ACCT is a prestigious national board charged with advocating for thousands of community colleges across the nation.

“Having an opportunity to serve on the ACCT board, especially as the chair-elect, will give me an opportunity to create a platform that will not only address our local and regional issues in higher education, but will allow us to have a collective voice nationally that will ensure those priorities are funded and that our needs are not overlooked,” Benavidez said.

“This new role allows us to highlight the area in a much larger context,” she said. “Being part of the ACCT board gives you an opportunity to have direct dialogue with the White House and the Department of Education so we can ensure that we are not just addressing the needs of the institutions, but sharing the incredible story of South Texas College and the transformational impact it has in our community.”

Benavidez was first elected to the board of ACCT in 2017 representing the ACCT’s Western Region and has served as the chair of ACCT’s Diversity Committee. She has also served as president of the National Association of Latino Community College Trustees.

Trustee Benavidez follows in the footsteps of her father, the late Manuel Benavidez, who as a founding STC trustee served as chair of ACCT’s Diversity Committee and received the ACCT Lifetime Membership Award for exemplary leadership in 2005.

“When I first became part of the board, I learned that my dad was part of the initial effort to promote passage of the DREAM Act when he was chair of the diversity committee,” Benavidez said. “It is an incredible feeling to know that years later, as a member of the ACCT board, we are now working with the Administration and haven taken that idea and moved it closer to becoming a reality. It’s bittersweet, really. I’m often told how proud he would be of me, but I work hard every day to ensure that I exceed the expectations I know he had of me. I am fortunate to have the trust and a support of the residents I serve and will continue to bring new initiatives and opportunities that will keep us moving into a better future.”

ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,200 community, technical and junior colleges in the United States and beyond. Located in Washington, D.C., ACCT is a major voice for community college trustees reaching the President of the United States, U.S. Congress and the Departments of Education and Labor.

The organization educates community and technical college trustees through annual conferences focused on leadership development and advocacy, as well as, through publications and online and face-to-face institutes and seminars.

Benavidez has served on the STC Board of Trustees representing Starr County since November 2009. Her constituents have recognized her as a tireless advocate for the region. She chaired the board during its November 2013 Bond and Maintenance Tax Election and, through strong support, was instrumental in seeing the bond and the maintenance tax increase approved.

Her latest elected post propels STC into the national spotlight.

“We congratulate Madame Chair on this great achievement,” said STC president Dr. Ricardo J. Solis. “We are honored to have someone with unparalleled leadership and enthusiasm for the advancement of our college and our students. It’s a great day for STC.”

Benavidez currently serves as president of the Starr County Industrial Foundation, a non-profit organization founded and supported by local government and business leaders committed to developing the local economy.

“We have always been a board and college that is all about community, and the fact that I have been able to have so much support and trust to take the most basic needs and quite frankly the most basic rights people have in being able to get an education has been an absolute honor,” she said. “I’m humbled to be able to be at this point where I will help direct the national dialogue and highlight the wonderful community and people we serve.”

Solis’ credited the college for being the only community college in the region to offer five baccalaureate programs and the continued expansion of its five campuses.  

“We are the largest institution in higher education in South Texas,” said Solis. “We’ve grown astronomically and now we’re close to 30,000 students with our new programs.”  

Since his new employment with the college as president, he says the successes STC has accomplished over the years have impressed him compared to other colleges in Houston, San Antonio and Dallas.  

“The College has achieved outstanding accomplishments and has transformed the region by providing educational opportunities to our students. The Board of Trustees and I are committed to continue working together to further improve the quality of life for our students, their families, and our communities.” Solis said. 

His vision for higher education in South Texas focuses heavily on working together with partners.   

“We have the largest demographic from Hidalgo to Starr County working with over 20 municipalities and 21 school districts,” he said.  

With county officials and school leaders present, he addressed their support in continuing to partner with STC. Recent opportunities that have allowed students to earn career experience include NAH volunteer students who have administered the COVID-19 vaccine shot at campus clinics as well as offering dual enrollment courses through partnerships with 21 Valley school districts to high school students.  

