The 37-year-old Weslaco resident and father of three is pursuing his Commercial Baking Certificate at South Texas College (STC) and is looking to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts in the future.

For Sachs, cooking has always been a natural passion. Born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, he grew up surrounded by the flavors of his Cajun and Italian heritage.

“Cooking has always been a part of who I am,” he said. “Food was always at the center of family and life. It’s something I grew up loving, and now I want to turn that passion into something I can build a future around.”

His favorite dishes to make include gumbo, jambalaya and a traditional seafood boil, which allow him to bring a taste of home to the table.

Sachs originally studied welding at another college, but his plans changed when he decided it was time to pursue his passion for cooking. With STC’s Mid-Valley Campus practically in his backyard, he decided to enroll.

“I had driven past the campus so many times, but I never really stopped to see what was there,” he said. “One day I finally walked in, and that decision completely changed the direction I was going.”

While his culinary education is a new pursuit, Sachs is no stranger to following his passions. For more than 15 years, he has also been chasing a dream in professional wrestling.

His love for wrestling began during childhood when he and his brothers would gather at his grandparents’ house to watch matches and reenact what they saw on television.

“We were kids just having fun, but every time we watched wrestling, I wanted to be the one in the ring,” he said. “I remember thinking, ‘This is what I want to do when I grow up.’ Once I fell in love with it, there was no turning it off.”

Sachs got his start wrestling at a flea market in Mission in 2011 and has continued performing ever since. Now, as he nears retirement from the ring, he is turning his focus towards his education and what comes next.

“I got to live the dream I had as a kid,” he said. “I got in the ring, I performed and I gave it everything I had. Now I’m ready to take everything wrestling taught me and put that same energy into my next chapter.”

One lesson wrestling has taught him is to give everything he does his full effort, something he believes will serve him well as a student and future chef.

“Wrestling taught me that if you’re going to do something, you can’t give 50% and expect 100% results,” he said. “You must give it everything you have, because people can recognize when you don’t. I’m going to carry that mindset with me into school and into my career.”

That mindset is especially important in an industry where performance can determine future opportunities.

“When you step into that ring, people are judging you on what you give them,” he said. “If you don’t give it your all, they remember that. I’ve learned that your name and your reputation are built on your performance, and I want to bring that same standard into the kitchen.”

Now, Sachs hopes to bring that same determination into his culinary career.

His goal is to open a Cajun restaurant and a training gym with one of his friends from wrestling.

“I want to build something that brings both parts of my life together,” he said. “A place where I can share the food I grew up with, while also giving people a place to train, learn and chase their own dreams.”

For Sachs, the next chapter isn’t about leaving his dreams behind. It’s about building on everything he has already accomplished.

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.” 

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.”

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/.

Longtime trustee and recently reappointed Board Chair Paul R. Rodriguez said throughout his 14-year tenure, the trustees have played a role in monumental initiatives that have placed STC on the map.

Rodriguez has formerly served as chair, vice chair and secretary of the board.

“As trustees, it’s about adopting the right endeavors that prove beneficial for all those we serve,” said Rodriguez, who represents South McAllen, Southwest Pharr, Hidalgo, Sharyland, Southeast Mission and Granejo. “It’s about showing up, being involved. Everything we do has our students in mind. Our decisions are made so that they (students) benefit from the best education. They deserve this.”

As a member of the Education and Workforce Development Committee and the Finance, Audit and Human Resources Committee, Rodriguez said the trustees have signed off on numerous new programs and initiatives that have received national attention.

In recent years, STC introduced the nation’s first Registered Nursing Apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, have approved new certificate and associate degree programs such as Artificial Intelligence and Dental Hygiene and have expanded partnerships within the private sector, K-12 and higher education regionally, statewide and nationally.

Most recently, in response to a demand for avionics technicians in the region, STC introduced an Avionics Technician program for adults and high school juniors and seniors.

“We may sign off on these ideas, but the real credit goes to STC administration, faculty and staff. These are the people that make everything happen,” said Rodriguez. “Then, we have our partners that help us leverage success. All the success STC has seen, really is a large collaboration of many people.”

For the first time since being elected to the board in 2022, trustee Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar will hold the position of vice chair, working closely with Rodriguez in quickly responding to the needs of the region.

Gonzalez-Alcantar represents North McAllen, Northwest Pharr, Palmhurst, Southwest Edinburg, East Alton and Northeast Mission. She also serves as chair of the Finance, Audit and Human Resources Committee.

“It is an honor being selected by my peers for, what I know, is a huge responsibility. I’m honored to know they trust me, and I’m going to continue doing what’s right for those we serve,” she said. “We are a regional voice, and together we’ll ensure that STC remains an economic driver by addressing workforce needs and helping families transition from poverty to prosperity.”

Alongside her peers, the most notable achievements for Gonzalez-Alcantar since joining the Board, has been increasing STC’s minimum wage to $15.75, voting to begin the college’s in-demand Cosmetology program, among other workforce programs and championing student food pantries, clothing closets and self-care dens across all campuses.

“Our No. 1 goal as trustees is to always be great stewards of taxpayer money,” she said. “Through these initiatives we’re impacting our local economy, building up families through education and providing various grants and scholarships that help our students reach their goals. It’s all about stretching the college’s money to serve more.”

This year, Rodriguez and Gonzalez-Alcantar also welcomed trustee Victoria Cantú on the executive board as secretary and newly-elected trustee, representing Northeast Hidalgo County, North Weslaco, Edcouch-Elsa, La Villa, Mercedes, Monte Alto, Northeast Alamo, Northeast Edinburg and Hargill, Rina Castillo.

“STC is in continual change,” said Rodriguez. “From new leadership and trustees to new programs, partnerships and initiatives, STC continues to grow and now more than ever our best-kept secret is not so secret anymore thanks to our public relations and marketing team who are showcasing our brand and exposing STC to even more opportunities. STC is no longer where it was a few years ago.”

As the trustees move toward a new fiscal year, Rodriguez said through many changes, there is still one thing that remains steadfast - STC’s service to students and creating a college-going and workforce-ready culture.

“As STC grows, unemployment drops. Across our service area, there is a direct correlation between the two,” he said. “We are the least expensive tax district, good stewards of money, financially disciplined, our students are skilled and creating successful careers and STC continues to change lives.”

As lead epidemiologist for the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department, the 31-year-old oversees a team of public health professionals who track and investigate diseases, respond to outbreaks and work with hospitals, schools and other organizations to keep residents safe and informed.

“I was born and raised here in the Rio Grande Valley, so I love that the work I do protects the community that watched me grow,” she said. “In public health, a lot of what we do happens behind the scenes. I like to describe it as detective work. When there’s an outbreak or a new health concern, it’s our job to figure out where it’s coming from, where it’s going and how we stop it.”

A first-generation college graduate, Gonzalez knew early on that she wanted a career helping others. Aspiring to become a physician assistant, she joined STC’s Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy (DEMSA) while attending Mercedes High School.

During the program, one of her faculty members encouraged her to apply for a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded undergraduate research opportunity. Gonzalez was selected and spent two years conducting research at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center in Weslaco. Her research on Mexican key limes and a fungal pathogen eventually contributed to a published paper.

“Apart from saving my family money by allowing me to complete two years of college at no cost, STC’s Dual Credit program opened the door to great opportunities I don’t think I would have had otherwise,” she said. “Having faculty encourage me to keep trying and do more made it all feel a lot less scary. Moving forward, I had the confidence to take higher-level science courses and succeed.”

In 2013, Gonzalez graduated from STC with an associate degree in biology, just weeks before receiving her high school diploma. She later transferred to Baylor University before returning home to complete a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in 2016.

In 2017, she accepted a part-time position with the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department as a Zika technician, helping educate residents about the mosquito-borne virus and its risks, particularly to pregnant women, not knowing the job would ultimately change the direction of her career.

“I started by helping educate women about Zika, which was a major health concern at the time,” she said. “There were pregnant women who were crying; they were scared. I knew I could give them information and try to answer their questions. That felt very rewarding to me, being able to be a shoulder for someone. That’s really when I realized that this is what I want to do. I want to be able to help someone.”

Over nearly a decade with the department, Gonzalez has worked her way up while helping respond to everything from the COVID-19 pandemic and disease outbreaks to emerging health concerns affecting the region.

Along the way, she earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2020 before eventually becoming lead epidemiologist.

“When someone tests positive for certain diseases, that gets reported to us at the health department, and that’s when we start our investigation,” she said. “We talk to the patient or the family, ask questions and look for connections. For example, if there’s a party and everyone gets sick, we start asking, ‘What did they all eat?’ We go back and figure out what happened, where it came from and how we can stop it from spreading.”

For Gonzalez, however, protecting public health goes beyond responding when people get sick. Much of her role today focuses on preventing illness and making health information and services more accessible to residents.

“People often have questions like, ‘I heard about this parasite on the news. What is it?’ They can call the health department, and we can educate them about the disease and available resources,” she said. “I’ve fallen in love with this work because the more we educate people about public health, the more people we can help.”

Looking back at her roots, Gonzalez credits STC with giving her the confidence and opportunities that helped shape her life.

Although her career took a different direction than she originally imagined, she hopes her journey encourages other students to remain open to new opportunities and keep moving forward when their plans change.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the STC Dual Credit program because it helped expedite my career,” she said. “If I could give students any advice, it would be not to fear failing. Sometimes we look at people and think, ‘Wow, they have everything figured out.’ But I’ve failed a class and I’ve made mistakes, and that doesn’t define where we are. We can keep going and keep learning. If someone tells you no, someone else will tell you yes. Just keep trying and keep learning.”

Previously offered exclusively at STC’s Technology Campus, the program’s expansion brings construction education closer to students in Weslaco, Donna, Mercedes and surrounding communities, eliminating transportation barriers while creating new pathways to high-demand careers.

According to Construction Management Program Coordinator Samuel Saldana, the expansion brings construction education closer to students where they are and ensuring more individuals can pursue careers in construction management.

“For many, transportation became a barrier that prevented them from enrolling,” Saldana said. “Bringing the program to the Mid-Valley Campus allows us to serve students throughout the area, and the response has been incredible. Our first Construction Management classes at Mid-Valley are already full.”

The program equips students with the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to oversee residential, commercial and industrial projects. Through coursework in project planning, estimating, scheduling, construction methods and safety, graduates are prepared for careers as construction managers, project coordinators, estimators and supervisors.

The program’s expansion also reflects the continued demand for skilled construction professionals throughout the region.

“Workforce needs are always at the forefront of what we do at STC,” Saldana said. “We've offered this program for more than 10 years, and it has continued to grow every year. Our graduates work for local companies, national and international firms, government agencies and many even go on to start their own businesses.”

Mid-Valley Campus Administrator Daniel Montez said the addition of the program strengthens the campus’ workforce offerings while providing students with another affordable pathway into a rewarding profession.

“This program creates another opportunity for students who want to enter a career with tremendous growth potential,” Montez said. “Construction continues to be an important industry in our region and now students can develop those skills closer to home.”

For students looking to enter the workforce quickly, Montez said the program provides a practical alternative while still offering opportunities for continued education.

“Not every student wants to immediately pursue a traditional academic pathway,” he said. “Construction Management gives them the opportunity to develop marketable, career-ready skills in a relatively short amount of time while opening doors to long-term professional growth.”

The addition also complements the Mid-Valley Campus’ existing technical programs including Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Electrical, creating additional pathways for students interested in the construction industry.

“This program fits naturally alongside our other workforce programs," Montez said. “Students can begin by learning the technical side of construction and later continue into our bachelor's degree programs, such as Operations Management, to build the leadership and management skills needed to advance their careers.”

As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow, the Construction Management program will prepare graduates to help shape the region’s future, building not only structures, but lasting careers.

For more information on STC’s Construction management program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/construction/.

“Being the first always involves risk, but with that risk comes great reward,” said STC Board of Trustee Chair Paul Rodriguez. “For us, this is the beginning of something much bigger. We've always talked about economic development and creating jobs, but today we're focused on building careers. This program gives students a foundation that can lead not only to immediate employment, but also to associate and bachelor's degrees, all beginning while they're still in high school.”

The inaugural partnership will provide up to 20 students from Donna and Donna North High School the opportunity to participate in the program. Designed for high school seniors, the academy will prepare students to meet the requirements for licensing as Texas county jailers, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their education.

Through the collaboration, STC, Donna ISD and TCOLE are expanding access to career-focused education while helping meet the workforce needs of county correctional facilities across Texas.

