique insight into these rankings. Additionally, other metrics such as programming, communications, long-range planning around Hispanic education, net price and Pell grant recipient participants, play a role in evaluation.

According to the report, 39% of students at STC are awarded Pell grants, tuition is around $1,844, making STC one of the most affordable colleges in the state and the Hispanic graduation rate sits at 42%.

“It is more important than ever to recognize and celebrate colleges that are doing right by their Hispanic students,” said Kainoa Lowman, editor at the Washington Monthly. “That’s why the Monthly is proud to bring readers our second annual edition of the Best Colleges for Hispanic Students, which combines the social mobility focus of the Monthly’s college rankings with the deep knowledge that Excelencia in Education has built over decades of studying Hispanic performance in higher education. Considering the vital importance of the growing Hispanic student population to the overall health of America’s contracting higher education system, the top schools in this ranking provide a model that other institutions should look to for lessons on how to serve that population well.”   

STC boasts a Seal of Excelencia, a rigorous, student-centered, data-informed certification from Excelencia, that holds colleges like STC accountable for showing momentum leading to continuous improvements in student outcomes.

“The Seal of Excelencia recognizes and drives excellence at institutions serving Latino students because intentional, mission-driven investment in serving this population ensures all of our students, communities and country are served," said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education co-founder and CEO. "For students and families, the Seal is a clear signal that an institution creates the conditions needed for them to thrive before and beyond graduation. That’s why seal-certified institutions feature prominently in this year’s Best Colleges for Hispanic Students."

With a Hispanic student population of 95%, STC has long committed to becoming a place where all students thrive. Since its inception in 1993, the college continues to make a positive impact on the communities it serves within Hidalgo and Starr Counties and nationally through innovative programming and technological advances.

STC’s apprenticeships, dual credit programs, new programming such as Artificial Intelligence and Avionics Technician, among other major achievements such as being named the Nation’s No. 1 Hispanic-Service Institution last year, has kept STC on the national map.

“This new ranking reinforces STC’s regional and national impact. Over the last three decades, STC has remained steadfast to meeting the growing needs of our students, workforce and communities through bold solutions and cutting-edge programs, emerging technologies and meaningful educational opportunities,” said Solis. “Our work here in South Texas has become and remains a national model that promotes success for Latinos, and all, students.”

After a nearly 30-year career with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Escaname said he began a second career at STC in his 50s, developing a teaching philosophy that transformed decades of law enforcement experience into lessons that helped students find their own paths to success.

“I had already been there and done that,” Escaname said about his experience in law enforcement. “I just wanted to pass that knowledge on to the students.”

It was this approach to teaching that would earn him the distinction as a Professor Emeritus upon his retirement from STC in 2025 after nearly 20 years as a faculty member.

Being named Emeritus is a lifetime honor for faculty, who are given the distinction upon their retirement by their peers. Those faculty who have earned Emeritus status remain visible with the college, and remain engaged in academic and professional activities.   

To date, Escaname is one of only 10 distinguished faculty recognized for exceptional service, leadership and contributions to the college community.

“It’s an honor. I feel very blessed that I received this recognition, but it wasn’t just me. It was everybody who supported me including our department chair, my colleagues and everyone else I worked with,” Escaname said. “I’d also like to mention that it’s not just about the recognition. It’s staying connected to the college. With this honor, I am still part of the college for as long as I live.”

Escaname joined STC as an adjunct professor in 2006 while preparing to retire from DPS. Throughout his career, he had served as a trooper, investigator and supervisor, regularly training new recruits and troopers who were also seeking to become investigators.

Inspired by his wife, who spent nearly 40 years as an educator, Escaname earned his master’s degree and began considering teaching as his next chapter.

Within six months of joining STC, he became a full-time faculty member.

He spent his first two years at STC’s Starr County campus, where he established its Criminal Justice Club while building lasting connections with the students there. He later transferred to McAllen, where taught for the next 17 years, eight of which he served as the program’s assistant chair.

Escaname said he incorporated real investigations, reports and lessons from his DPS career into the curriculum, giving students a practical understanding of careers throughout the justice system. Some former students even went on to serve as police officers, DPS personnel, correctional officers and federal court employees, he said.

He also became one of the program’s earliest instructors to embrace online education, despite having no previous experience with online courses. 

“It was not about me. It was always about them, the students,” Escaname said. “I wanted to inspire them to do something incredible with their lives, and thanks to STC, I had that opportunity to do it.”

The commitment extended beyond instruction. Escaname said he learned every student’s name, served as a faculty advisor and offered guidance on course selection, career paths, interviews and gave professional references to students applying for jobs.

On the first day of class every semester, Escaname said he would show students an image of an STC commencement ceremony and tell them exactly where he hoped their journey would lead.

“I would tell them ‘I want to see you there. I want to see you walk across that stage and get your diploma,’’’ he recalls. “And then when they finished that goal that I set out for them, I told them that my door would always remain open for them, even when they step out into the world.”

Now focused on family, Escaname said he remains connected to STC and continues to follow the work of his former colleagues.

He is forever thankful to the chairs, faculty and community partners who supported him throughout his career. He encourages them to become involved and embrace the opportunities around them.

“My 19 years with STC were some of the most memorable among my long history contributing to the Criminal Justice field,” he said. “You can never forget to be involved and have fun while doing it. Time flies so fast, especially when you enjoy something as much as I did, being a part of the college community as a faculty member.”

Caraveo graduated from the South Texas College (STC) Police Academy in 2018 and currently serves in multiple leadership roles within the department. In addition to serving as Public Information Officer (PIO), he oversees registered sex offender compliance within the city, coordinates Crime Stoppers initiatives and assists the department’s Community Division with outreach events designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and residents.

“When I decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, I researched several local police academies,” he said. “STC stood out to me because of its reputation for being academically challenging and thorough in preparing cadets for real-world policing. I wanted to push myself and gain the knowledge and discipline necessary to be successful once I entered the field.”

Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, Caraveo witnessed family violence, drug activity and gun violence firsthand. Those experiences shaped his desire to become part of positive change within his community.

I didn’t want the environment I grew up in to determine the person I would become,” he said. “I wanted to help individuals and families living in similar conditions and serve as a voice of encouragement and support for those trying to better themselves.”

Although he once considered joining the military after watching films with his older brother as a child, he later realized his true calling was law enforcement.

Throughout his time at STC, Caraveo balanced the demands of a full-time job during the day while attending the police academy at night, all while maintaining family responsibilities and studying.

“The biggest challenge was balancing work, school and family for an entire year,” he said. “But those experiences taught me discipline, time management and sacrifice. They made me a better officer and better person overall.”

Caraveo says becoming a father motivated him to return to school and pursue his goals he had once placed aside.

Before attending the police academy, I was in a very comfortable position in life where I had set my education and personal goals aside,” he said. “It wasn’t until I became a father that I realized my children would one day look up to me and I wanted to set the best possible example for them. STC gave me the opportunity to reset, refocus and become the version of myself I wanted my children to see.”

He credits STC’s Police Academy for preparing him for the realities of the profession through both classroom instruction and hands-on training exercises alongside local law enforcement agencies.