With STC’s specialized campuses, the college provides program certificates in technology, public safety, and health.  

“We will continue to innovate by offering more academic and technical programs. It will be crucial to work with entities like the cities, economic development groups and elected officials in order to achieve this goal,” said Solis.  

In light of the pandemic, South Texas College has also been the largest provider of nurses in the Valley.  

“We graduate over 250 nurses a year, and have 13 health-related programs producing graduates in nursing and allied health fields,” said Solis.  

Though the future is unpredictable, Dr. Solis believes in bringing new opportunities for students to enter the workforce well equipped.  

“We are going to be driven by creativity, responsiveness, and above all innovation,” said Solis.  

As for his vision on higher-ed, the demand for nursing, manufacturing, welding, and electric vehicles are expected to have a growing need.  

In attendance at Weslaco’s Mid-Valley campus were STC Trustee Board Members, chair Rose Benavidez, vice-chair, Alejo Salinas, member Paul R. Rodriguez, member Gary Gurwitz, member Danny Guzman, member Rene Guajardo, president Ricardo J. Solis, Mid-Valley Campus Administrator, Daniel Montez, Hidalgo County leaders, judge Richard F. Cortez, commissioner, David Fuentes, state representative Armando Martinez, City of Donna mayor, Rick Morales, city of Donna commissioner, Eloy Avila, City of Weslaco mayor, David Suarez, city manager of Weslaco, Mike Perez, city manager of Mercedes, Alberto Perez, City of Edcouch mayor, Virginio Gonzalez, city commissioner of McAllen, Pepe Caveza de Vaca, assistant city manager of Pharr, Anali Alaniz and valley school leaders.  

Two brothers, Joseph and Daniel Kamel are Texas’ first two brewmasters to receive their certificate in professional brewing with STC. The duo who are also known for owning and operating Brewsome Brewery on N. 10th St., in McAllen, TX have made them entrepreneurs at the same time. Though the two have their bachelors in the opposite field, Joseph with a B.A. in Economics and M.B.A. in Business Administration and Daniel with a B.A. in Marketing say it helps run the business side of things.  

“None of which prepared me for brewing except obviously the administrative part for accounting and bookkeeping but not for the scientific or mathematical part of brewery,” shares Joseph. “It was just a completely random experiment and we wanted to make better beer.”  

That random experiment came from their father who noticed local craft breweries popping up and said they should look into opening one up. That’s when Daniel started the scientific madness of brewing beer in their garage three years ago.  

The beginning of the apprenticeship program started in 2019 when Mission’s 5X5 Brewery Co. were looking to expand in finding professional brewers. That’s when the need for trained individuals was asked about by approaching Dr. Plummer.  

“5X5 wanted to expand their production and couldn’t find trained professionals,” said Dr. Plummer.  

Talks on developing a new apprenticeship program between Dr. Plummer, Dr. Margo and Texas Workforce Labor Commissioner, Julian Alvarez III made it a reality.  

We looked into it and made it happen,” said Dr. Margo. “It was just a matter of funding, and we had our commissioner Julian Alvarez who really helped kick off this program.”  

The grant proposals were competitive throughout the state, but with the help of Alvarez, Desi Holmes with the Texas Workforce Commission Director of Apprenticeship and STC’s team under Dr. Virgina Champion were able to enroll students like the Kamel brothers into a rigorous program.  

"This is not just a certification as a professional brewer, but this is a department of labor journeymen credential that they are receiving,” said Dr. Margo.  

STC’s Brewery apprenticeship program typically takes a year to complete, but with the ongoing pandemic, the brothers finished in two. The program itself did take a higher level of mathematical and science skills with courses like Malting Biochemistry, Sensory Science, Engineering in Milling and Malt Handling, Brewhouse Calculations, Engineering in Fermentation and others needed. 

“Now that we finished the program, we know what to do with our beer and are very pleased with the final product,” said Daniel.  