STC Associate Vice President of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships Rebecca De Leon, Ed.D., said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in students while building stronger workforce pipelines.

“Today's ceremony is more than just signing an agreement,” she said. “It is about investing in our students, strengthening career pathways and creating a model that can inspire education and workforce partnerships across Texas," De Leon said.

Upon meeting the program requirements and obtaining licensure, graduates will be eligible to seek employment as county jailers anywhere in Texas.

“This partnership reflects what STC is all about, creating innovative opportunities that open doors for our students,” STC President Ricardo J. Solis. “By working alongside Donna ISD and TCOLE, we're building a pathway that allows students to earn valuable credentials, prepare for meaningful careers and make an immediate impact in their communities. We're proud to continue developing partnerships like this that transform lives and strengthen our workforce.”

TCOLE representative Sgt. Sadie Stevens said the agency is proud to partner with STC and Donna ISD.

“Donna ISD and STC are willing to step into the unknown because they see this is about the students,” Stevens said. “Students can take their license to any county jail throughout Texas and get a job. They are serving their communities and giving back to the people who poured so much into them.”

Donna ISD Superintendent Angela Dominguez, Ed.D., said the district is excited to offer students an opportunity to begin preparing for careers in public safety before graduating from high school.

“We're excited for our students to be exposed to this opportunity early and to have the chance to enter the workforce ready for college, careers or the military,” Dominguez said. “This program will ensure our students are prepared for that next step of whatever they choose.”

Donna ISD seniors interested in this first-of-its-kind program should contact their school counselors.

“This entire experience has been surreal,” said the 23-year-old. “Watching your house burn, is the most helpless feeling I have ever experienced. That was our home, where I would study, put pen to paper, where memories were made. There was a lot to think about after the fire – salvaging what we could, rebuilding and continuing my education. I didn’t know where to begin.”

The fire, ruled to be electrical, destroyed all the family’s belongings, including Carrasco’s laptop, textbooks, tablet and school supplies. He reached out to his professors asking for deadline extensions, but what he got was much more than that.

“I received a call and an email asking me about my situation and what kind of help I needed because one of my professors had reached out,” said Carrasco. “All my professors had already been so accommodating; this was above and beyond what I had expected. I was in tears.”

Through STC’s student emergency fund, also known as Paws for a Cause, Carrasco received $500 to help cover costs of replacing his items for school and he was given access to resources available on campus such as laptop, hotspot and textbook checkout programs, all of which allowed him to continue his education.

This fund was established through the generous support of the STC Foundation and philanthropic partners, to provide short-term financial assistance for essential needs such as housing, healthcare and transportation after an emergency like Carrasco’s.

“Many college students, including those at STC, face unexpected financial hardships that can disrupt or even prevent them from completing their education, which is why we established Paws for a Cause,” said STC Dean of Enrollment Services Tony Matamoros. “Beyond financial support, students are also connected with campus and community resources that address their individual needs. By providing both emergency assistance and personalized support, we help students like Brandon overcome barriers, remain enrolled and stay on track to achieve their educational goals.”

Carrasco’s mother, Belinda De La Garza, reflected on how this moment defined her son’s experience at STC and what it means to be part of the STC family.

“You read it and see it all the time, ‘The Jag Family, join the STC family,’ and this act of assistance during one of our most difficult and vulnerable times proved that this is more than just a saying,” she said. “My son is a hard worker, go-getter. I couldn’t have asked for a better son. I never wanted him to struggle as I did as a single mom, so school has always been a priority, and I didn’t want this fire to change that. So, despite this setback, because STC has people that genuinely care about their students, he was able to continue moving forward. They truly treated him, us, like family.”

Both mother and son are profoundly grateful for the help Carrasco has received, especially as he enters his final semester toward his degree and the family continues to rebuild a new life.

“My mom has given me everything; always giving 110% of herself so I could have a better future and I’m excited to continue making her proud by graduating and doing what has always meant the most to both of us – helping people in our community,” he said. “The day of the fire we were volunteering, ironic because we never expected to be on the receiving end, but because a community came together to help us in our time of need, through my degree, I can now help make a difference in the healthcare field and connect people with the resources they need to live healthy lives.”

Through it all, Carrasco and his mother said STC has helped them find the blessing in this unfortunate situation.

“There have been times when we were barely floating above water, but we’ve gotten through it together. I’ve always had my mom by my side and looking at this entire situation, we have truly been blessed,” said Carrasco. “We were blessed that we only lost material things, no one was hurt. Blessed that we get to rebuild. Blessed that STC and many from community stepped in to help us when we had nothing. Lastly, blessed that we still have each other.”

Litzy Landa, Roberto Galvan and Fredrick Perez all agree that serving the community where they grew up is more than just a career. It’s a promise made to the region that helped shape them.

Just months after completing STC’s academy in February 2026, the officers now patrol the same community where they were raised, turning a shared commitment to public service into careers protecting their hometown.

Their journey also marks a milestone for STC and the new academy, which was established to make law enforcement training more accessible for residents who previously had to travel long distances to pursue their profession.

“I wanted to work with my community, with the people I grew up with,” Landa said. “STC has given me the ability to help the people I care about deeply.”

The comprehensive 26-week academy prepares aspiring police officers with firearms and defensive tactics training, criminal and traffic law instruction and hands-on public safety experience. Students complete most coursework at STC’s Starr County Campus while also training at the college’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr, which houses advanced driving, firearms simulation and additional training resources.

For Landa, the new academy removed what had long been the biggest obstacle to pursuing her dream.

Coming from a family of law enforcement officers, Landa said she had dreams of entering the academy since 2022, but commuting to Hidalgo County proved difficult. When STC announced a police academy close to home, she saw her opportunity.

Landa said she found herself surrounded by classmates with shared connections and common goals.

“It felt more like a family,” she said. “It helped me open up and realize what I was capable of. It’s an awesome feeling when people tell us they feel safer knowing we are out there. Being able to help families and even save lives makes everything worth it.”

RGC police officer and STC Police Academy graduate Roberto Galvan shares a similar path.

Also inspired by family members in law enforcement, including his brother, Galvan had always envisioned wearing a badge. Having an academy in Starr County allowed him to pursue that goal without relocating, while also taking advantage of financial aid and academic resources through STC.

“Everything that I needed in the field, I was taught by STC,” Galvan said. “Everything that I learned there is showing up here in the field. This is my opportunity to give back.”

As another police academy graduate, Fredrick Perez said he initially earned a bachelor’s degree in politics and law before enrolling at STC.

Perez said joining the inaugural academy also carried a sense of responsibility.

He credits academy instructors for preparing cadets beyond the classroom by sharing real-world experiences that continue to help them while on patrol.

“We all have that mindset that all eyes are upon us, and we want to set that professional standard for the students that come after us,” Perez said, speaking for the initial cohort of academy graduates. “Our instructors here taught us that we can’t learn everything from a book, and so their experience played a major role in our success, which I will always be thankful for.”

Now working side by side on the Rio Grande City police force, the three officers hope their story encourages others across Starr County to pursue careers in public service, especially now that STC has given them the resources to accomplish their goals.

“It has been an honor to be a part of the first cohort,” Landa said. “Don’t ever give up on your dreams. If serving your community is what you want to do, go out there and do it. STC can help you get there.”

Hosted over two days, the event welcomed students ages 11-18 and introduced them to the college experience through campus tours, interactive sessions and hands-on classroom experiences. Participants learned about academic programs, financial aid, student resources and other opportunities available at STC. Students also attended a class of their choice to experience what life as a college student is like.

For STC Sociology faculty member and event organizer Jenny Chamberlain, Youth College Days are deeply personal.

“As a first-generation college graduate who grew up in poverty, I understand how overwhelming the college journey can feel,” she said. “I organize this event to give students and their families hope, along with a clear roadmap to higher education. In the Rio Grande Valley, many students don't lack ambition, they simply don't know where to begin, how to pay for college or what resources are available. Through this event, we show them that college is possible and that STC is here to support them every step of the way."

Throughout the event, students toured the campus, met with faculty and staff, learned about career pathways and gained firsthand exposure to the college environment.

One of those participants was 12-year-old Liam Last Name, who said the experience opened his eyes to the many opportunities available at STC.

“I learned that STC offers so many different programs and opportunities for students, he said. “Seeing everything the college has to offer made me want to come here one day so I can build a better future for myself.”

Parents also left with a better understanding of how STC can help their children achieve their educational goals.

“I wanted my son to experience a college campus in a fun and welcoming environment while meeting other students his age,” said parent Kynda Herrera. “It was important for him to see the opportunities available to him and realize that college is something he can achieve.”

Associate Professor of Business Administration Cynthia Sanchez said giving students an authentic college experience can have a lasting impact.

“Youth College Days give students an authentic glimpse into college life,” she said. “By stepping into a real classroom and interacting with faculty and students, they begin to see themselves here. My hope is that this experience plants a seed of curiosity that grows into a goal of pursuing higher education after high school.”

For parent Dulce Martinez, the event also provided valuable guidance for families navigating the college process for the first time.

“This experience has been incredibly valuable because my daughter is the first in our family preparing for college, and we didn't know where to start,” she said. “The information and guidance we received gave us a better understanding of the opportunities available at STC and the steps she can take to get here. I'm very grateful for this event and hope to attend more workshops like this in the future."

As students left campus with new knowledge, connections and a clearer vision of their future, Chamberlain said she hopes they walk away believing college is an achievable goal.

“If students leave believing that college is possible and knowing they have a place at STC, then we've accomplished our goal,” she said. “We want them to see this campus as a place where they belong and where their future can begin.”

The 18-year-old graduate of Weslaco East High School is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity at STC. After taking the Valley Promise Pledge, he has completed two semesters and says the program has made all the difference in helping him successfully transition from high school to college.

“The Valley Promise seemed like the most comprehensive way to get started in college,” he said. "I had so much support and it made the transition smoother.”

The Valley Promise is STC’s last-dollar initiative that helps eligible students earn an affordable education toward an associate degree by covering remaining tuition and mandatory fees after federal and state financial aid has been applied. Along with financial assistance, students receive personalized support and guidance designed to help them succeed throughout their college journey.

For Castillo, that support extended beyond financial assistance.

“If I went into this without the help of Valley Promise, I wouldn't have understood anything,” he said. "The staff were always there to answer my questions and make sure I felt comfortable.”

Drawn to technology from an early age, Castillo knew he wanted to pursue a career where he could turn his passion into a profession.

“I've always been interested in technology and enjoyed working with computers," he said. “Cybersecurity felt like the perfect career because it allows me to turn that passion into something meaningful.”

Castillo says one of the most rewarding parts of his college experience has been the opportunity to continually expand his knowledge.

“My favorite part of STC has been the opportunity to keep learning and building new skills,” he said. “Every class has helped me become more confident in my abilities.”

Like many first-time college students, Castilo faced challenges adjusting to college life.

“One of my biggest challenges was adjusting to college, especially attending classes in person,” he said. “Having the option to take online classes and knowing the Valley Promise staff was there to support me made the experience much easier.”

Throughout his journey, Castillo credits his father as his greatest source of encouragement.

“My dad has always been my biggest supporter,” he said. “He's encouraged me through every challenge, especially during the times when I doubted myself, and that has motivated me to keep moving forward.”

Looking ahead, Castillo hopes to pursue a cybersecurity career outside the Rio Grande Valley, confident that the education and support he has received at STC have prepared him for success.

“My goal after graduation is to find a cybersecurity job away from the RGV," he said. "With the confidence STC has given me, I know that will be possible, and I know I'll do well."

For students considering college, Castillo encourages them to take advantage of the opportunities available through Valley Promise and STC, reminding them that having the right support system can make all the difference in achieving their goals.

“Valley Promise gave me more than financial support, it gave me the confidence to succeed,” he said. “Knowing there were people invested in my success made all the difference, and I'm grateful for everything the program has done for me.”

For more information on STC’s Valley Promise program, visit southtexascollege.edu/promise/#overview.

That dedication to teaching, mentoring and serving others has earned Jacob recognition as STC's 2026 Faculty of the Year, an honor recognizing her extraordinary contributions and service to the college's mission.

"Teaching gives me the opportunity to touch the lives of patients I may never personally meet by preparing nurses who will care for them with competence, dignity and compassion," Jacob said. "Every student has the potential to grow when they are supported, challenged and encouraged. That's why I truly enjoy what I do."