“STC not only provides education, but also hands-on experience that reflects what it is truly like to be a police officer,” he said. “Those real-world scenarios helped prepare me for the responsibilities of this profession and made the transition into law enforcement so much smoother.”

Today, Caraveo continues to use his experiences to positively impact the community and mentor others.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this profession is being able to speak with people from different backgrounds and help guide them by sharing my own life experiences,” he said. “I enjoy helping others realize that behind the badge is a human being who genuinely cares.”

Caraveo hopes others considering a career in criminal justice understand the importance of integrity, compassion and service.

“This profession needs good people,” he said. “Selfless individuals who understand there is more to it than wearing a badge and carrying a gun. If it’s truly in you, we need you.”

For more information on STC’s Police Academy, visit: southtexascollege.edu/academics/law-enforcement/academy.html.

The invitations add to an impressive list of opportunities for the STC dancers, who have previously been invited to perform at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a San Antonio Spurs game and so much more. Most recently, the group returned from a performance at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

For Ballet Folklorico Director Victor Gomez, the opportunities reflect the dancers’ dedication and the support they receive through STC.

“We are so grateful to have these opportunities before us,” he said. “When I broke the news to the dancers, they were all so ecstatic and cheered so loud. These invitations are extremely hard to secure, but their hard work, dedication and desire to succeed make them so deserving of these opportunities.”

Gomez said the performances also give students the chance to experience opportunities they may have never imagined.

“Who would have thought a bunch of Valley kids would be performing on such a grand scale, but yet here we are,” he said. “Some of these dancers have told me that if it wasn’t for this program and STC, they may have never left the Valley or imagined traveling to some of these places.”

Beyond travel and performances, Gomez said the group’s mission is rooted in preserving and sharing Hispanic culture.

Dancer Andrea Arechiga said performing outside the RGV makes the experience even more meaningful.

“It feels so amazing and like a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to dance at such a prestigious place,” she said. “Here, everyone understands what Ballet Folklórico is, but as we travel elsewhere, it is not always known. I’m proud to showcase my culture to those who may not know about it.”

For fellow dancer Giandel Rios, the upcoming performances represent both a personal milestone and a way to honor generations before them.

“I was so shocked and not expecting it when we found out,” he said. “It’s such a milestone because we are performing for two sports teams, and it’s very humbling to honor the generations who paved the way for us to have these opportunities and tell our story.”

For Gomez, seeing audiences connect with the performances make every sacrifice worthwhile.

“When we share our culture, we don’t always know how an audience will react,” he said. “But when you see people from different backgrounds recording the performance and reacting to the dances, you feel like they understand. We are proud to represent STC, take our program far beyond the RGV and show what our students can accomplish while promoting the value of higher education.”

Through performances across Texas and beyond, STC Ballet Folklorico continues to give students opportunities to celebrate their heritage, represent the RGV and share their culture with audiences far beyond home.

STC’s Ballet Folklorico will perform on Sept. 19 at the FC Dallas game and Sept. 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

After 25 years in the classroom at STC, Sandoval retires, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the college through the nurses she has helped prepare to care for communities across the Rio Grande Valley.

“For the longest time, the hospital was my life. Witnessing the miracle of life was amazing every time,” she said. “But then, education became my life. The impact STC has on our region, and our healthcare is unbelievable.”

A San Juan native, Sandoval, 79, once dreamed of joining the Peace Corps. But shortly after high school, while working for Dr. Ramiro Casso, namesake of STC’s Dr. Ramiro R. Casso Health Science Professions campus, she began assisting with patients and was introduced to the world of obstetrics.

“It was there that I witnessed my first birth. There was just this joy in seeing a baby being born and the love that came with it,” she said. “That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse. I wanted to take care of women and help them through that experience.”

In 1969, determined to become a registered nurse at a time when no nursing program was available close to home, Sandoval began taking classes at the former Pan American College, now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). When a nursing program opened the following year, she became one of its first students.

Through the Rio Grande Medical Association, Sandoval was offered the opportunity to have her nursing education fully funded in exchange for committing to one year at, then, McAllen General Hospital. She became a registered nurse around 1971 and ultimately turned that one-year commitment into a 30-year career at the hospital.

“I signed for one year and ended up being there for 30. I loved it too much,” she said. “Nursing is such an art. The most important thing is loving, caring for people and having that selflessness. If you don’t have that as a nurse, you’re missing something.”

Throughout her career, Sandoval rose from a staff nurse to charge nurse and eventually director of labor and delivery. In1982, she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Corpus Christi State University, now Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Sandoval later considered pursuing midwifery, but ultimately continued her education, earning her master’s degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and becoming a perinatal nurse practitioner.

“I have always loved learning. I wish I were 23 again so I could learn even more,” she said. “Now that I’m retiring, I’m considering taking classes. I want to learn about AI, maybe take an abstract painting class. There’s always something new to learn.”

That love for learning would eventually lead Sandoval to a second career as an educator. In 2001, just one month after retiring from the hospital, Sandoval received a call from STC asking if she would help teach nursing students. Once again, she agreed to stay for just one year. And once again, the story repeated itself.

“I said I was only going to work here for one year, and I stayed 25,” she said. “I loved being a nurse, but I realized I could make a bigger impact through my students. Throughout these years, I’ve been in the hospital and had my former students taking care of me, I’ve experienced firsthand just how capable and excellent our students are.”

As an educator, Sandoval sought to pass along more than the clinical knowledge she had gained throughout her career. She wanted her students to understand the compassion and human connection she believes are just as essential to nursing.

“Can we teach caring? Yes,” she said. “STC does a great job at it. But we must have the right tools, and the student needs to have that passion. Caring has always been the most important part of being a nurse.”

Over the next 25 years, Sandoval would see the results of those lessons come full circle in more ways than one. Former students became nurses throughout the region, and some eventually returned to STC as educators.

Among them is STC Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) faculty member Melinda Tellez, who first met Sandoval as a student in 2011.

Tellez remembers Sandoval bringing lessons to life through stories from her years as an obstetric nurse and demonstrating the importance of advocating for patients. More than a decade later, in 2023, Tellez joined STC as a faculty member.

“From the very beginning, she encouraged me in my new role as an educator,” Tellez said. “She strengthened my confidence as a student, and years later as her colleague. She is the kind of inspiration people look to when they ask, ‘How long can I keep doing this?’ The answer, one would hope, is as long as Ms. Sandoval.”

After 25 years at STC, saying goodbye to the classroom and the people who have become part of Sandoval’s life may be the hardest part of retirement. As she steps away, she hopes the program will continue opening doors for future generations and opportunities she remembers were not always available in the Rio Grande Valley.

“My wish is that this program will continue to evolve and touch lives,” she said. “I want us to educate more people in our community about women’s health and help make life better for the next generation.”

And after 55 years, Sandoval is not entirely convinced she can leave nursing behind. A mother of two and grandmother of one, she is looking forward to spending more time with family, gardening, exploring abstract painting and continuing to learn.

Looking back on a career that began with witnessing her first birth and ultimately led her to teach generations of nurses, Sandoval can sum up those 55 years in just three words.