With South Texas College adding this new apprenticeship to their list of other certification offerings, Julian Alvarez credits the college for being the forefront of training.  

“We’re excited to see this apprenticeship program actually completed and verifies and confirms that we’ve expanded the apprenticeship model to other fields,” said Alvarez referencing I.T., Health and now Brewery. “South Texas College has always been in the forefront of training and regardless of what the training was, STC has always been in front of that.”  

The Kamel brothers’ parents were in attendance as well as City of McAllen Mayor, Javier Villalobos; District 5 McAllen Commissioner, Seby Haddad; Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa Office Representative, Jorge Castillo; Kristy Caviness, TWC Employer Engagement and Community Outreach Manager; Dr. Rodney Rodriguez, RGV FOCUS Executive Director; Dr. Virginia Champion, STC Executive Director for Resource Development Management; Dr. Rachel Sale, STC Dean of Distanced Education; Kim Moore, STC IAM Project Training Specialist; STC Board of Trustee Paul R. Rodriguez and STC President, Dr. Ricardo J. Solis.  

The Kamel brothers are grateful for STC’s staff, and their time and the funds needed to kick start the program.  

“South Texas College is very proud in being able to address the needs of the workforce and most importantly provide innovative results and opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Solis.  

Speaking at Dr. Solis’ first official visit to STC’s Nursing and Allied Health (NAH) campus Sept. 21, administrators with the campus say plans have already been set in motion by the new president.

“STC has continuously been responsive to the healthcare needs of our community, and I think with the leadership of Dr. Solis, we will be able to provide new opportunities and take it to the next level,” said Dr. Jayson Valerio, STC Dean of Nursing and Allied Health.

“You heard Dr. Solis mention that we are the largest producer of healthcare personnel, and we are producing about 250 nurses a year, and our mission is that in order to meet the healthcare needs of our healthcare partners, we want to produce at least 400 nurses a year,” Valerio said.

By 2032, Texas as a whole will need over 57,000 registered nurses, according to Texas Department of State Health Services.

The Rio Grande Valley region employed 14,619 active RNs in the Valley as of 2019, according to DSHS, and supply of RNs in the Valley is projected to grow by 25.9 percent by 2032 while demand grows by 20.5 percent.

The registered nurse (RN) position vacancy rate in Texas was 9.8 percent, and in the RGV, it was 11.6 percent, according to the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies.

“You are the true heroes. Even before the pandemic, South Texas College was the clear, top choice for producing healthcare professionals in the most sought after healthcare careers in America,” Dr. Solis told the students, staff, and faculty who gathered to hear the new president’s plans Sept. 21.

“The Valley is the fastest growing community in the entire nation due to our young demographic population…we have an incredible opportunity to address the workforce and economic development needs of the Rio Grande Valley,” Dr. Solis said.

“What we have done over the last year and a half has taught us two very important lessons,” Solis said. “First, we have to be prepared for unprecedented times and secondly, we are going to have to work together within the higher education institutions, healthcare partners, and especially with the community we serve. This is going to be the key to success to overcome these challenges. This is the perfect institution to be in, with the best career choice made to help your fellow citizens. For that we commend you.”

Pledging to work even closer with economic development and workforce partners, Solis said among the earliest items on his presidential agenda is providing the best education, focused on health and technology.

Solis addressed a packed house during the latest leg of a Presidential Welcome Tour that has him visiting all STC campuses and addressing students, faculty, and community stakeholders.

The latest tour had Solis speaking at Pecan Campus, and then at a luncheon with trustees as well as leaders from local school districts, Hidalgo County, chambers of commerce, and the local business community.

“We have a very unique college. We are the largest institution of higher education in south Texas due to our rapid growth in just over 25 years,” Solis told attendees at the luncheon. “I very much look forward to working with all of you in moving our mission forward. We are tasked with providing the best programs in workforce and academics.

“Now that we are seeing the emergence from the pandemic, as well as changes in the economy, it necessitates that we move and innovate even faster to different platforms,” Solis said. “What better place to offer these things than the Valley.”