Born and raised in India, Jacob developed a passion for nursing at an early age, inspired by the values instilled in her family and a lifelong commitment to serving others.

"When I reflect on my life, I realize that the foundation of who I am was built long before I became a nurse or an educator. I grew up surrounded by people who believed in serving others, which I believe is why my sisters, several of my aunts and I became nurses," she said. "My mother cared for neighbors, relatives and anyone in need with a generous heart, while my grandparents taught us that kindness, compassion and service are life's greatest gifts. Looking back, I believe nursing wasn't simply a career choice. It was a calling from the heart."

Jacob began her nursing career after earning a diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery in 1998. She later completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2004 while gaining experience in emergency medicine, medical-surgical nursing, intensive care, maternal health and labor and delivery.

Along the way, she also discovered a passion for teaching, mentoring nursing students while continuing to care for patients.

"Nursing allows us to care for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives," she said. "Throughout my career, I have witnessed how a knowledgeable and compassionate nurse can reduce fear, prevent complications and bring comfort to patients and families. That is something I strive to instill in every student I teach."

Jacob moved to the United States in 2005, where she completed the requirements to obtain her registered nurse licensure. She went on to build her career in labor and delivery, caring for women and newborns while earning an Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification and expanding her clinical expertise.

"Working in labor and delivery became my passion because I had the privilege of witnessing new life every day," she said. "Sharing in the joy of families welcoming a new baby was incredibly rewarding. I decided to stay in the specialty, earned additional certifications and worked there for 14 years."

In 2019, Jacob brought her years of clinical experience to STC as an adjunct faculty member before accepting a full-time position the following year.

Since then, she has taught courses across all levels of the Associate Degree Nursing program, with assignments that vary each semester based on the program's needs. Whether in the classroom, simulation lab or clinical setting, she draws on her experience to ensure students learn through real-world clinical experiences.

"Teaching is much more than sharing knowledge," she said. "It is about inspiring confidence, developing clinical judgment and preparing compassionate nurses who will provide safe, high-quality care."

Jacob said serving STC students has been especially meaningful because many are first-generation college students, working parents or individuals balancing careers, family responsibilities and higher education.

"What makes STC special is its commitment to accessibility, student success, workforce preparation and community transformation," she said. "The college does not simply provide education. It creates opportunities for families to build a better future."

While teaching full time, Jacob continued pursuing her own education, earning a Master of Science in Nursing Education and a Master of Business Administration in 2019 from Grand Canyon University before completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Educational Leadership from Post University in 2026.

For her doctoral degree, Jacob recently conducted research at STC examining how high-fidelity simulation influences the clinical judgment of graduating nursing students, reflecting her commitment to continually improving the way she teaches.

Using a simulated acute kidney injury case based on clinical situations commonly encountered in the Rio Grande Valley, she evaluated how simulation prepares students to think critically, make sound clinical decisions and provide safe patient care.

"High-fidelity simulation is one of the most valuable teaching strategies I use because students learn more effectively when they actively participate. STC provides us with incredible resources to do so," Jacob said. “The findings reinforced the value of immersive simulation in strengthening students' clinical judgment and preparing them for professional practice."

Jacob said her research is just one example of the ADN program's commitment to continually strengthening student learning and preparing future nurses for practice.

She credits the program's collaborative culture, innovative learning resources and shared commitment to student success for helping graduates achieve a 99.43% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, the licensing exam required for registered nurses. The program's pass rate is the highest in Texas among nursing schools of comparable size.

"The only reason we're able to achieve this kind of success is because of teamwork," Jacob said. "Nursing is a rigorous program, but being available to our students makes all the difference. When they share challenges they're facing, we connect them with resources and support across campus. I've seen students completely turn things around simply because they reached out for help and hearing them say that encouragement kept them from dropping out is incredibly rewarding."

Humbled to be named STC’s Faculty of the Year, Jacob said her greatest reward is not the honor itself, but the opportunity to help future nurses discover their confidence, overcome challenges and ultimately make a difference in the lives of their patients.

"My focus has always been on helping students succeed and supporting the nursing program in every way possible," Jacob said. "This award is not mine alone. It reflects the support, collaboration and dedication of our nursing faculty, department leadership and the incredible students who inspire us every day. I am grateful to be part of a team committed to excellence in preparing the next generation of nurses."

Ramirez is among the 36 new “Jaggies” who are part of the fourth cohort of the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at STC. The students recently attended a New Student Conference and “Howdy Day” at STC’s Pecan Campus.

The event introduced students and their parents to academic resources, program expectations and the community that will support them as they begin the fall semester coenrolled at STC and Texas A&M University. With his dreams set on one day entering Texas A&M College Station, Ramirez said his roots in the Valley assure he will one day return and build a stronger region.

“You really get to see how a small town grows and how you grow up with it,” Ramirez said. “I want to study something that will help me come back someday and give back to my community and my home.”

For Ramirez, attending Texas A&M has been a goal ever since he first visited College Station for a football game with his older brother, who later graduated from the university.

While he initially wanted to leave for College Station immediately after high school, Ramirez said learning about the Academy helped him realize the value of beginning at STC.

“I realized I should slow it down a bit,” he said. “The program still lets me be here at home and take advantage of what I have before I even decide to leave the Valley. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.”

Maricruz Hinojosa, project manager with the Texas A&M Engineering Academies Program, said some members of the incoming cohort have spent as long as two years preparing for admission.

Hinojosa said the new jaggies now enter an entirely new world that will require them developing new study groups for math and physics courses, while creating more activities outside of the classroom to strengthen the bond with their peers.

“Today we celebrate that they are in, and that they made it, but now is the true beginning of their journey,” she said. “Engineering, math and science are going to be challenging, so we are going to provide the support services that will help them excel in the academy.”

For Hinojosa, the academy offers students an opportunity to begin an Aggie engineering degree locally, reduce costs and build a strong academic foundation before transitioning to College Station or Texas A&M’s Higher Education Center in McAllen, with an automatic acceptance into one of A&M’s highly competitive engineering programs.

“These students are close to their support system for a little longer before they head out,” she said. “Through it all, we are here to serve them.”  

The importance of community was emphasized by Hiram Moya, a member of the Academy’s first-ever cohort and who was attending the new student orientation to motivate the new jaggies. Moya is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering at Texas A&M in College Station.

He also serves as an Engineering Academies ambassador for South Texas and helps recruit and mentor students, including those who are the first in their families to attend college.

Moya’s message to the new jaggies is to communicate, manage their time and avoid isolating themselves when challenges arise.

“The biggest thing I will tell anyone in the academy is that you will find your group of friends and you will stay with them for the rest of your college career,” Moya said. “Engineering is hard, but we can go through those hardships together.”

Among the parents attending the new student orientation, Carla Rodriguez, executive director of STC’s Office of Sponsored Initiatives, said her son Dante was benefitting from the extra support at home before deciding to finish his degree in College Station.

“This pathway is perfect for him because it will support him and prepare him for the experience of attending college when he is away from home,” Rodriguez said. “This is an incredible benefit not only for my son, but for prospective engineering students throughout the Rio Grande Valley.”

For more information about Texas A&M’s Engineering Academy at STC, visit  southtexascollege.edu/academics/partners/tamu-engineering/.

Castillo was among those who recently gathered at STC’s Technology Campus for a Summer Bridge orientation introducing the inaugural group of students who are entering McAllen Independent School District’s Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program.

Launching this fall at Nikki Rowe, the P-TECH program will allow participating students like Castillo to earn college credit and a tuition-free Level 1 certificate from STC in either Electrician Technology or Construction Management while completing their high school diplomas.  

“I have always liked seeing people work and I like working with my hands. Maybe this program can help me do both,” Castillo said. “I am really interested in construction and I’m hoping to receive the skills to one day oversee people.”

Through the P-TECH program, students will begin taking courses at the Technology Campus during their sophomore year and gain workplace experience through partnerships with area employers and McAllen ISD’s Facilities, Maintenance and Operations department.

“STC is proud to partner with McAllen ISD to expand dual credit pathways through our P-TECH partnership that provides students with early access to college, industry-recognized credentials and meaningful career opportunities,” said Rebecca De Leon, Ed.D., STC associate vice president of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships.

De Leon said the addition of electrical and construction pathways reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening the regional workforce.

During the orientation, students learned about STC’s dual credit opportunities, participated in team-building activities and toured areas of the Technology Campus connected to their future coursework.

STC Dual Credit Success Coach Paulina Handy, who was on-hand to meet with students during the orientation, said the event offered students a first look at college expectations and the hands-on learning environments they will experience through P-TECH.

“We are giving the students some real-world experiences and showing them areas like Automotive Technology and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) here on campus,” Handy said. “The most important part is giving students opportunities beyond the high school experience and opening those doors early enough so they can earn an associate degree or certificate and then continue with us through traditional routes.”

Following Summer Bridge, STC enrollment staff will assist the students with the college application and registration process. Students will also receive continued support through additional dual credit activities during the school year.

Nikki Rowe Assistant Principal Amanda Sanchez, who oversees P-TECH for the school district, said the partnership will provide students with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in college courses while developing technical and workplace skills.

“They will be graduating from high school with a Level 1 certificate, along with their high school diploma and experience in the workforce,” Sanchez said. “The professors and instructors here will be molding our future community members while these students are just starting their high school careers.”

For Castillo, entering a Construction career offers the chance to work with others and watch a shared vision take shape.

Inspired by the strong work ethic of his uncles, he said students entering P-TECH should commit themselves fully to the opportunity.

“If you are going to do it, you have to put everything into it,” Castillo said. “Why not go all out and see where that takes you.”

Studying after putting her children to sleep, bottle-feeding her infant during online exams and driving more than an hour each day from Rio Grande City became part of her daily routine as she worked toward a better future for her family.

"When I became a mother, many people told me my journey was over, and that's far from the truth," Lopez said. "Becoming a parent motivates you to work harder. You grow as a person while also setting an example for your children.”

Lopez always knew she wanted a career in healthcare, but finding the right path took time. As she began nursing school, she welcomed her first son in late 2020 and stepped away from her studies to focus on her growing family.

Determined to continue, Lopez enrolled in STC's Vocational Nursing program in 2023. During her first semester, she learned she was expecting her second son, prompting her to pause her studies once again.

"I also realized it wasn't 100% what I truly wanted," Lopez said. "After my second son was born, I struggled with postpartum depression. Seeing my classmates continue and graduate was difficult, but I wasn't going to give up. I did my research and found that Radiologic Technology was a better fit for me."

In 2024, and with a renewed sense of purpose, Lopez started taking the courses required to apply to the competitive program while raising her two young sons.

"When I took the first introductory course, I had very little help with my children," she said. "The class was online, and I remember asking my faculty if it would be okay if I had to feed my baby while taking an exam. They understood. I thanked God every day for giving me the opportunity to be in the program and asked Him to give me strength to balance being a student, a wife and a mom."

Accepted into the program in the fall of 2024, Lopez quickly settled into a routine that revolved around her family, school and a daily commute from Rio Grande City to STC’s Health Science Professions campus in McAllen.

"My children would get out of school at certain times, and I worried I wouldn't make it to pick them up. Thankfully, my family helped when they could," she said. "My study sessions weren't like a normal study session where you sit down for hours. I'd sit down, and one of my boys would want a snack or need something. Sometimes I studied while lying in bed because my son wanted to fall asleep next to me."

Despite the challenges, Lopez gained confidence every day throughout the two-year program, especially once she stepped into her clinical rotations. Working with patients and seeing firsthand the impact radiologic technologists have on patient care confirmed she had found the right career.

"It may sound simple but knowing how to position patients correctly and capture the best possible images is incredibly important. Those images help lead to diagnoses and treatments that can be lifesaving," Lopez said. "My clinical rotations taught me that patient care is just as important as the technical side of the job. You never know what someone is going through, and I realized I wanted to be the kind of healthcare provider who helps people feel comfortable and safe. Even as a first-year student, patients would tell me I made them feel calm. That meant so much to me.”

Among her favorite clinical experiences was mammography, a specialty she hopes to pursue after earning her Registered Radiologic Technologist credential.

"There's a lot of specialized positioning involved,” she said. "The images have to be accurate because they can help detect breast cancer early. That responsibility made me realize just how important our role is."

Before graduation, Lopez accepted a position at Starr County Memorial Hospital, where she will begin her career close to home while training in mammography.

"I feel so grateful for the opportunity to start my career in my community," she said. "Staying close to my family is what's best for us. My support system is there, and with my children still being little, that's where I need to be."