“Birth. Life. Teaching,” she said. “I’ve had a great career and had fun at the same time.”

Rodriguez arrived at STC in 2007 after a friend encouraged her to apply. What she thought would be just another job, quietly transformed her life.

“This job has been life changing,” she said. “It opened doors not just for me, but for my family in ways I never expected.”

Over 19 years, STC became more than a workplace. It became a place where Rodriguez grew alongside the students she supported. Through the opportunities the college provided, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas A&M University- Kingsville, proving that the same doors she helped open for others were open to her too.

Her family’s story is woven into the campus as well. Her children took dual credit courses at STC, gaining a head start to their futures and several nieces and nephews followed in their footsteps. That is a testament to the ripple effect of access and opportunity.

Those who know Rodriguez often describe her as the heart of the Mid-Valley Campus, a title she carries with humility and gratitude.

“I love being here and I love the people I work with,” she said. “It makes me feel good to know that if someone reaches out to me, I can help in any way I can.”

Year after year, Rodriguez has watched generations of students come and go. The moments that stay with her the most are the ones that continue long after students leave campus.

“I think that’s the most important thing to me,” she said. “Seeing former students and work study employees keep in touch, succeed and move forward reminds me that we’re doing something meaningful for our community. I’m so proud to be part of that.”

For Rodriguez, belonging begins in the smallest moments -a greeting, a pause, a willingness to listen. She wants her office to feel less like an administrative space and more like a place where people can breathe, ask questions and feel supported.

“Welcomed,” she said. “That’s what we’re here for. I want people to feel comfortable walking in, asking questions and knowing they’re not alone. Sometimes all someone needs is to feel like they matter and if I can help with that, then I’m doing my job.”

When she reflects on her time at STC, what stands out most are not the years, but the people.

“I had no idea when I first started here that it would turn into this,” Rodriguez said. “The friendships I’ve made and the people I’ve met here at the Mid-Valley Campus have become my family.”

Daniel Montez, Mid-Valley Campus administrator, said Rodriguez represents the very best of the campus culture.

“She personifies the type of environment we strive to create - friendly, helpful and rooted in respect,” he said. “She is an invaluable asset. She works with everyone and is the central point of contact. She’s the point guard, making sure everything and everyone stays connected.”

Montez added that Rodriguez’s impact is most evident in her absence.

“She is one of those quiet pillars who does so much without asking for recognition,” he said. “When she’s not here, we all feel it. Things don’t run the same. She knows the ins and outs of this campus, and she makes everything run with care and precision.”

After 19 years, Rodriguez’s legacy isn’t written in policies or procedure, but it lives in the students who feel welcomed on their hardest days, the colleagues who felt supported and a campus that feels warmer because she is part of it.

Celebrated recently during a check presentation at STC’s Health Science Professions campus, the joint investment will help fast-track what was originally a five-year plan to equip the program’s upcoming lab space, expanding hands-on training opportunities for future students.

“What I had mapped out as a five-year plan, slowly equipping our space, has now turned into a one-year plan,” said STC PTA Program Chair Diana Hernandez, PT, MEd. “This is going to benefit generations of students coming through our program because when they graduate and enter clinical settings, they’ll already be familiar with the equipment they’re expected to use, allowing them to feel more confident and prepared as they transition from the classroom into the profession.”

Since welcoming its first cohort in 1998, STC’s PTA Program has continued to evolve its curriculum and training to reflect changes in the physical therapy profession.

Recently reaccredited through 2036 by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the program has also maintained a 100% pass rate on the national licensure examination since its inception.

“Our commitment has always been to provide our students with the highest quality education and ensure they are prepared for the profession,” Hernandez said. “Over the years, we’ve continued our education as faculty, incorporated new textbooks and guest speakers and revamped our courses multiple times to ensure what we teach reflects current practices. Some of our equipment, however, dates to when the program first started, so this investment gives us the opportunity to bring our equipment in line with that same standard of excellence.”

As the program prepares to expand into a new lab space expected to open in spring 2027, the funding will allow it to purchase contemporary equipment that more closely reflects what students will encounter in clinical settings, including electronic parallel bars, adjustable treatment tables, a therapy treadmill for gait training, a multifunction squat rack and cryotherapy equipment.

“As a student, I’ve learned so much through this program, but there were still pieces of equipment I encountered for the first time when I went into my clinicals,” said STC student Victoria Iniguez. “I’m excited to see our program grow and for future students to have that experience here first. They’ll be able to walk into their clinicals and say, ‘I’ve done this before.’ It will give them that extra confidence to apply what they’ve learned and continue doing what we came into this profession to do, which is helping people.”

The equipment to be purchased was selected with input from the program’s advisory board and local clinical partners, including representatives from sports medicine clinics who helped faculty identify equipment that would provide the greatest educational value and could be used across multiple areas of instruction.

“We really tried to look at what we could use that wasn’t just for one purpose,” Hernandez said. “I might teach the use of a piece of equipment in my therapeutic exercise course, but then it can be used again in rehabilitation or neurological coursework. We wanted equipment that could benefit students throughout the program and allow them to practice a variety of patient scenarios.”

The new lab space will also benefit students in STC’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, who will be able to use the shared space and many of its multipurpose features for hands-on training.

For RSTEF, the investment aligns with its broader commitment to supporting postsecondary education and workforce development initiatives that prepare South Texas residents for in-demand occupations.

“We are always excited to invest in programs that prepare students for in-demand occupations and create pathways to better-paying careers right here in South Texas,” said Adam Gonzalez, RSTEF chief executive officer. “Our goal is to give residents opportunities to build successful futures, stay in this region and thrive. STC has been a great partner in that effort, and support like this not only benefits students, but also helps build the skilled workforce South Texas needs for the future.”

Sharing the sentiment, STC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D., said the investment will have a lasting impact by providing resources that will benefit future generations of STC students.

“Partnerships like this allow us to bring additional resources to the college and invest directly in the success of our students,” Rodriguez said. “The STC Foundation is proud to provide the matching funds for this grant, and we will continue seeking opportunities to support our programs with the equipment, technology and resources they need to provide students with an exceptional education and prepare them for success.

STC is among those institutions across the nation that take part in the annual effort to recognize staff and faculty like Amaya who are making a difference for students and their communities through NISOD. The award honors those who are at the heart of student success, and who are achieving extraordinary work on college campuses.

Now beginning his ninth year at STC, Amaya said the national recognition is an honor, but it also reflects a philosophy he has carried into the classroom since his first day at the college: Teaching is about the students.

“I am so appreciative of this amazing honor, even though we don’t enter teaching for any type of recognition. It’s not part of the job or why we do what we do,” Amaya said. “I want to make sure a student succeeds despite their challenges. That’s what we as faculty signed up for.”

The commitment is a deeply personal one for Amaya, who said his approach to students has been shaped by his own educational journey.

Growing up, Amaya said he watched his mother mentor others during a lengthy career in banking, while his father devoted 52 years to education as an educator, football coach and administrator.

Amaya, however, remembers being the student who often struggled in school.

Throughout his education, he was considered a student with disabilities and later learned he had dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He earned average grades in high school and said there was a time when earning a college degree seemed unlikely.