Looking back, Lopez credits the encouragement of her faculty for helping her navigate the challenges of balancing school and family.

"They supported us emotionally too,” she said. “There were times when I really needed someone to talk to, and they were always there to encourage me and guide me."

She also credits STC's student support services, including the Providing Academic Support to Students (P.A.S.S.) program, library services and technology resources, for helping her reach graduation.

"My daycare was paid through the P.A.S.S. program, and I honestly don't know how I would have completed the program without that help," she said. "STC also helped with textbooks by allowing us to borrow them, which saved us a lot of money. They provided laptops and other resources for students who needed them."

Now preparing to begin her career, Lopez hopes her story encourages other parents to continue pursuing their education, regardless of the challenges they face.

"Balancing school and being a mom were the hardest things I've ever done," she said. "It was a really tough journey, but my children were one of the biggest reasons I kept going. To anyone who feels like people don't believe in them, put those comments aside, keep growing and never give up on yourself."

The achievement marks the first semester the college simultaneously offered the Police Academy at its Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence (RCPSE) in Pharr, as well as the Mid-Valley and Starr County campuses, demonstrating the program's continued success in expanding law enforcement training opportunities across the region.

"I'm extremely proud of our faculty and the hard work they put into preparing these students for the licensing exam. They worked tirelessly to ensure our cadets were ready, and the students proved it by earning a 100% first-time pass rate," said Victor Valdez, STC Public Safety Programs department chair. "These results reflect not only our students' hard work, but also the dedication of the faculty who prepared them."

The graduating class included 31 cadets from the college's 26-week full-time Police Academy, offered at three locations, and six from its evening part-time academy, a one-year program designed for working professionals.

Cadets must complete rigorous academic coursework, skills assessments and physical fitness requirements before earning eligibility to take the TCOLE licensing exam.

"Expanding our academy has never meant compromising quality," Valdez added. "Whether you train in Starr County, at Mid-Valley, at the RCPSE or through our evening program, you're receiving the same instruction and preparation for a successful career in law enforcement."

For recent graduate Samantha Rios, who has begun the hiring process with the San Juan Police Department, the academy's historic results reflect STC's high standards and commitment to student success.

"The instructors set you up for success. They don't give you more or less than what you need. They get straight to the point," Rios said. "When I was taking the TCOLE exam, it honestly felt easy because I recognized the material. I would read each question and think, 'I know this.'"

Rather than relying on memorization, Rios said instructors challenged cadets with real-life law enforcement scenarios, encouraged classroom discussions and refused to move forward until every student understood the material.

"They understood we all learn in different ways. It wasn't just reading from a book. It was their experience, the real-life scenarios and the examples they gave us," she said. "The combination of challenge and guidance was everything for me."

Rios said the academy's rigorous expectations gave students the confidence to succeed. Although the state licensing exam requires a passing score of 70%, cadets must maintain an 80% average before becoming eligible to take it.

"People told me STC was challenging and demanding, and that's exactly what I wanted," she said. "I wanted to earn it. It was hard, but it was worth it."

Established in 2012, STC's Police Academy has graduated hundreds of peace officers who now serve in local, state and federal law enforcement agencies across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

Building on that success, the college underwent a rigorous review of its curriculum, instructors and training resources to earn an independent training academy license from TCOLE in 2024. The approval allowed STC to expand the Police Academy to Weslaco that same year and to Rio Grande City in early 2025, bringing training opportunities closer to students throughout the region.

"There's a real need for this type of training here in Starr County, and the fact that almost every graduate walks away with a job proves that," said Jose Rocha, STC Law Enforcement faculty member. "We're fortunate to work closely with local law enforcement agencies, so we understand what they're looking for and where they need personnel. We bring that into the classroom to make sure our cadets graduate with the skills employers are looking for."

The most recent graduating class included the second cohort from Starr County, with six of the seven graduates already hired by the Roma Police Department, Rio Grande City Police Department, Starr County Sheriff's Office and Webb County Sheriff's Office.

"Starting this program in Starr County has changed lives, and I'm very proud of what we've accomplished," Rocha said. "The results speak for themselves, and we'll continue building on what's working to deliver these kinds of results."

Entering STC in 2007 with international experience in structural engineering and drafting working in locations like Bulgaria, South Africa and then New York when she arrived to the United States, Vanguelova said it was STC that offered her the opportunity to help shape the future of education in the region.

Today, nearly two decades since starting at STC, Vanguelova is recognized as among the college’s most distinguished faculty members.

Upon retiring in May 2023, Vanguelova was soon given the recognition as Professor Emeritus, joining a group of 10 STC faculty who have earned an honor reserved for educators who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership and dedication throughout their careers with the college.

“Being named Professor Emeritus is a great honor, not only as a recognition of my service and teaching at the College, but also as a privilege to be a member of the STC family,” Vanguelova said. “That title allows me to continue to be involved with the AEDT and Architecture programs and to stay in touch with the STC community. To be part of the college after retirement and contribute even a little to its mission is very gratifying.”

Originally from Bulgaria, Vanguelova moved to the Valley after her husband joined a local medical practice. With professional experience as a structural engineer and drafter, she said she initially searched for opportunities within the industry before being encouraged to apply at STC.

Joining what was then known as STC’s Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) program, Vanguelova said she was among those faculty who wanted to transition the program into one that communicated the scope of career opportunities available in the industry. This marked the start of what is now known as STC’s Architectural Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) program.

Over the years that followed, Vanguelova said she was at the forefront of architecture-focused courses which were gradually added to the AEDT program, many of which required persistence and advocacy to gain approval.

“The name was difficult to come up with, but we thought it reflected more of what we were teaching,” she said, about the AEDT program at the time. “We started revamping the degree plans, developing new classes and introducing courses that reflected what the industry needed.”

Vanguelova said the other key element she developed was a teaching philosophy centered on inspiration as much as instruction.

Drawing from her experience working on projects around the world, she said she often incorporated real-world examples into the classroom, showing students how architects, engineers and construction professionals collaborate on large-scale projects.

Leadership at STC said Vanguelova has left a legacy of inspiration for generations of students in the AEDT program.

"For almost two decades, Professor Margarita Vanguelova has exemplified the highest ideals expressed in our Essential Qualifies of Faculty: teaching, service, and professional excellence. Her passion for architecture and engineering, dedication to innovation, and unwavering support of students left a lasting mark on South Texas College and thousands of students,” said Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D., STC vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and provost. “The title of Professor Emeritus honors not only her remarkable achievements, but also the legacy of inspiration and opportunity she has created for generations of students in both Design Technology and Architecture."

Vanguelova said one of her proudest moments was seeing the program evolving while maintaining strong ties to local industry needs.

Over the years, she said employers frequently praised the quality of STC graduates, reinforcing the impact the program has had on the region’s workforce.

Now looking back, Vanguelova said she hopes both faculty and students continue embracing the same growth, innovation and passion she helped bring to the program.

“We were always proud to constantly stay in touch with architects, engineers and construction companies,” she said. “We listened to what they needed and we adjusted our program to prepare students for those careers. This is proof that if you love what you are doing, you will continue to learn, grow and succeed.”

The Rio Grande City High School student is part of the South Texas College Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy (DEMSA) and joined nine of her other peers for this unique internship experience.

DEMSA is a two-year, year-round dual enrollment program at STC developed for high school juniors and seniors across Hidalgo and Starr Counties who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and aims to increase the number of rural students committed to careers in areas such as medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, among many others.

“I have had the opportunity to experience nearly every department in the hospital, exposing me to multiple professions in healthcare,” said the 17-year-old. “Radiology, specifically, caught my attention. The way we can help diagnose and heal others is intriguing, and this experience has solidified my decision in Radiology.”

Like Garcia, many of her peers are discovering their passion within healthcare because of this internship, and for some, having this type of opportunity close to home is a gamechanger.

Throughout the internship, students have had the chance to explore every department at the hospital such as wound care, emergency, surgery, obstetrics, nutrition, laboratory cardiopulmonary and radiology.

Seventeen-year-old Roma High School student Angel Rios said, being a student in DEMSA and taking advantage of this internship opportunity has been the best decision he could have made.

Before even graduating from high school, Rios will receive an associate degree in biology.

“Many tried to tell me that I was ruining my high school career by taking on this challenge as a teen, but it is not,” he said. “It is helping my family save thousands of dollars, giving me vision and preparing me for my future, all while staying close to my family. Paying for college will be hard for us, so I’m glad I get to do this now, for free.”

He added, that being at Starr County Memorial has been encouraging as he aspires to be a medical doctor.

“Everyone tells me, ‘Echale ganas mijo. Keep going, don’t give up. You can do it.,’ and that’s motivating,” he said. “My goal is to help people, and by exploring the different areas of this hospital has been eye-opening and helpful in determining the type of doctor I want to be when I grow up.” 

Dual Enrollment Academy Programs Director Leo Castaneda said the partnership with Starr County Memorial Hospital is leading the way in preparing future healthcare professionals.

“DEMSA program students had the opportunity this summer to participate in a summer experiential opportunity that provided a learning environment where they could learn first-hand about the various medical professionals in healthcare,” he said. “Through shadowing doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals and interacting with patients, this was a great opportunity for them. We are so appreciative of our partnership with Starr County Memorial Hospital. Together, we are preparing future generations of healthcare professionals in our region.”

Martha Saldivar, Starr County Memorial Hospital director of Nursing and registered nurse, said she’s been working with STC DEMSA students for several years and every time she is impressed with their knowledge, skills and motivation to learn, especially as high school students.

“Back in my day when I was in high school, I was a hospital volunteer known as a candy striper, so I understand how effective and how important early exposure to the healthcare field can be when you think this is going to be your career,” Saldivar said. “That is why, STC offering this academy and giving our students this opportunity at our hospital is so vital. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I want them to see and learn everything they need to make informed decisions about their futures.”

Saldivar ensures every student becomes interactive with hospital staff and patients allowing them to take vitals, listen to breathing and heartbeats and pass out food trays for meal intake.

“To me, the more interactive, the better. That’s how we learn,” she said. “These students have great energy and are really understanding the roles in our hospital and how we all work together for our community. We’ve hired STC students in the past and they do an excellent job. I’m sure someday, we’ll be working with some of these students too.”

As for Garcia and Rios, they are grateful to STC and the hospital for this lifechanging opportunity.

“I’m really thankful for this opportunity. It’s once in a lifetime,” said Garcia. “The hospital has opened their doors to us and I’m so grateful.”

Rios added, “This is an opportunity everyone interested in healthcare should take advantage of. For me, this summer, this program, has been completely worth it. I’m excited for my future.”

The nationally recognized certification is the highest distinction and honor offered through the ICLCA that recognizes learning assistance professionals who have demonstrated sustained and documented excellence, leadership and meaningful contributions to the field over many years.

“I’ve held this goal for a long time, so when I learned I had earned this certification, I was happy, relieved and beyond excited,” said Williams. “It was an extensive process, but so worth it.”

As part of the application, Williams had to document the successes of her work over the last 30 years, reference her national conference leadership and presentations and build a professional development plan for her staff.

She always ensures she shares her knowledge nationally and that her staff receives all the training they need to be successful, both personally and professionally.

All STC full-time and part-time CLE tutors and staff, across the college’s six campuses, are certified and/or receive ongoing online and in-person training.

Certifications earned by staff are nationally recognized and accepted at other College Reading and Learning Association accredited institutions, like STC.

Additionally, her most recent and most notable contribution to the professional world was co-founding the creation of the Creative Community College Collaborators, an affiliation of learning center professionals working in the community college environment across the nation that hosts an annual virtual tutor conference.

Williams’ supervisor Jesús Campos, Ph.D., STC interim vice president of Technology, Information and Planning Services and dean of Library Services and Learning Support, said this achievement is a recognition of Williams’ professional excellence.

“We are proud of Lynell for this recognition from the International College Learning Center Association,” said Campos. “The Level 4 Lifetime Certification is a validation of the talented leadership behind the STC Centers for Learning Excellence (CLE) and Ms. Williams’ commitment to professional excellence. Under the expert supervision of Williams, the CLE provides exceptional tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching and other innovative learning support services at no charge to STC students.”

Describing this process as insightful, Williams said getting to this milestone allowed her to reflect on the work and efforts that led her to where she is.

With a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Idaho State University, a master’s certificate from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and currently working on a doctorate degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in educational leadership, Williams has dedicated her entire career to student learning, turning student fears into success.

“Learning can be intimidating, and there’s a fear that comes with not understanding or not knowing something. At the CLE and throughout my career, it has been my priority to show students that when they hit that area of uncomfort in a subject, that is where growth is happening,” she said.

After finally earning this Level 4 Lifetime Certification, Williams said she can now be an example for her staff, whom she has encouraged for years to pursue lifetime certification through the ICLCA.

“I encourage all my staff to continue learning and growing,” said Williams. “For the longest time, I pushed my staff to earn an ICLCA certification, but I realized I had to set the example. Now that I have, I’m ready to challenge my staff to jump on this process. I’ll be here with them every step of the way.”

Developed as an extension of the STC Student Food Pantry, the initiative helps address basic needs that can interfere with academic success by connecting eligible students with hygiene and other everyday essentials.

"We first established the food pantry, and through that process we learned students were requesting more than just food," said STC Dean of Student Affairs Pablo Hernandez. "Many were struggling to afford personal care items such as shampoo, deodorant and other hygiene products, so the Jaguar Self-Care Den became the next step in supporting them."

Since launching in summer 2024, the Jaguar Self-Care Den has provided eligible students with everyday essentials including shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, body soap and other hygiene products.

Supported by donations from STC departments, student organizations and faculty, the Jaguar Self-Care Den has continued to grow, expanding to the Mid-Valley, Starr County, Technology and Health Sciences campuses.

"We're trying to provide holistic services. We want to support students in every way we can," Hernandez said. "We believe that by helping students meet their basic needs, we're doing everything we can to support their academic success. We're very excited to have the Jaguar Self-Care Den available at every campus."

Student Affairs staff Rosie Pena and Aldila Casiano-Cano, who coordinate the day-to-day distribution of personal care items and work directly with students seeking assistance, said the response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many students grateful for the resources that help them overcome everyday challenges.

"Seeing a student experiencing a personal crisis and being able to help them is probably the most rewarding part of my job," Pena said. "Knowing we can make their situation a little less stressful means everything."

The Jaguar Self-Care Den is one of several student support resources available at STC. In addition to the STC Student Food Pantry, students have access to the Threads Career Closet for free professional attire, complimentary professional headshots, résumé reviews, mock interviews, the Student Wellness Center and a variety of other resources designed to support their academic and personal success.

For recent graduate Marc Cardenas, discovering student support services helped him navigate through college. As a student, he benefited from resources including the Jaguar Self-Care Den and the STC Student Food Pantry.

"Not every student has the same financial situation, and college can be expensive. Having a place where students can get those essentials makes a huge difference," he said. "Now that I've graduated, I've been able to wear the professional clothing I received through the Threads Career Closet for job interviews. I love that STC students have access to so many free resources. They've been a huge part of my journey and played an important role in my success."

The Jaguar Self-Care Den is available to eligible students who complete a needs assessment through the STC Student Food Pantry program. Students may receive personal care items once per semester, with additional assistance available for those experiencing unexpected hardships or emergencies.

Hernandez said student feedback continues to shape the initiative as the college explores additional ways to address basic needs.

"Student budgets are so tight that these essentials can make a real difference," Hernandez said. "We're always asking students what they'd like to see more of, and we take that feedback seriously as we continue building our services around their needs."

Looking ahead, the college hopes to continue expanding its basic needs initiatives, including the addition of grab-and-go food options that would allow students to quickly access snacks and beverages between classes.

To learn more about the Jaguar Self-Care Den, determine eligibility or support the initiative through donations, contact STC Student Affairs at 956-872-3535.

Garza, a student at South Middle School in Edinburg, says she is already eyeing a future career as an aerospace engineer, so she jumped at the chance to enroll in a free Lego SPIKE Prime summer camp for incoming sixth through 12th graders offered by the Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) at STC’s Technology Campus.

Summer camps are part of STC’s lineup of free Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camps, made possible through a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.

“I like how robotics opens up the mind and allows you to be creative,” Garza said. “You get to build things, and it’s really fun. My dream job is to work in aerospace and I am working as hard as I can to reach that goal.”

Using Lego SPIKE Prime kits, students build interactive models and learn the fundamentals of engineering design, robotics and block-based coding. Lessons introduce them to motors, sensors and programming through hands-on challenges that strengthen teamwork, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Gary Lee Nunez, a robotics team mentor with Texas Robotics Alliance and camp instructor, said the goal is to make robotics approachable for students who may not have access to similar programs or may feel intimidated by the technology.

During the camp, challenges modeled after popular robotics competitions also allow students to apply lessons while experimenting with their own designs.

“We want to make sure they have a good introduction, learn all the basics and know how to use motors and sensors,” Nunez said. “It is also a good way to show students whether they like it because they may not otherwise get the opportunity to try it.”

CATA Director Leonel Garcia said the camp goes beyond building robots by introducing young people to technologies shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

“These hands-on experiences spark curiosity, build confidence and help students see that careers in engineering, aviation, robotics and other advanced technologies are within their reach,” Garcia said. “CATA and STC just put them that much closer to grabbing those opportunities.”

For more information about summer camps at STC, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/youth-camps/

Just 18 months later, the 27-year-old is now a Texas-licensed peace officer after overcoming language barriers, adapting to a new culture, balancing a full-time job and graduating from STC's Police Academy.

"If people think, 'I cannot do this,' they will never take the first step to achieve their dreams," Bicak said. "Sometimes you don't need to be perfect. You just need to make a decision and take action."

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bicak moved with his family to Turkey at age 4 after his father completed a master's degree. Although he learned English as a toddler, he eventually forgot the language after moving overseas.

At 25, he made the life-changing decision to return to the United States on his own.

"My parents had a friend in McAllen, and he told us it was a great place to live and learn English, so I decided to come here," Bicak said. "At first, it was very difficult. I had to adapt to a new culture, and I'm still adjusting to life here. I even learned a little Spanish."

Despite holding a bachelor's degree in recreation management from Turkey, Bicak had to start from scratch. He took a seasonal job at the local mall, where he struggled to communicate with others.

Determined to improve, he enrolled in STC's English as a Second Language (ESL) program and spent the next year strengthening his language skills before pursuing his next goal: STC’s Police Academy.

"My family was surprised because they never expected me to become a police officer," Bicak said. "While I was in Turkey, I watched videos featuring Turkish police officers in New York, and I found them inspiring. I thought, 'Maybe I can do that, too.'"

While working full time for a home health agency, Bicak enrolled in STC’s part-time Police Academy, a yearlong evening program designed for working professionals.

After finishing work at 5 p.m., he attended classes from 5:30 until 10:30 p.m., often arriving home close to midnight before starting again the next morning.

"The first semester was probably the hardest for me because my English was not very good," Bicak said. "Honestly, it was stressful. I remember days when I couldn't sleep because I worried about what would happen the following week. But I learned everything here, including how to use firearms and complete the advanced driving course. Every day, we learned something new."

With the support of his classmates and program faculty, Bicak persevered through the academy, recently graduating with a Basic Peace Officer Certificate from STC.

He later passed the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement licensing exam as part of STC’s Police Academy Class 43, which achieved a 100% first-time pass rate.

"It's a demanding academy with high standards for a reason. It made all of us better," Bicak said. "My instructors gave me courage and confidence, and I appreciate every one of them. My classmates helped me too, especially my classmate Gabriela Garcia. She always encouraged me to keep going throughout the academy, and she is one of the reasons I was able to finish. My family was also a huge source of mental and emotional support."

Now, the newly licensed peace officer is preparing to apply to local police departments across the RGV, hoping to begin his career in the community that welcomed him when he first arrived.

"I do want to stay here in the RGV. I've grown to love this place, and it's my new home," Bicak said. "I may consider moving to a larger city like San Antonio or Houston. But first, I want to gain experience here.”

Bicak is also considering returning to STC to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement as the next step in his career.

"For people who don't speak English very well and are unsure about applying to the academy or any other program, I recommend taking English courses first," he said. "But most importantly, trust yourself enough to take that first step. It will all be worth it."

The brothers made Weslaco history as the first siblings to consecutively hold the title of Mr. Weslaco, an initiative and community wide event that supports youth personal growth and leadership development. Particfipants are selected to represent Weslaco Royal titles, be a part of the Weslaco Royal Court and the Weslaco Chamber and city of Weslaco.

However, the brothers also share another distinction. Both have chosen STC’s Dual Credit Programs to jump-start their college education while still in high school, demonstrating how the program is helping prepare the next generation of leaders in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).

“It's an incredible feeling to be part of Weslaco history," Jaden said. "For the first time ever, one sibling had the honor of crowning another sibling, and I'm so proud that it was my brother. I truly can't think of anyone more deserving or more capable of carrying the title of Mr. Weslaco.”

A 2026 graduate of Weslaco High School, Jaden also graduated from STC with an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. By earning his degree before receiving his high school diploma, he entered the next chapter of his education with confidence and a clear career path.

“Thanks to STC, I not only earned an associate degree, but I also gained a strong foundation for college life and moved one step closer to achieving my career goals,” he said.

Now, continuing his education at the University of Texas Riog Grande Valley (UTRGV), Jaden plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice before pursuing a career as a Texas State Trooper.

Inspired by his older brother’s experience, Jeshua is now following a similar path as an Early College student at Weslaco High School and current STC Dual Credit student.

“I enrolled in the STC Dual Credit program because I wanted to challenge myself academically and get a head start on my college education,” Jeshua said. “The opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school allows me to prepare for my future and develop valuable skills early on.”

While both brothers have worn the Mr. Weslaco crown, they say one of their strongest connections has been encouraging one another both inside and outside the classroom.

“My brother is my biggest supporter and my greatest competitor,” Jaden said. “We've been competing with each other our whole lives, but whenever one of us is knocked down, the other is always there to help lift him back up.”

Jeshua agreed.

“My brother and I motivate each other to be our best, but we also push each other through healthy competition,” he said. “That balance encourages us to work harder, set higher goals and continue growing as individuals.”

Jaden said the lessons he learned through STC and his year as Mr. Weslaco helped prepare him for college, leadership and adulthood.

“My experience as Mr. Weslaco taught me the importance of time management, organization and leadership,” he said. “STC challenged me academically while helping me build the confidence to step outside my comfort zone.”

Now beginning his own year of service, Jeshua hopes to continue building on that legacy.

"Having my brother hold the title before me makes this experience even more special because it shows our shared commitment to serving our community," he said. "I feel inspired to continue the positive example he set while creating my own legacy as Mr. Weslaco."

As one brother begins his journey beyond STC and the other continues earning college credit, the Gutierrez brothers are proving that education, leadership and service go hand in hand.

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

Designed to spark curiosity and introduce students to the many facets of biology, the weeklong camp gives participants hands-on experiences that bring science to life while encouraging them to explore future Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) opportunities.

“We want kids to be intrigued by science and biology,” said STC Biology faculty member Xiomara Galvan Garcia, who assists with the camp. “A lot of students come in thinking biology is boring or that they don't like it. Our goal is for them to leave more interested in biology than when they arrived.”

Throughout the week, campers created self-sustaining ecosystems in jars, learned about plant life cycles, observed plant and animal cells under microscopes, cultured bacteria to understand the importance of cleanliness, completed dissections and explored microscopic organisms.

For Andrea Bustos, STC lab specialist II, the camp is about more than science lessons but about inspiring the next generation of scientists.

“I hope students leave inspired by science and have fun while they're learning,” she said. “Opportunities like this expose them to different areas of science, from biotechnology to dissections and show them that there are many different paths they can pursue.”

Returning camper, Cecily Galle, said the camp has strengthened her interest in science and made her eager to continue learning about biology.

“I came back because I had a great time last year,” she said. “I like that we get to do experiments and learn something new every day. It's made me enjoy biology a lot more.”

By combining engaging activities with real-world scientific exploration, the camp aims to build confidence, curiosity and a lasting appreciation for biology one experiment at a time.

Since joining STC in 2017, Garcia has inspired students to see biology beyond the textbook, connecting classroom concepts to everyday life while helping them build confidence in themselves and their abilities.

“What I enjoy most about teaching biology is showing students that it isn't just another science course, it's the study of life itself,” she said. "Every topic we discuss connects to something they experience every day.”

Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Garcia moved to the United States while in elementary school and was raised in the Rio Grande Valley. Today, she holds a master’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Neuroscience from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and proudly considers herself part of the STC family.

“My husband is an STC student, and my two children attend the Mid-Valley Campus Child Development Center,” she said. “We often joke that we've become an STC family, and in many ways, that's exactly what we are.”