Fast-forward to the present, Amaya has now earned two associate degrees and a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University in San Marcos.

Those experiences have helped Amaya relate to students who may enter his classroom doubting their own abilities.

“I tell my students my story and I remind them that I don’t see it as a disability. I just learn things differently and they can too,” he said. “I do not have an issue repeating certain aspects of a lecture or project for example. I look forward to showing students how something can be achieved in different ways.”

Amaya’s own path was anything but direct.

After earning his first associate degree in computer-aided design drafting, he served in the Army and later built a career in structural engineering, architectural design, surveying, restaurant design and steel manufacturing.

When the opportunity to teach at STC arrived, Amaya said he accepted a 50% pay cut to pursue the career he long envisioned.

“It’s not about the money. It’s about the students,” he said. “I want to make sure they are ready for the working world because I wasn’t ready when I started college.”

Business, Public Safety and Technology Interim Dean Joe Vela said Amaya’s technical expertise, industry connections and dedication to STC make him an invaluable part of the AEDT program.

“He (Amaya) brings extensive industry experience in drafting and design to the AEDT program, along with expertise that extends into surveying and geospatial technologies,” Vela said. “What really sets him apart is his willingness to go above and beyond. Whether he is supporting our students, working with industry partners, collaborating with local architects and engineers, or creating something unique for a College initiative, he is always willing to step up and contribute.”

Now, nearly a decade since beginning at STC, Amaya said seeing students graduate and then continue into bachelor’s degree programs to eventually build careers remains one his greatest achievements

“I was a C student through high school. I was considered a special education student,” Amaya said. “Now I am among the first here at STC to show the students that there is this huge opportunity waiting for them here, and if I can do it, they can do it too.” 

However, at 56, he decided there was still something he wanted to accomplish: Earning his first college degree from South Texas College.

“Even with more than 30 years of experience, I still lacked one thing, and that was education,” he said. “Going to college changed my perspective and the way I approach things. Now I encourage my officers to keep training, keep learning and continue growing in their careers. I’m 100% behind them.”

For Guerrero, the milestone is especially meaningful considering college was not always part of the future he envisioned.

Born and raised in Donna to migrant worker parents, Guerrero remembers spending summers traveling north with his family for work. A high school football player, he was offered several scholarships but ultimately did not pursue the opportunity.

“Growing up in the 1970s, you thought differently. We didn’t think too much about school,” he said. “The environment was different. We thought about having fun, playing outside and going up north to work during the summer. It was a different time.”

Still, Guerrero had goals of building a career of his own, and an early interest in law enforcement eventually helped shape that path.

He recalls being around 8 years old when he first noticed a U.S. Border Patrol agent visiting the fields where his family worked. Years later, a visit from a Texas state trooper to his high school class brought that interest back to the forefront.

“I was a young kid, maybe 7 or 8 years old, and I saw a man in uniform and I liked that,” he recalled. “That’s what prompted my interest back then.”

Guerrero officially began his law enforcement career in 1991 with the Alamo Police Department. About a year and a half later, he joined the Pharr Police Department, where he spent nearly two decades rising through the ranks.

After retiring from the department, he continued his career with the Texas Attorney General’s Office in McAllen, spending nearly seven years investigating Medicaid fraud and advocating for elderly residents who were not receiving the services and supplies intended for them.

“I would visit elderly people who were 80 or 90 years old who weren’t getting their supplies. They were getting defrauded,” he recalled. “I worked very hard at that job because I knew I was helping people who couldn’t help themselves. They needed somebody to stand up for them, and I loved being able to do that.”

In 2018, Guerrero’s career brought him back to his hometown when he was offered the opportunity to serve as Donna’s chief of police, a role in which he draws from his own experiences to support the officers serving under his leadership.

“I’ve been at the bottom of the barrel as a patrolman, working the night shift for five years, so I know how hard it is for some young police officers,” he said. “I learned through the years that one of the biggest things you can do is take care of your employees. My employees are my backbone. Without them, I cannot do anything.”

It is a philosophy that also extends to training and education. Guerrero has long encouraged his officers to continue developing professionally, but eventually realized higher education was a goal he wanted to pursue for himself as well.

He enrolled at STC in November 2024, where the Law Enforcement program allowed him to receive college credit for eligible training and experience accumulated throughout his career, putting his first college degree within reach.

“The first two classes that I took were very rewarding, and I said, ‘You know what? I want to continue,’” he said. “The way STC has the program set up, it is police officer friendly. It’s online, and you have a good core of instructors who come from law enforcement, so they understand what you’re doing.”

Guerrero graduated in May with an associate degree in Law Enforcement, crediting the flexibility of the program and support he received from the college with helping him reach the milestone, while continuing to lead a police department.

He now plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership at STC and hopes his experience will encourage others, from fellow officers established in their careers to students just beginning theirs, to continue learning and growing.

“I want to see those new kids, those 18-year-olds who want to start college, and tell them, ‘I’m the example,’” he said. “I’m 56 years old. I needed college. You need college. If they ever need me to talk to anybody and encourage them, I’m there for them.”

The academy is being developed through a partnership between the STBA, STC and Donna Independent School District to introduce students to construction careers and provide hands-on learning opportunities that can help prepare them for their futures.

“Having a place where we can bring these opportunities to students in the Mid-Valley means so much to us,” said Israel Medrano, Construction Supervision Program lecturer at STC. “Donna ISD opening its doors to us, allows us to meet students where they are and give them the chance to discover what they can accomplish. We have an opportunity to build something that will last well beyond us. If we leave our footprint today and give these students a strong foundation, the future will be brighter for everyone who follows.”

McCoy’s donation will help equip the academy with tools and resources that students can use as they develop practical skills and gain a better understanding of the construction industry.

“For us, giving back is about more than making a donation, it’s about investing in the people and communities that make our industry strong,” said Raul Lopez, McCoy’s store manager. “We want students to have the opportunity to learn, grow and discover a career they can be proud of.”

The initiative is expected to grow beyond its initial focus on high school students. Organizers hope to eventually offer opportunities for adults in the community, including evening classes that would allow working adults to develop construction skills and explore careers in construction.

This partnership demonstrates the impact that can come from bringing education, industry and community organizations together around a shared goal - preparing the next generation of skilled construction professionals.

For Efrain Gomez Jr., owner of Gomez 3 Construction and a member of the STBA Board of Directors, the academy represents the beginning of a larger vision for the Mid-Valley.

“We’re not just building a program, we’re building a pathway for the future,” Gomez said. “This is the first step, but it is an important one. We want the Mid-Valley to become a mecca for construction management, where students and adults can come together, learn the skills they need and find opportunities to build meaningful careers without having to leave their community.”

JagReconnect, also known as STC’s Adult Promise Program, is a last-dollar match program that helps qualified students who paused their education and are now returning, cover tuition, pay off outstanding STC debt and receive personalized guidance from college navigators.

“Over the past year, JagReconnect has achieved significant success, earning strong support across the STC community, while attracting attention from organizations and foundations beyond our region,” said Luisa Ramirez, director of Student Engagement and Completion Services. “Through this program, hundreds of students have returned to continue and complete their educational goals and more than 65% of students in JagReconnect have persisted in their studies successfully completing their credential.”