Although Biology wasn’t always her favorite subject, Garcia discovered her passion after meeting a professor who challenged her to ask questions and think like a scientist.

“I realized I wanted to pursue research in Biology,” she said. “That curiosity became my passion.”

Her path to becoming an educator wasn’t planned. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Garcia applied for a work-study position expecting to assist in a lab. Instead, she was encouraged to become a teaching assistant, which shaped the rest of her career.

For nearly seven years, Garcia served as a teaching assistant while completing both her degrees, gaining experience and confidence that ultimately led her to the classroom.

After earning her graduate degree, she worked as a lecturer before accepting a faculty position at STC.

“I had a friend who kept telling me how much he loved teaching at STC,” she said. “He talked about the supportive environment, the collaboration among faculty and the sense of community. Everything he told me turned out to be true.”

Today, Garcia says that sense of community is what makes STC unique.

“What makes STC special to me is the sense of family it creates,” she said. “I've met faculty, staff and administrators who genuinely care about one another. During some of the most challenging moments in my life, including my maternity leave and when my children were hospitalized, my colleagues stepped in without hesitation. Those relationships are what truly make STC feel like home.”

Inside the classroom, Garcia strives to make Biology relevant and memorable by connecting scientific concepts to real-life experiences.

“When students leave my classroom, I hope they continue seeing biology everywhere,” she said. “Whether they're watching butterflies pollinate flowers, seeing a cut heal or simply putting food back in the refrigerator, I hope they remember something we talked about in class.”

For Garcia, the most rewarding part of teaching is watching students discover confidence they didn’t know they had.

“I love seeing students who begin the semester intimidated by Biology gradually become confident and curious,” she said. “One of the greatest compliments I can receive is hearing from former students who have become physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, researchers or physicians and tell me my class helped them get there.”

As Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers continue to grow across the region, Garcia hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals and innovators by encouraging them to remain curious and resilient.

“My advice is simple: protect your passion,” she said. “There will always be people who doubt your abilities or tell you your goals are too difficult. Don't let those voices define your future. Difficult does not mean impossible. Believe in yourself, work hard, ask questions and never stop learning.”

For Garcia, teaching at STC is about much more than Biology. It is about helping students discover confidence, embrace curiosity and realize they are capable of far more than they ever imagined.

For more information on the STC Biology program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/biology/.

Teter looks back at STC’s humble beginnings which coincided with her own start in teaching in 1996.

Now Teter is among only 10 retired faculty members to receive the title of professor emeritus, an honor recognizing exceptional service, leadership and dedication to the college.

“I still maintain a connection with STC,” said Teter, following her retirement from the college in 2019. “I’m still part of the college, just as much as it will always be a part of me. I still go back for science events, convocation and other activities because education never really ends.”

Coming from a ranching background, Teter said she and her husband operated cattle ranches in East Texas and Tamaulipas, Mexico, which exposed her to the region’s rich bicultural heritage and inspired them to settle in the Rio Grande Valley while pursuing graduate studies.

Originally studying Spanish before discovering a passion for biology, Teter earned a master’s degree and later completed coursework in English as a Second Language (ESL) while developing skills that would prove invaluable in the diverse classrooms she would one day lead.

Encouraged by a faculty mentor to consider teaching, Teter began as an adjunct instructor before joining STC full-time, just as the young institution was beginning significant expansion.

It was this growth that prompted faculty to often teach seven days a week from early morning until late at night, determined to meet the community’s growing demand for higher education.

Teter said she joined the STC Biology department when it consisted of only three faculty members, serving a rapidly growing student population across makeshift classrooms and satellite locations. The number of faculty grew to more than 40 by the time she retired, she said.

Laboratory instruction demanded equipment and materials that were often scarce during the college’s early years, and Teter said she worked alongside fellow faculty members to secure funding for laboratory improvement and develop strong science instruction as enrollment continued to climb.

She recalls teaching courses in portable classrooms while borrowing microscopes from neighboring institutions and collecting donated specimens from local businesses so her students could experience hands-on science.

Those moments now stand in stark contrast to the thriving institution STC has become, she said.

“All of us at that time were scrambling for resources in order to teach, but that was because we all knew we had to give students an excellent hands-on experience,” Teter said. “In the end, I think it helped bring faculty and administration together. We all wanted to move in the same direction for the benefit of students.”

It was this desire for unity among faculty that laid the foundation for the success of the college, according to Teter who said her own personal efforts extended well beyond the classroom.

Serving as Faculty Senate secretary, president-elect and eventually Faculty Senate president, Teter helped strengthen collaboration between faculty and administration while advocating for initiatives that continue benefitting faculty today. Among those efforts was helping move forward STC’s professor emeritus designation, ensuring retired faculty remain connected to the college long after retirement.

Now a designee of the distinction she helped foster, Teter says the professor emeritus title represents more than recognition for a career spent in the classroom. It symbolizes an enduring connection to the institution she helped build – connections that she still maintains even after her decades long journey in teaching.

“I believe learning is a lifelong experience,” she said. “What we learn in the classroom has to connect to what happens outside of the classroom. Education is important, and we all need to advocate for that.”

Now, 17 years after beginning her journey in real estate, Arriaga is the broker and owner of Dolce Vita Realty, leading a team that serves buyers, sellers and investors across South Texas while mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals.

“My foundation in business and real estate began at STC,” she said. “I continue to focus on leadership, service and professional growth in the industry.”

Arriaga chose STC’s program because she wanted an in-person learning experience that would prepare her for success in the local market.

“I valued the local and hands-on classroom experience it offered,” she said. “While many real estate courses are available online, I preferred being able to learn in person, ask questions in real time and gain insight from instructors and peers who understand our local market.”

The program equipped Arriaga with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to build a successful career in real estate, from understanding contracts and legal requirements to serving clients with confidence.

"The education I received laid the groundwork for my career, and the lessons I learned continue to guide me today," she said.

In addition to completing the Real Estate program, Arriaga credits her Business Management education at STC with helping her develop leadership, organization and decision-making skills she relies on every day.

“Combined with my real estate education and ongoing professional training, it gave me the confidence to analyze situations, provide solutions and guide clients through important financial and real estate decisions."

Since completing the program, Arriaga has transformed her career from working as an individual real estate agent to becoming a broker, business owner and mentor.

"Earning my broker's license and growing Dolce Vita Realty into a respected brokerage with a talented team of agents has been a significant milestone," she said. "What makes this achievement meaningful is not just the business growth, but the opportunity to help families achieve homeownership, support investors in building wealth and mentor agents as they develop their own successful careers."

She encourages others to consider STC’s Continuing Education and Advanced Training programs as a pathway to career advancement.

“It provides a practical, career-focused education that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed," she said. "The program offers flexible learning opportunities, experienced instructors and training that is relevant to today's workforce."

For future students, Arriaga hopes her story serves as a reminder that success begins with taking the first step.

“I hope my story shows future students that success is achievable with dedication, perseverance and a willingness to keep learning," she said. "You do not have to have everything figured out when you begin your educational journey. Every class, certification and learning opportunity is a step toward building the future you envision for yourself."

For more information on STC’s Continuing Education and Advanced Training programs, visit southtexascollege.edu/cpit/.

Castillo represents District 7 – Northeast Hidalgo County, North Weslaco, Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, Mercedes, Monte Alto, Northeast Alamo, Northeast Edinburg and Hargill, with a six-year term ending in May 2032.

“It is truly an honor to be entrusted with this position by my constituents,” said Castillo. “I felt like they needed more representation. My career had recently taken a shift to helping people get out of poverty, and I know education is the way out. This was my chance to serve my community in this capacity.”

Castillo currently serves as a Community and Economic Development agent with Prairie View A&M University Extension, where she leads initiatives focused on small business development, homeownership, financial empowerment and community outreach across Hidalgo and Starr Counties.

Additionally, with an education from STC, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing and a master’s degree in Public Affairs, Castillo is now working toward a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership.

“I’ve dedicated my career to helping people live a better quality of life,” she said. “STC was my steppingstone, and because of the support I found there, it helped me get closer to my goals. I want to do the same for others.”

Throughout her campaign, Castillo ran on the platform of increasing student support services at STC, in addition to its already established student food pantry, clothing closet, self-care den and parent rooms.

“STC already offers our students so much, but I know we can do more. Being in college is challenging, but even more so, if our students don’t have the help they need for themselves or their families. We need to support them in all aspects, so they can continue their education confidently,” said Castillo.

Castillo recognizes that many STC students come from rural or underserved areas within the community and even in her district. Therefore, she hopes to unify leadership in her district – county, state and federal, to better support these residents.

“We need to push resources and educational opportunities in my district,” she said. As someone who attended STC to get a head start, I still needed that extra support and push to keep going. I understand my community’s struggles and challenges. I want to help alleviate those.”

As she begins her term as a trustee, Castillo wants students to know she is in their corner and offers this piece of advice.

“Never give up in doing what challenges you. Challenges are temporary,” she said. “Throughout my campaign I had many doors slammed, but you need to keep your confidence and believe in yourself and your cause.” 

Rodriguez has been named the recipient of the ACS Catalyst Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year, a prestigious award that recognizes students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential and a commitment to pursuing careers in chemistry and related scientific fields.

For Rodriguez, the recognition came as an unexpected, but rewarding surprise.

"It means a lot to me," he said. "I applied to a bunch of scholarships on a whim, not really expecting to get picked, but just hoping for that slight chance. Winning this proves to me that taking the leap-of-faith chances really pays off."

When he learned he had been selected, Rodriguez could hardly believe it.

"I honestly thought it was a mistake," he said. "I immediately took a screenshot of the email and sent it to my supervisor to ask if it was real and he told me it was. Since I'd never won a scholarship before, I was completely shocked, happy and confused all at the same time."

The achievement marks another milestone in a journey that began with uncertainty. Rodriguez initially enrolled at STC as a Radiologic Technology major, knowing he wanted a career in healthcare, but was unsure of the path he wanted to take. After discovering a passion for chemistry, he made the decision to change majors and commit himself fully to the field.

Beyond the classroom, Rodriguez found a sense of belonging that helped shape both his academic and personal growth. Through his involvement in the Chemistry and Pre-Pharmacy Club, faculty mentorship and connections with fellow students, he built relationships that became an important part of his college experience.

“I stayed because of the people,” he said. “The friendships I made here are unmatched.”

Some of his most cherished memories at STC extend beyond academics. During his time at the college, Rodriguez met both his best friend and his wife, experiences he says made his journey even more meaningful.

His commitment to academics and engagement within the scientific community has not gone unnoticed.

“His dedication to chemistry extends beyond the classroom, inspiring those around him to pursue excellence and meaningful engagement within the scientific community," said Daniel Martinez, Science Laboratory coordinator and ACS South Texas chair.

Rodriguez plans to continue his education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry before working toward becoming an Anesthesiologist Assistant.

"My goal is to become an Anesthesiologist Assistant," he said. "After finishing my associate degree at STC, I'm already more than halfway there and ready for the next step."

As he reflects on his journey, Rodriguez hopes his story encourages other students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers to pursue opportunities, even when they seem out of reach.

"I know it sounds cliché, and everyone says it, but seriously: ‘If I can do it, anyone can,’" he said. "You don't have to be a natural genius to do STEM. All it takes is putting in the hours and committing to the time it takes to learn it."

For more information on STC's Chemistry program, visit: www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/chemistry/. 

“We are incredibly excited to join the Metallica Scholars Initiative. It’s not every day you get to say Metallica, the band, is helping change lives in your region,” said STC Foundation and External Affair Executive Director Marcos Silva, Ed.D. “This support will make a meaningful difference for our students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing, helping them gain skills and credentials needed to thrive in high-demand industries and strengthen our workforce across the Rio Grande Valley.” 

The announcement was recently made by All Within My Hands (AWMH), the nonprofit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band that has been performing worldwide for more than four decades.

This year’s grant is the largest to date, totaling more than $3.3 million for scholarships, new schools, like STC, joining 75 returning colleges. Additionally, Metallica Scholars also expanded to the United Kingdom in partnership with Capital City College Group in London.

“This thing started as a dream,” said Metallica founder and vocalist James Hetfield. Now, our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. We’re so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. It’s humbling to know we’ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.”  