Ramirez describes this success as a reflection of the impact the program’s personalized outreach, coaching, mentoring and support has on students. It also is a testament to the dedication and support from college administrators, trustees, donors and community partners who are deeply invested in student success.

“I have always had faith that this program would be successful for our students,” she said. “What I did not anticipate was how quickly we would begin hearing life-changing stories of those we serve. Together, our collaborative efforts help students overcome obstacles, remain engaged in their educational journey and achieve their goal of earning a credential.”

One of those students, who said his experience with the JagReconnect program has been transformative, is also an STC faculty member – Cosmetology Lecturer Juan Gallardo.

Gallardo first enrolled at STC during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and since then had been taking one class at a time. However, when he began working with the Cosmetology program, he met JagReconnect staff during their beauty service appointments at the Cosmetology program’s training salon, who inspired him to finish his degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.

“The staff at JagReconnect really showed me the way. Now I’m set to graduate in May, and I have my sights set on a new goal – a bachelor’s degree from STC,” he said. “Without the support of JagReconnect, I don’t think I would be where I am today. In addition to financial assistance, their wraparound support has given me the confidence I need to continue, especially as an older student.”

The 47-year-old recalls his first day of class and being the only one with a pencil and a notebook, while everyone else had laptop computers. He said he remembers feeling out of place, even realizing he was older than the instructor, but JagReconnect took those fears away. 

“I want to say thank you to JagReconnect,” he said. “They made returning manageable and made me feel like family. They’ve allowed me to become an example for my students. If I can do it, so can they. I understand their challenges, and I want them to know I’m always here for them, just like JagReconnect has been there for me.”

Student successes like this are being made possible by grants targeting adult learners and have caught the attention of foundations such as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board which has donated more than $400,000, the Trellis Foundation that has donated $200,000 and the Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation that has given more than $100,000 for scholarships.

According to Ramirez, there are more than 30,000 students like Gallardo in the Rio Grande Valley who have earned some college credit, but have not completed a credential. Many have left college due to financial, personal, family or work-related challenges, yet remain close to achieving a degree or certificate that can significantly improve their careers and quality of life.

“Our students are truly resilient. Choosing to return to school after being away for several years requires tremendous courage and determination,” said Ramirez. “As the program has grown, one of the clearest signs of its success has been the number of students who refer friends, family and colleagues to our office. Seeing our own students advocate for JagReconnect means they have trust in the program and and it’s a reflection of the positive impact it has had on their educational journey.”

Most recently, Ramirez and the JagReconnect team have hosted Jaguar Junction events on campus to help students connect, enjoy some lunch and snacks and prepare for life after graduation with resumés  and headshots.  

“The impact of JagReconnect extends far beyond the classroom and graduation,” she said. “We meet students where they are and address their unique needs that help create pathways to completion, career advancement and long-term success. We increase workforce readiness, strengthen earning potential and create pathways for upward economic mobility. These outcomes not only benefit our students and their families, but it also contributes to the continued growth and prosperity of our region.”

The 12-hour course is designed to prepare participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage a classroom, support instruction, ensure student safety and understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of serving as a substitute teacher.

“Providing this training at the Starr County Campus gives community members an opportunity to gain valuable skills and explore a career in education without having to travel far from home,” said English faculty member and course instructor Johanna Rios. “We want students to leave the course with more than a certificate. We want them to feel confident stepping into a classroom and to have a better understanding of whether education is the right path for them.”

The course is open to individuals who have earned a high school or GED diploma and can speak and write in English. No previous teaching experience is required.

The courses cost $84 and will be offered Sept. 12-13 and Oct. 24-25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In addition to classroom instruction, participants must observe three classes at a K-12 campus. Students have two weeks to complete their observations and submit the required forms.

The training is designed to help address the need for qualified and reliable substitute teachers in the region while creating a local employment opportunity for community members.

Substitute teachers play an important role in keeping schools moving forward when regular teachers are away,” she said. “By preparing more qualified individuals to step into the classroom, we can help support local schools while giving community members an opportunity to gain meaningful experience working with students.”

This new course at the college’s Starr County Campus is making continuing education and professional development more accessible to residents in the area while helping address workforce needs in local schools.

“This is an opportunity to connect people who want to work with students with schools that need dependable classroom support,” she said.  “We hope the program not only helps fill an important need in our schools but also inspires participants to discover a passion for education and consider where that experience could take them next.”

It all started with a Business Information Management (BIM) course at Edinburg North High School, a freshman-year class, Castillo said she could not have known would change the course of her education and ultimately shape the future she is building today.

“I didn’t even know what information technology was or that it was something I could pursue,” Castillo said. “But once I discovered it, I started liking it and just kept going. That class opened the door to something completely new and showed me a path I could see myself following, not just in high school but for the rest of my life.”

Raised in Edinburg, Castillo recalls her curiosity about computers beginning as early as 9 or 10 years old, when she would watch one of her mother’s colleagues, an IT technician for the school district, work with computers and programs.

“I didn’t understand what he was doing at the time, but I remember being fascinated by it,” Castillo said. “I was young, but I was already curious about computers,  programs and how everything worked.”

Castillo graduated from Edinburg North High School in 2024 with a college credential already under her belt, earning a Computer Applications Specialist certificate through STC’s Dual Credit Programs during her junior year.

Now, two years later, Castillo has graduated from STC with an associate degree in information technology, multiple industry certifications and approximately 70 college credit hours as she prepares to continue her education.

“The faculty have helped me a lot, not only with what I needed to learn in class, but also with figuring out where I wanted to go,” Castillo said. “They helped me discover the different paths I could take in IT and gave me the guidance I needed to keep moving forward. Having that guidance has made a big difference for me.”

Beyond her degree, Castillo has strengthened her résumé with industry-recognized credentials that can give her an advantage as she prepares to enter the workforce.

Through her coursework, she has also earned five certifications, including three Cisco certifications in cybersecurity, IT support and IT networking, as well as credentials in Information Technology Network Systems and Information Technology Support Systems.

“Those certifications can cost $100 to $150 each, so having the opportunity to earn them through my classes helped me a lot,” Castillo said. “I’m graduating with more than a degree. I have certifications that represent the skills I’ve developed and experience I can carry with me as I begin my career.”

Castillo’s experience at STC has also helped her explore the different areas of IT, expanding an initial interest in software into a growing interest in networking.

“What I like about IT is that there are so many different things you can do,” Castillo said. “You can work with hardware, software, programming or networking. I started out more interested in software, but now I’m really enjoying networking. I like that I don’t have to limit myself to just one area.”

As Castillo begins to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Technologies (CIT) at STC this fall, she is also looking toward a career in IT.

Her recent capstone experience with STC’s IT staff allowed Castillo to put those interests into practice by troubleshooting computers, installing operating systems and software, replacing hardware and assembling network cables, while reinforcing her desire to one day work for the college.

“STC has always been one of the places where I’ve wanted to work,” Castillo said. “After completing my capstone and seeing what the IT department does firsthand, I could really picture myself here. I started my college journey at STC, and I would love the opportunity to begin my career here, too.”