STC Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Department Chair Erika Guerra said the grant will cover scholarships and student support costs, such as toolkits that include calipers and micrometers for at least 20 students.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Technology department is honored to receive the Metallica Foundation Scholarship,” said Guerra. “This investment in our students will provide qualifying recipients with scholarships and professional toolkits, helping reduce financial barriers, improve retention and support their success as they prepare for careers in computer numerical controls (CNC) and precision machining.”

AWMH works closely with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), with a core focus of supporting conventional trades, including welders, plumbers and electricians, while also adding fields that will generate the jobs of tomorrow.

According to a release from AWMH, the Metallica Scholars Initiative continues to evolve, supporting diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages. Year eight includes a wide range of fields, including nursing and healthcare, optical systems technology, automotive repair, maritime manufacturing, firefighting and emergency medical services, pipefitting and agricultural pathways.

“Metallica Scholars Year Eight will see our largest-scale growth yet, as we anticipate supporting close to 4,000 new students in the United States and more than 1,000 learners in the UK,” said Peter Delgrosso, AWMH executive director. “This represents an approximate 40% increase in our student body, something we are incredibly excited about. Supporting people of all ages entering and ascending through trades is the right thing to do, not just domestically, but also abroad. Our Metallica Scholars have demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to succeed, which in turn motivates us to match their ambition.”

STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said the Metallica Scholars Initiative will be a game changer for many students at STC. For some, this will expand opportunities and completion that will lead to high-demand, high-paying careers.

“We are grateful to the Metallica Scholars Initiative for selecting STC as one of its recent grant recipients,” said Solis. “Not only will these funds go toward ensuring students have the money they need to pay for classes or to get the tools they need, but it will also enhance our student experience and career readiness within our Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics program. This national recognition is an investment in our students and our region; we are truly grateful for this opportunity.”

It is a perspective that has guided Celtek for 17 years at STC.

It also forms the basis of an approach to the job that has earned him a League of Excellence Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College, an international nonprofit organization that recognizes faculty, staff and leaders who have made a lasting difference in the lives of students and the communities they serve.

“I see the award as validation,” Celtek said. “It’s a tap on the shoulder saying this is the way to go, but don’t ever stop. We have to keep innovating because the work never stops changing.”

Through his work at STC, Celtek said he has built a career helping departments across the college transform data into meaningful decisions. From evaluating academic programs and grants to supporting strategic planning and enrollment initiatives, his work touches nearly every aspect of the institution.

But despite spending his career surrounded by numbers, Celtek insists his work has always been about people.

“A number doesn’t mean anything by itself,” he said. “It has to have an interpretation. We have to put meaning to the data together.”

Celtek joined STC in 2009 as an institutional research analyst before becoming the department’s director in 2013, but even earlier than that, his path to higher education was anything but traditional.

With academic backgrounds in Engineering, Business Administration, Information Technology and Statistics, along with years spent as an educator, Celtek discovered that institutional research brought together every discipline he had previously pursued.

"I didn’t plan for it, but I am happy that it happened this way. I can use all my background here and I love it,” he said.

Celtek said a natural curiosity continues to shape his leadership today.

Whether partnering with faculty on program reviews, helping departments evaluate new initiatives or developing surveys that measure student success, Celtek believes the best research begins with understanding the people behind the request.

His team works alongside departments throughout the college, translating idea into meaningful data that can guide decisions improve outcomes.

“We see ourselves as the technical support,” he said. “The departments are the functional experts. We put meaning to the data together.”

This spirit of collaboration put the department Celtek leads at the forefront of the college’s mission to evolve. Over the past year, Celtek has led efforts to modernize STC’s data resources by replacing static reports with interactive dashboards, giving employees faster access to information while freeing the department to focus on increasingly complex research projects.

His team has also supported STC’s growing artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives by designing and analyzing surveys that help leaders better understand how students, faculty and staff are adopting AI, as well as determine where additional training may be needed.

Celtek said innovation is not simply about embracing new technology, it is about remaining curious enough to continue learning.

It is knowing that the story behind the numbers helps create better opportunities for every student who walks through the doors at STC.

“We are always here to help,” Celtek said. “Everything that we do, in some way, helps students. We take pride in that, and we always do our best to provide high-quality, trusted data.”

More than a decade later, the first-generation college graduate and certified emergency medical technician (EMT) serves as a lab specialist in the college’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program while pursuing her goal of becoming a physician assistant.

“I’ve grown so much professionally because of STC,” said Heredia, 29. “Everything I know today, from communication and professionalism to something as simple as people skills, I learned here through the faculty and staff who took the time to guide me.”

Heredia’s journey at STC began in 2014 while she was still in high school. Through the college’s Dual Credit Program, she began taking classes at STC before enrolling in the Sign Language Interpreting program after graduation.

“Honestly, I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she said. “I had a friend who was deaf and I wanted to communicate with her more. I also love learning languages, so I found my way into the Sign Language Interpreting program.”

She joined STC's Emergency Medical Services department as a student worker in 2017 before graduating with an associate degree in Sign Language Interpreting and a Deaf Support Specialist certificate in 2018.

Through coursework and interpreting assignments in medical settings, Heredia became familiar with medical terminology and patient care, sparking an interest in healthcare that would ultimately shape her career goals.

An Anatomy class further fueled that interest, while interpreting for physician assistants, she was introduced to a profession she could see herself pursuing in the future.

“When I took my first Anatomy class and learned about the body, I loved it. I wanted to learn more,” she said. “As I worked with physician assistants during interpreting assignments, I became interested in the role and the impact they have on patients. That’s when I realized it was a path I wanted to pursue.”

While continuing to work at STC, Heredia earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in 2021 and began seeking opportunities to gain more patient care experience.

Encouraged by her mentors and colleagues at STC, she enrolled in the college’s EMT Basic program in 2022, earned her EMT certification in 2023 and stepped into her current role as a full-time EMS lab specialist.

Today, Heredia helps oversee the daily operations of STC's EMS labs, managing inventory, maintaining equipment and coordinating the resources needed to support classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Working closely with faculty and students, she helps facilitate skills labs and simulations while preparing training mannequins, maintaining simulation equipment, organizing supplies and helping maintain the program's three training ambulances.

“A lot of what I do happens behind the scenes, but it helps make sure students have what they need to learn and succeed,” she said.

Nearly a decade after first joining the department as a student worker, Heredia said the experience has strengthened her confidence, expanded her professional skills and reinforced her commitment to a career in healthcare.

“Not too long ago, I was in their shoes,” she said. “Being able to support students and watch them grow is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

Recently engaged and preparing for a new chapter in her life, Heredia plans to apply to physician assistant programs soon, crediting much of her growth to the opportunities, mentorship and experiences she has gained throughout her journey at STC.

“It’s crazy to think I’ve been with the EMS department for almost 10 years,” she said. “I love what I do and the people I work with. It’s become a second home for me. I’m comfortable here, but I also want to keep chasing my dreams.”

If accepted into a physician assistant program, Heredia hopes to remain connected to STC in any way possible and continue giving back to the institution that helped shape both her academic and professional journey.

“I came here not knowing what I wanted to do, and now I’m helping students in the same program that helped shape me,” she said. “I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had along the way.”

Recently given this recognition by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education, STC joins 478 colleges and universities nationwide that exceed national benchmarks for both student access and post-graduate earnings.

For students considering their next educational step, the designation signals that STC not only opens doors to higher education, but also helps students achieve long-term economic success.

“At STC, we thrive on creating educational opportunities that bring a better quality of life for our students and positive economic impact for our region,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “Our strategy at STC is to entrust and empower faculty and staff with the responsibility to work together as we continue to change, improve and adapt in order to move our communities forward.”

Additional leadership at the college say the recognition affirms STC’s commitment to student success through academic support, innovative programming and efforts designed to remove barriers to completion.

The goal is to help students persist, graduate and realize the transformative benefits of higher education throughout Hidalgo and Starr counties.

“It is a great honor for South Texas College and our community to receive this national recognition from the Carnegie Foundation,” said Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D., STC vice president and provost for Academic Affairs and Economic Development. “This distinction is a testament to our mission and our unwavering commitment to providing access to high-quality education with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in rewarding careers that lead to economic mobility and lasting success for themselves, their families and our community.” 

Brett Millan, Ed.D., associate vice president of Academic Success and Advancement, said the designation reflects a growing national emphasis on student success beyond enrollment.

“The Opportunity College and University distinction is really important because an institution must not only provide good access to higher education, but also demonstrate strong student outcomes,” Millan said. “This designation identifies colleges that not only open doors to higher education, but also help students complete their degrees and enter careers that improve their economic opportunities.”

For more information on the designation by the Carnegie Foundation, visit bit.ly/4g3PRAb.

Beginning in July, the college’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development department will offer a weeklong slate of activities in Biology, Cybersecurity and Welding camps made possible through a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). 

The camps are open to eligible incoming sixth-12th-grade students throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

The initiative is intended to give students an engaging introduction to STEM careers while removing financial barriers for families, according to STC Continuing Education Program Developer and summer camps Coordinator Xenia Munoz.

Munoz said by exposing students to fields such as Biology, Cybersecurity and Welding through interactive experiences, STC continues its commitment to strengthening the future workforce while encouraging the next generation of students to pursue STEM careers.  

“We are offering four different camps: Biology Explorers, Biology Technology, Cyber Patriot-Cybersecurity as well as introductory and advanced welding,” she said. “As long as students meet the eligibility requirements, the camps are completely free, and all materials and supplies are provided.”

Each camp lasts one week and features hands-on activities led by instructors in specialized learning environments. While many sessions will take place at STC’s Pecan Campus in McAllen, additional camps will be held at the Mid-Valley and Starr County campuses to provide greater access for students across the region.

The camps are open to the public, allowing families from communities throughout the Valley to participate. Students must meet grant eligibility requirements. Eligibility is verified through the student’s school district during the application process.

Munoz said the camps are designed to make STEM education both exciting and approachable while helping students discover academic and career interests at an early age.

“It is a good opportunity for students to explore the STEM field,” she said. “These camps are fun and engaging, with a lot of activities. It is a priority for us to offer this to our communities.”

The first camp, Biology Explorers, begins Monday, June 29 at STC’s Pecan Campus, with additional camps beginning and running throughout the month of July. 

For more information about STEM summer camps, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/youth-camps/index.html.

Supported through funding from the North American Development (NAD) Bank and Trust for the Americas, CATA’s Heavy Equipment Operator with Specialization in Backhoe program provides utility employees with industry-focused training designed to strengthen safety awareness, improve operational skills and prepare participants for certification in equipment operation.

According to Marisol Chavez, CATA manager, the collaboration highlights STC’s commitment to supporting workforce development efforts that directly benefit the region’s public infrastructure and utility services.

As demand continues to grow for skilled equipment operators across industries, Chavez said the partnership with MPU demonstrates how targeted workforce training can create immediate benefits for employers while opening new opportunities for employees.

“This is an opportunity to provide employees with specialized skills that can immediately impact their work while also helping them advance professionally,” Chavez said. “This program combines classroom learning with practical experience, allowing participants to build confidence and competency by operating equipment they use in the field.”

The Heavy Equipment training program is a 25-hour course that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training that covers equipment operation, site assessment, precision excavation techniques, safety procedures and performance metrics.

By combining industry expertise, community partnerships and hands-on learning, Chavez said the program is helping utility workers gain credentials that support both personal advancement and the continued delivery of essential public services throughout the region.

The first cohort consisting of nine employees completed training on June 18 at the McAllen Utility Facility. A second cohort of 10 employees is scheduled to complete training later this month.

For Juan Barron, a crew leader with McAllen Public Utilities, the training represents an important step in expanding his professional qualifications and preparing the next generation of workers.

“I started as a wastewater operator, then became a mechanic, now I’m a crew leader,” Barron said. “We use backhoes regularly and while we have had training before, this course gives us a certification. That certification counts because it makes me more marketable and helps me become a better trainer for new employees.”

Barron said the credential provides additional opportunities for career growth while strengthening the department’s workforce.

“The certification is going to help me learn and compete more in this industry,” he said. “It gives me the tools to continue developing my skills and share that knowledge with others.”

Fabian Diaz, an operator with McAllen Public Utilities who has worked in municipalities for nearly three years, said the training directly applies to daily operation.

“We use backhoes to dig trenches and access underground water and wastewater lines,” Diaz said. “It’s really helpful to have these additional skills because there is always something you can do with a backhoe.”

Diaz said the course has helped him develop practical skills including trenching, leveling ground, moving material and restoring work sites after repairs are completed.