Now recognized as a Professor Emeritus, Munoz said the distinction is especially meaningful because it came through a nomination from his peers and reflects what he valued most as an educator.

“The most rewarding thing is knowing that I made a difference in students’ lives. That’s what this Emeritus honor means to me,” Munoz said. “I didn’t seek this recognition, but I love hearing stories from former students about how I impacted their lives. There is no better reward than that as an educator.”

Being named Emeritus is a lifetime honor for faculty, who are given the distinction upon their retirement by their peers. Those who have earned Emeritus status remain visible with the college and remain engaged in academic and professional activities.  

To date, Munoz is one of only 10 legendary faculty recognized for exceptional service, leadership and contributions to the college community.

Before joining STC, Munoz spent 23 years in healthcare, working his way up from mail clerk to training doctors and nurses in corporate compliance. Leaving that career required a significant pay cut and the courage to enter an unfamiliar profession, but Munoz said he had never felt more fulfilled.

“I got to talk about the things I loved and get paid for it,” Munoz said. “My time at STC was one of the most amazing chapters in my life, and I was glad every day to be a part of it.”

In the classroom, Munoz said his approach was to transform History from a collection of names and dates into a living conversation. Through stories and regional examples, he challenged students to look beyond their textbooks and understand how events in the Rio Grande Valley helped shape the nation.

Lessons on the Mexican-American War emphasized the region’s role in the conflict, for example, including the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma near Brownsville. He also introduced students to Hispanic figures whose contributions were often absent from their previous studies including civil rights leader Dr. Hector P. Garcia, Medal of Honor recipient Alfredo “Freddy” Gonzalez of Edinburg and Bernardo de Galvez, a Spanish military leader who supported the American Revolution.

“I sought to teach how the history and contributions of these leaders, who were similar in many respects to the students themselves, led to the creation of this country,” Munoz said. “It was my goal to foster a sense of pride and belonging. Just because our story is not told doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.”

Munoz’s own connection to history began when he was 7 years old, when he unearthed an 1884 penny while playing marbles. From that point, Munoz said his mind began to wonder who had once carried it, which sparked a lifelong fascination with items of historical significance.

He now owns an extensive collection of coins, military artifacts, as well as Civil War correspondence and documents in a private collection. 

At STC, he shared that passion beyond the classroom by founding the Border Studies Club. For nearly a decade, the organization hosted cultural festivals across STC campuses featuring Native American dancers, historical reenactors, chuck wagons, live music and demonstrations that brought history to life for students and the community.

Yet Munoz said his greatest contribution was not measured by festivals, collections or professional recognition. It was reflected in the students who left his classroom believing more deeply in themselves.

“It was never about the pay or the recognition. It was about making a difference,” Munoz said. “If I made a difference in one person, then I made this world better. That person can then carry the same goals to their children, so the impact keeps extending.

Taking approximately 15 years to earn his own bachelor’s degree while working full-time and raising a family, Munoz said he understood how easily financial and personal obstacles could derail an education. He used his journey to encourage students to keep moving forward, even when progress came slowly.

That perseverance was inspired by his father, who did not advance beyond elementary school but instilled the value of education in Munoz and his five siblings.

Munoz said he carried that message in every class he taught and sees his Professor Emeritus designation as part of a legacy that continues throughout his former students and their families.

“The only thing in this world that can never be taken away from you is an education,” Munoz said. “Education can open doors you never thought were possible while making your life’s dreams come true.”

Faculty recently presented during BPST’s fall meeting at Mission Event Center, where employees gathered ahead of the fall semester, which begins Aug. 24. The meeting also served as the latest update for the division-wide initiative for AI, launched more than a year ago by BPST interim dean Joe Vela

The result: BPST is expanding the use of AI across its curriculum, with 15 departments and 33 faculty members now incorporating the technology into 55 courses.

The division has also identified 10 general AI tools and 18 industry-specific applications currently in use by faculty.

“They have made some tremendous progress in incorporating AI into their programs,” Vela said. “They are getting really innovative on different approaches and things we could do, which is exactly what we wanted.

The initiative grew from STC’s AI in Manufacturing course, developed through grant support from Intel and now serving as a foundation for the expanding AI curriculum among other programs in the division.

Presentations by faculty highlighted how programs including Business Management, Automotive Technology, Law Enforcement, Construction Management, Architecture and Cosmetology are using AI to strengthen instruction and prepare students for changing industry demands.

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program Chair Erika Guerra, who serves as the division’s AI liaison, said each department’s approach is different. Some may use generative AI in the classroom, while others train students on specialized systems already used by employers.

Across every presentation, however, Guerra said one principle remained constant: AI supports, but does not replace, the knowledge and professional judgment of STC instructors and students.

“That’s one of the main things we are stressing throughout this initiative. It’s a recurring theme,” Guerra said. “This is not going to replace instructor expertise, research or any kind of verification.

AI makes an impact

Whether it’s a future automotive technician learning to diagnose advanced driver-assistance systems, an architecture student transforming an early sketch into a realistic model or a cosmetology student creating a personalized consultation for a client, faculty say they are meeting the challenge set by Vela.

Jose Cruz, Business Administration faculty, demonstrated how students in his Communications in Management course collaborate with AI to analyze data, recognize patterns and develop evidence-based recommendations for a hypothetical company.

AI can generate insights, but students remain responsible for verifying the information, weighing possible decisions and translating the results that people can understand, Cruz said.

“It’s the human element that we still need to teach our students,” Cruz said. “It’s about knowing the culture, knowing the context and knowing the environment.”

Automotive Technology Department Chair Rogelio Camarillo discussed preparing students to service AI-powered advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which support functions including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot detection and pedestrian recognition.

The program will implement a new ADAS training system this fall, giving students hands-on experience diagnosing faults, analyzing sensor data and performing system calibrations.

In Law Enforcement education, Police Academy instructor Jennifer Rosillo is using AI to help simplify complex legal concepts, create realistic scenarios and revise test questions for students with different learning needs, while emphasizing that information generated through AI must always be checked against Texas law and other authoritative sources.

Construction Management faculty member Israel Medrano described how AI-supported platforms can help supervisors plan projects, schedule materials and workers, track costs, improve job-site safety and communicate more efficiently with contractors.

Medrano said those efficiencies can help companies secure more work, support employees and vendors and ultimately contribute to economic growth across the region.

“When we use AI, we schedule our lumber, we schedule our materials, our labor and our workforce,” Medrano said. “AI is just something we cannot do without anymore.”

Vela said he is now challenging more programs to identify practical applications, including those in which AI’s role may not be immediately apparent.

As employees continue adopting the technology, he said STC must ensure graduates arrive with the skills to use it responsibly; not as a substitute for human expertise, but as another tool to help them lead their industries forward.

“The idea is not necessarily to replace the careers they have,” Vela said. “It’s how do we enhance what we can do and make us more efficient.”  

“OER is the present and future of South Texas College with a focus to save students money,” said Peek, a pioneer of OER instruction. “We live in one of the poorest metropolitan areas in the U.S. and textbooks are expensive, which is why education needs to come with a cost savings, and at STC, we do that through the establishment of OER.”