“The instructor works with you one-on-one and helps correct mistakes so can continue improving,” he said. “These are skills I can take with me for the future and use throughout my career.”

For more information on apprenticeships at STC through CATA, visit southtexascollege.edu/cata/.

Columbia State Community College in Tennessee recently participated in a visit to STC that brought together faculty, administrators and AI leaders from both institutions for discussions centered on curriculum development, workforce partnerships and strategies for preparing students for AI-driven industries.

The visit stemmed from a presentation delivered by STC Advance Manufacturing and Mechatronics Technology (AMT) Program Chair Erika Guerra at the American Association of Community Colleges Workforce Development Institute earlier this year, where she highlighted the college’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into manufacturing education.

“Columbia attended that workshop and reached out to me,” Guerra said. “They liked the information that I gave on how we are adapting artificial intelligence in our AMT department and how we are tracking it within the Division of Business, Public Safety and Technology (BPST).”

Representatives from Columbia State, including Aaron Beshears, Ph.D., director of artificial intelligence; Patrick McElhiney, director of grants and Mehran Mostajir, dean of Business and Technology, visited STC as part of Columbia’s COMPASS initiative, a four-year U.S. Department of Education-funded project designed to expand AI integration across teaching, learning and student support services.

“The momentum you have built around AI is remarkable, and it is clearly supported by broad institutional buy-in, from presidential leadership all through faculty and staff,” Beshears said. “I was especially impressed by the BPST Division’s commitment to staying ahead of the technology curve and ensuring students train on current, industry-relevant tools, including AI. That culture of forward-thinking is a real strength.”

During the visit, Columbia State visited with STC’s AI Task Force, faculty from Cybersecurity and Information Technology and leaders involved in the college’s community education AI offerings.

Both institutions expressed interest in continuing discussions and exploring future opportunities for collaboration, which may include workforce development initiatives and AI-focused research projects in order to prepare students for the demands of industry.

“We had a great exchange of ideas,” Guerra said. “We were able to see that we have some similarities, some things are different and it was just a great collaboration and discussion with those visitors from Columbia who had heard about us and wanted to know more.”

The visit also provided an opportunity for STC leaders to showcase how artificial intelligence has become embedded throughout the college, from workforce training and manufacturing programs to broader strategic planning efforts.

Jesus Campos, Ed.D., interim vice president for Information Services, Planning, Performance and Strategic Initiatives, said the discussions with Columbia reaffirmed that STC’s approach to AI implementation is aligned with emerging best practices across higher education.

Campos said STC’s approach emphasizes both innovation and responsibility by balancing experimentation with the development of policies and safeguards that support ethical AI use.

“It gives us an opportunity to hear what others are doing and to share notes on what we are doing,” Campos said. “On one hand, we can share the great things we are doing, but it also helps us identify any gaps or areas where we an improve. It reaffirmed that the directions we are taking are very sound.”

Joe Vela, interim dean of Business, Public Safety and Technology at STC agreed that the visit demonstrates how STC’s AI initiatives are attracting attention far beyond Texas.

“Individuals from other universities are starting to notice, and they are coming to us and looking to us for answers,” Vela said. "Even though the work began in manufacturing, institutions are looking at how they can replicate that success in other programs. They are looking at STC as a leader in that space.”

Beshears said he believed the visit marked the start of a dynamic partnership between the two institutions, and representatives from Columbia left inspired by the vision of STC leadership and faculty.

“Your willingness to share your experiences and lessons learned speaks to the collaborative spirit that defines South Texas College. We left inspired by the clarity of your vision, the strength of your execution, and the commitment your teams bring to advancing AI‑enabled workforce development,” Beshears said. “I am especially grateful for the partnership we are beginning to build together. Our conversations around AI governance, advisory structures, and institutional strategy were incredibly valuable, and the opportunities we identified for joint grant work in AI, security, and technology make the path ahead even more exciting. We look forward to continuing this work side by side and exploring the opportunities ahead.”

For more information on all the exciting developments happening within AI at STC, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/ai/.

STC and McAllen ISD announce the second year of a unique apprenticeship program designed to connect students with hands-on training and career opportunities in the growing Veterinary Technology field. 

“This is an opportunity for students to get a broad, foundational level of skills that will prepare them for anything related to the veterinary practice. This is for anybody seeking to be a veterinary technician or for those seeking to enter veterinary school,” said Carlos Margo, Ed.D., STC dean of Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships. “There is a high demand for veterinary professionals, especially from nonprofit groups who have reached out to us seeking help with their expanding veterinary services because of the abundance and surge of stray animals. They need students with these skills to meet the growing demand."

Through the apprenticeship model, students can receive industry experience as well as professional connections and career readiness skills while creating a pathway into veterinary technology careers.

The noncredit program combines classroom instruction with work-based learning experiences at local veterinary clinics, allowing students to gain practical skills while still in high school.

Initially started in Aug. 2025 with a cohort of 10 high school seniors, the apprenticeship now expands to 12 McAllen ISD juniors starting in the fall. STC and McAllen ISD will be working to place the students in local veterinary clinics in the region.

The apprenticeship program will be a combination of on-the-job training and courses that will be taken during the students’ junior and senior year.

McAllen ISD Career and Technical Education Director Leo Saenz, M.Ed., said the partnership reflects the commitment between McAllen ISD and STC to create meaningful career pathways for students while addressing workforce needs across the region.

“We have had a long-standing partnership with STC and we want to continue to grow this apprenticeship even further,” Saenz said. “When the opportunity came to work with the veterinary technician program, we were all open for it because there is a real need for veterinary technicians in our region.”

Saenz said the program was developed after conversations with STC faculty and administrators, including Margo, to identify opportunities that would benefit students and local industry. While many veterinary programs focus primarily on companion animals like dogs and cats, the partnership with the college incorporates large animal experiences through McAllen ISD’s Agricultural Learning Center, or Ag farm. 

The center’s farm provides students with opportunities to work with livestock and other animals while developing skills that can be applied in a variety of veterinary settings. During their second year, students gain additional exposure to large-animal care and assist with hands-on activities at the facility.

According to Saenz, the region’s strong agricultural presence and growing demand for veterinary services make the profession an attractive option for students seeking high-demand careers close to home.

“The biggest component is having those students get that hands-on experience and work-based learning experience that everybody looks for,” Saenz said.

CATA Manager Marisol Chavez said the partnership demonstrates STC’s commitment to supporting workforce development while expanding opportunities for local students.

“We are very excited to continue our partnership with McAllen ISD and to support our community by helping prepare students for the high-demand field of Veterinary Technology,” Chavez said. “We are committed to working closely with our industry partners and local school districts to ensure that our programs align with workforce needs to provide meaningful, career-focused opportunities for students.”

Margo said the apprenticeship with McAllen ISD marks an opportunity to work with one of its biggest ISD partners. CATA also currently offers this same program to students at the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) ISD.

“We are extremely excited that McAllen ISD has reached out and has the confidence to partner with STC. This is only the second school district to do so,” he said. “We are very fortunate to work with McAllen and we thank all the supporters of this program.”

For more information on apprenticeship programs available through CATA, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/cata/.

More than 25 years ago, Rodriguez began a therapy path of his own as part of the college’s founding Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) cohort, taking a chance on a brand-new program that would shape his career and inspire the next generation.

Today, he and his wife, both occupational therapy professionals and STC alumni, have watched their four children pursue careers in the medical field through STC, creating a family legacy rooted in helping others and serving their community.

“We always gave them a choice,” Jesus said. “We encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams, and thankfully, this is the path all four of them chose because it’s a beautiful field. We feel blessed to see them build careers in healthcare, where they can help others and give back to the community.”

As part of STC’s first OTA graduating class in 1999, Jesus takes pride in helping lay the foundation for a program that would shape not only his career, but his family’s future.

Originally from Monterrey, Mexico and raised in McAllen, Rodriguez discovered the college’s newly established OTA program after graduating high school and serving in the National Guard. Newly married and beginning to raise a family, he applied during the program’s final weeks of enrollment in 1997, becoming part of its inaugural cohort.

“We went in not knowing if we were going to be accredited,” Jesus said. “I remember thinking, ‘Man, am I doing the right thing?’ But I knew I liked what I was studying and wanted to build something better for my family. I had a wife, a young family and bills to pay, so I had to find a way to study, buy milk, buy diapers and still provide for them.”

Rodriguez would go on to build a career in occupational therapy across multiple healthcare settings, including outpatient rehabilitation, pediatrics and acute care, later earning his occupational therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University in 2012.

“I love what I do,” Jesus said. “To know that I’ve been able to help people through some of their hardest moments has made it all worth it.”

Inspired by Jesus’ experience, his wife also graduated from STC’s OTA program in 2005, beginning a shared career in therapy that would eventually influence all four of their children to pursue healthcare careers through STC.

The Rodriguez family’s healthcare journey continued with their oldest daughter, who graduated from STC’s Vocational Nursing program in 2019 before earning her Registered Nursing credential in 2020. Shortly after, their oldest son followed a similar path, completing STC’s Vocational Nursing program before continuing his education.

“Helping people has always been part of who we are,” Angel said. “Growing up around healthcare, I saw the impact my parents had, and I wanted to be part of that too.”

For Angel, however, the path looked a little different. Originally planning to pursue a career in Welding after graduating high school in 2022, his plans shifted after working as a rehab technician, an experience that sparked a passion for physical therapy.

“PT is always moving, helping patients walk again, teaching them how to move and regain their independence,” Angel said. “Even as a rehab tech, I would get thanked by patients and think how much more meaningful it would feel to be the one helping them through recovery.”

This spring, Angel graduated from STC’s PTA program and plans to continue his education to ultimately become a physical therapist. He hopes to work in acute care, helping critically ill patients regain strength and mobility during some of their most challenging moments.

“A lot of people are intimidated by those patients because of how critical their condition can be,” Angel said. “But I like the challenge of helping them recover and figuring out how to get them moving again. I’m excited to start working and helping patients through some of their toughest moments.”

For Jesus, watching Angel graduate from a therapy program of his own brought the family’s journey full circle. With their youngest son now preparing to apply for the same program, the Rodriguez family’s legacy in healthcare continues to grow.

Though his time as a student ended decades ago, Rodriguez remains closely connected to STC as a member of the OTA program’s advisory board, helping support the program that launched his career while guiding future generations of professionals.

“If all goes well, we’ll have two occupational therapy professionals, two nurses and two physical therapist assistants in the family, all through STC,” Jesus said. “STC has changed the lives of families here in the Rio Grande Valley, just like it changed mine. I’m proud to still be part of a community that continues making a difference.”

The rankings recognized STC for helping prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare through a mix of foundational courses and specialized management training.

“This recognition reflects the high quality and impact of our Medical and Health Services Management bachelor’s degree program and the dedication of the faculty who support our students’ success,” said Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D., STC vice president and provost of Academic Affairs and Economic Development. “We are incredibly proud to offer an affordable pathway that helps students advance their careers, expand professional opportunities and meet the growing workforce needs of the healthcare industry.”

OnlineU is a national education resource that evaluates online degree programs based on factors such as affordability, program quality and student support, helping prospective students compare academic options. According to the rankings, the program reports an annual tuition of $7,620 and a 100% student recommendation rate.

“We are proud and honored to receive this recognition,” said STC Medical and Health Services Management Department Chair Hillaire Saint Pierre, Ph.D. “It reflects our commitment to student success and the support we provide to help students grow into leadership roles in healthcare.”

Launched in 2011, STC’s Medical and Health Services Management bachelor’s program was created to support healthcare professionals seeking leadership and administrative opportunities while balancing work and personal responsibilities.

Since its inception, the program has graduated more than 600 students and continued to grow alongside the needs of working professionals, transitioning from face-to-face instruction to a fully online format designed to better support students balancing school, work and personal responsibilities.

“As the years went by, we noticed students needed more flexibility, so we eventually transitioned to a fully online program,” Saint Pierre said. “It allows healthcare professionals to continue their education on a schedule that better fits their lives.”

In spring 2019, the program added Competency-Based Education (CBE) courses, giving students another option to complete their degree. Today, students can choose between competency-based learning or traditional seven-week online courses, both designed to provide flexibility.

The program serves a wide range of students, including working healthcare professionals looking to advance in their careers. For many, the degree also serves as a stepping stone toward graduate programs and expanded opportunities in healthcare.

“We receive students who are already serving their communities and want to continue growing,” Saint Pierre said. “Our role is to provide the skills, flexibility and support they need to take that next step and make an even greater impact.”