In 2021, STC received a $75,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to convert traditional book-reliant courses to OER. The college has continued to received funds from various grantors to continue expanding this resource.

Since then, hundreds of classes at STC have converted to OER, offering students access to online, openly licensed material for teaching, learning and research through textbooks, media, digital tools and other course materials at no charge to them.

“Through the years, we’ve converted many of our classes, even a few being 100% OER such as algebra, precalculus and calculus,” he said. “We’ve seen student participation increase dramatically and student satisfactory surveys reflect positive improvements for students enrolled in these types of courses siting ease of use and accessibility as key factors.”

According to Education Data Initiative, an online company that compiles statistics about the U.S. Education System, the average college student spends $174 on a new printed textbook, but depending on the subject matter, some books can cost as much as $400. In the last fiscal year, 2024-2025, STC students saved an estimated $5.24 million, with more than 51,000 students enrolled in an OER course and more than 3,500 OER courses offered.

Taking the lead early on, Peek has worked with many STC faculty in converting classes from traditional to OER, with the goal of finding a solution to begin converting competency-based education (CBE) workforce programs, which Peek said tend to be more challenging due to the hands-on training requirement.

“Although we’ve converted many classes, we still have a long way to go. Some are also more challenging than others,” said Peek. “We will continue working together to increase the courses we offer and serve more students. In addition, we continuously work to update the OER courses we already offer.”

Beyond developing the courses, Peek said keeping them up to date is also a priority. With the advances of artificial intelligence (AI), the task has become faster and quicker.

“OER is a cornucopia of resources, and these resources are evolving and need to be updated often,” he said. “AI is helping us work through these updates regularly, giving students peace of mind that the resources they’re using meet industry standards and always related to today’s evolving careers.”

Peek mentioned that his passion for this decade-long project stems from his own experience as a college student.

“I could have never afforded a college education without the scholarships, fellowships and help I received. I want to do the same for our students,” said Peek. “My job is to find the resources that make college life easier and more accessible, and I know OER can be lifechanging for our students.”

Now entering the workforce, the inaugural cohort is putting training into practice at DHR Health after completing 2,000 hours of paid, hands-on training through the apprenticeship.

“This one-of-a-kind pilot program is meant to be a bridge between education, healthcare and the workforce, built on innovation, intent and trust,” said STC Regional Healthcare Liaison Jason Valerio, DNP. “One of the metrics of success for this initiative was a 90% first-attempt NCLEX pass rate, and we achieved 100%. It is an incredible result to see.”

Developed through a partnership between STC, DHR Health, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Board of Nursing and the U.S. Department of Labor, the apprenticeship was first envisioned in 2022 and was officially established in 2024 in response to a growing need for nurses in the region.

At the time the initiative was being developed, projections from the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies showed the Rio Grande Valley could face a deficit of more than 6,200 registered nurses by 2030, leaving more than 30% of the region’s demand unmet.

“To me, as an educator and an advocate for the community, once you know the data, you feel compelled to do something,” Valerio said. “The question becomes, ‘How can we address the nursing shortage while also helping our students succeed?’ Many of our students are juggling a full-time education while also working because they are breadwinners for their families. The apprenticeship gives them an opportunity to earn while they learn and, at the same time, prepares more nurses to serve our community.”

For a year and a half, the 10 students, now STC graduates, completed paid training at DHR Health while simultaneously completing the coursework and clinical requirements for their Associate Degree in Nursing at STC. Each was paired with a mentor, providing one-on-one guidance and consistent exposure to the hospital environment where they would eventually begin their careers.

“Right after graduation, I surveyed them, and sure enough, a sense of belonging was one of the highlights of this initiative,” Valerio added. “They feel clinically ready to make that transition from students to registered nurses.”

For STC graduate Hailey Aul, now a registered nurse at DHR Health, the apprenticeship made a significant difference in her transition from student to a professional.

“I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of the first cohort and experience this program from the beginning,” Aul said. “It definitely helped with my clinical practice and prepared me for the realities of working at the bedside. I feel like I would be drowning right now had I not done the apprenticeship.”

Aul said the experience also taught her how to manage the realities of bedside nursing, where caring for multiple patients requires constant prioritization and critical thinking.

“Learning how to prioritize and manage your time is very different from what the book says,” she said. “The book gives you a perfect situation, but in real life, things are constantly changing. The apprenticeship helped prepare me for that reality.”

With the inaugural cohort’s success, Valerio said the model is already gaining attention beyond the region, with colleges and workforce organizations from other states reaching out to STC to learn from the program’s development, challenges and best practices.

“There was no blueprint in the nation for a program like this, and I’m grateful to STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis, the STC Board of Trustees and everyone who supported us in taking the lead on this pilot initiative,” Valerio said. “Now we have our lessons learned and best practices, and those are the things that I am sharing with colleagues who want to emulate this project.”

STC is now looking toward a second apprenticeship cohort, with plans to build on the lessons and success of the inaugural group.

“Everything we do comes back to our students and our community,” Valerio said. “We must continue thinking outside the box and finding innovative ways to help our students succeed while addressing the healthcare needs of the Rio Grande Valley. This program shows what is possible when we work together with that purpose in mind.”

For his efforts, Herrera has earned multiple awards through the years, including this year’s 2026 eFaculty of the Year Award.

“This recognition caught me by surprise. I didn’t even know I had been nominated for it,” he said. “I’m sure there were a lot of great candidates up for this, so it’s an honor. I know a lot of people always working hard to improve online learning. I appreciate the recognition by the Biology department and our chair. This is definitely a group recognition.”

Herrera said when he began his journey into the classroom, he never imagined he’d be where he is today.

He started teaching science labs as a student, teaching assistant at the University of Texas-Pan American, now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2013, as he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Biology.

“Being a teaching assistant really validated my newfound passion in teaching,” said Herrera. “Before this, I wanted to do something primarily in medicine, but I suddenly loved teaching and found myself pursuing educational opportunities. The rest is history.”

Beginning his career as a part-time faculty member at STC, it quickly turned full time, as he began researching how to certify online courses through Quality Matters, a global organization leading quality assurance in online and digital teaching and learning, to improve course design and reduce barriers for students.

“Biology was one of the first departments to implement new online learning infrastructures and frameworks,” he said. “We work closely with the college’s distance learning department to be the pioneers of new technology.”

Going from Blackboard to Ultra Blackboard was one of the department’s first steps, with Herrera at the helm. Ultra Blackboard is the mobile-friendly evolution of the classic Blackboard digital learning platform, making it more user friendly for students and faculty.

Additionally, Herrera has worked with his department to introduce new tools and technology to offer different learning resources, such as virtual and video labs and Open Educational Resources (OER), that offer free teaching, learning and research materials, saving students money.

“I can’t emphasize enough, on how all these efforts have been a collaboration; even most recently, the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI),” Herrera said. “At the Biology department, we work together to make everything possible for our students, and with technology and AI evolving so rapidly, we must prepare our students for the present and the future.”

Herrera’s supervisor, Biology Department Chair and faculty, Maria Cervantes, Ph.D. calls Herrera the driving force behind the department’s digital transformation.

“It is a pleasure working with Alan Herrera. He consistently demonstrates professionalism, strong organizational skills and a goal-oriented approach to his work, while also serving as an outstanding mentor to his colleagues,” she said. “He has spearheaded our Biology department's digital transformation through his leadership in Open Educational Resources, and his commitment to making high-quality science education accessible and affordable for our students is truly commendable. I could not be prouder to see him receive this recognition.”

With a new academic year fast approaching, Herrera said he will continue his adoption of new AI technology in Biology and teaching students how to use it properly and responsibly.

“AI is an additional tool to help students learn. My generation had Google, this new generation has AI,” he said. “There’s no reason to fight it or go against it. We need to adapt, help students learn and appreciate it.”

Furthermore, Herrera said his overall goal it to keep learning science and biology and making it fun for his students.

“I have a mix of biology students, major and nonmajor, but no matter who I’m teaching, I want my students to leave my class with a new outlook,” said Hererra. “My job is to give them the tools they need to learn, appreciate science and find success.”

Weeks later, as a community performer for STC’s Ballet Folklórico, she decided to enroll as an STC student, starting an educational journey that would eventually bring her back to the college as an employee.

Through it all, STC Ballet Folklórico has remained a constant, connecting her to the college, her culture and the community she now serves.

“STC’s folklorico group has given me opportunities I never imagined I would have,” she said. “So much in my life has changed, but dancing has always been there. I’m grateful that as I continue to grow at STC, I get to continue doing something that has become such a big part of who I am.”

A Sullivan City native, Arechiga’s relationship with STC began as a dual credit student at La Joya High School. A self-described straight-A student who balanced sports, dance and just about every extracurricular activity, said she discovered a passion for folklórico.

“I learned the basics my freshman and sophomore years, and after that, I just kept going,” she said. “I knew I didn’t want to stop dancing.”

Shortly after graduating from high school in 2019, Arechiga learned about a summer workshop at STC. The experience brought her to campus weeks before her first college class and quickly opened the door to new opportunities.

“Right off the bat, ballet folklórico started giving me experiences I had never had before,” she said. “Shortly after I joined, we were invited to perform in Guadalajara, and that was my first time ever on an airplane. I got my passport for the trip, and my parents came with me to watch me perform.”

Arechiga earned an associate degree in business administration from STC in December 2020, inspired in part by her parents, who own a small commercial plaza. She later transferred to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration in December 2022, but even as her academic journey took her elsewhere, she never stopped dancing at STC.

“STC’s Ballet Folklórico is open to everyone,” she said. “We’ve had people come in who didn’t know how to dance, and later they’re dancing everything. It’s community-based, and I love that. It has given me a family and a place where I can continue dancing.”

For Arechiga, whose parents are both from Mexico and made sure Spanish was always spoken at home, ballet folklórico has also strengthened her connection to her roots. Through the group, she has traveled throughout Mexico and the United States to perform and represent her culture.

“The program often brings dance instructors from Mexico, so we’re learning firsthand from people who know the culture and the places where these dances originated,” she said. “We learn the choreography, but also the history and traditions behind it.”

During a recent performance in San Francisco, Arechiga said she saw that cultural connection reflected in audience members who told the dancers their performance reminded them of home.

“You could see that connection,” she said. “For some people, the performance brought back memories of home. Knowing that we can create that feeling through dance and at the same time represent South Texas, is special.”

Her journey eventually led her back to STC as an employee when she joined the Cashier’s Office as an accounting assistant in November 2024. Earlier this year, she transitioned into a financial aid specialist role with STC’s Office of Recruitment and Outreach, where she now helps prospective and incoming students navigate college.

“Coming back to STC as an employee, I thought, ‘Now I get to be that help that students need,’” she said. “Students come to me with questions and open up about what they’re going through, and I realize I can be that person for them. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen.”

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in human resources, which she expects to complete in May 2027, Arechiga hopes to continue growing professionally at STC and eventually return to the classroom as a professor.

“I started here, and at this point, I’m still doing my own full-circle journey,” she said. “I was a student and now I’m working here. If I become a professor, that would make the circle even bigger. Sometimes I walk into the buildings where I used to take my classes and remember sitting there as a student. I would love to teach in those same classrooms someday.”

With her future still connected to both STC and dance, Arechiga said the foundation she gained as a dual credit student, college student and STC Ballet Folklórico dancer continues to shape where she hopes to go next.

“The education and foundation STC gave me is unmatched,” she said. “And, of course, ballet folklórico. It has become a part of me. STC has been part of every stage of my journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.”

Funding from the Texas Reskilling and Upskilling Education (TRUE) grant and Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) will allow qualifying participants to complete 242 hours of workforce training with their tuition fully covered.

The TRUE grant is able to cover the program’s 96 hours and provides a gas allowance, while TPEG funding covers the remaining 146 hours for students who meet financial aid requirements.

Leadership with CATA says the new plumbing program is set to provide hands-on training to assist unemployed or underemployed adults with entry-level construction and plumbing skills.

“This is their chance to develop foundational and hands-on skills needed to begin a career in the plumbing and construction industry,” said CATA Director Leonel Garcia. “Through this program, the students will gain exposure to industry-recognized standards while developing practical skills they can take directly into the workforce.”

The program will combine classroom instruction with hands-on training based primarily on National Craft Assessment and Certification (NCCER) including Introduction to Basic Construction Skills and NCCER Plumbing Level 1 core courses.

NCCER is a nationally recognized construction education and credentialing organization whose curriculum reflects established industry standards.

The new program will be divided among three STC courses beginning with Construction Tools and Techniques, a 96-hour course focused on essential construction competencies. Students in the course will learn about workplace safety, hand and power tools, construction math, drawings, materials handling, rigging and other fundamental skills used throughout the construction trades.

Students will then complete 38 hours of Basic Plumbing Skills, introducing them to piping systems, drains, vents, water lines, fixtures and standard plumbing practices. Students will also work through NCCER Plumbing Level 1 competencies such as plumbing safety, tools of the trade and plumbing math along with drain, waste and vent systems.

The final course, Basic Pipefitting: Installation and Rigging, provides 108 hours of additional hands-on training in pipe fabrication, cutting, fitting and installation. The course also covers valves and fittings, rigging, safety procedures, trade math and blueprint interpretation.

Garcia said the program reflects STC’s commitment to aligning workforce education with the needs of employers and communities across the Rio Grande Valley.

“Most importantly, this program helps us respond to the needs of our local industry by creating another pathway for individuals in our community to enter a high-demand skilled trade and build a sustainable career,” Garcia said.

Students who successfully complete the applicable curriculum and assessment requirements will have their completed credentials documented through NCCER, providing industry-recognized evidence of the skills they have acquired.

The program does not grant a state plumbing license or make a participant a licensed plumber. Instead, it provides entry-level occupational preparation and NCCER credentials that can help students begin pursuing opportunities in the industry and continue building their experience.

For more information on STC’s new Plumbing Technician Program, as well as many others offered by CATA, visit southtexascollege.edu/cata/.