In attendance at the luncheon were City of Mission Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña, McAllen ISD Board Vice President Tony Forina, La Joya Board Trustee Alex Cantu, Hidalgo ISD trustee Ben Arjona, McAllen City Commissioner District 6 Jose R. “Pepe” Cabeza de Vaca, McAllen Commissioner District 3 Omar Quintanilla, Hidalgo County Pct. 3 Commissioner Everardo Villarreal, and representatives from Hidalgo County Pct. 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres.

STC Trustees present included Mrs. Victoria Cantu, Board Secretary, and board members Gary Gurwitz, Paul R. Rodriguez, and Danny Guzman.

“I believe Dr. Solis is very centered on people…and this is one of the greatest dispositions I feel a leader can have,” said Ana Gonzalez, Executive Director of Teach for America who was present at the luncheon. “I believe we are a diverse group of stakeholders working together on a common purpose, and this is why STC has been very dear to my heart from my time at ISDs and watching the early college high school work.

“STC has been about its students, its families, and the needs of the community,” Gonzalez said. “I invite Dr. Solis to that continued work knowing that he arrives with that disposition.”

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

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

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

“Dr. (Ricardo) Solis is the right person to regain that momentum that was delayed because of the pandemic, and who will get us back to where we were and lead us on to bigger and better things,” Trustee Gurwitz said at the luncheon. “We are looking forward to him leading us in that direction.”

That is the message from STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis who addressed students, staff, and faculty on his first official visit to STC’s Mid-Valley Campus Sept. 15.

Speaking about the role of the college, Solis noted STC reflects the border region. Just like the border, STC is multi-cultural and engrained within the Hispanic and Mexican-American communities.

“The comprehensive mission of the community college is to deliver relevant workforce and higher education programs that give our region opportunities to build better lives,” Dr. Solis said. “There is no other institution or organization in this entire nation that can provide a more comprehensive and faster pathway, with the programs, courses, and credentials to help people of all ages and all backgrounds.

“That is what the community college does. That is what STC does,” he said.

Solis’ visit to the Mid-Valley included an opportunity to speak and address faculty, staff, and students’ concerns at the campus.

STC Trustee Danny Guzman, who represents district 7 which includes Northeast Hidalgo County, North Weslaco, Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, and Mercedes, was in attendance along with STC vice presidents and deans. Trustee Guzman, President Solis, and the gathered administrators heard from students, faculty, and staff about what South Texas College is doing well, and what areas they would like to see improved.

“We have something other campuses don’t have, and that is the fact that we are really like a microcosm for every STC campus all in one campus,” said Mid-Valley campus administrator Daniel Montez. “We have academics, technical, allied health, continuing education, all of these programs are being offered at Mid Valley, and we are very proud of the fact that we have a little bit of everything to offer here at our campus.

“This is the heart of the Valley, and this is where the upper Valley and lower Valley converge. We tend to be a little of both,” Montez said.

Beginning his career in economic development before returning to college to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration – Community College Leadership from the University of Texas in his forties, Dr. Solis says he can relate to those students returning to school for want of a better life.

Also drawing upon experience in international trade, from international bridges to industrial parks in diverse regions including Mexico, South America, China and finally the Rio Grande Valley, Solis said community colleges have to be creative and ready for continuous change.

“When it comes to cost, to quality and flexibility, nobody can touch us. Our programs are just as good, whether it’s English, Math, Chemistry, Biology, they are all the same quality as those in a university,” Dr. Solis said. “In fact, they’re better here because we have smaller classes, with more hands-on instructors. Universities don’t have that, and no university can touch us.

“We are the Valley’s college,” Dr. Solis said. “My goal is to take South Texas College to a higher level where we can promote the image that the Valley itself deserves, that our citizens deserve.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting in-person as a group for the first time in two years, leadership with STC and school districts from across the region outlined their priorities at a recent Superintendents Leadership Meeting held at Pecan Campus Sept. 9.

The event was held as a roundtable-style meeting with STC administrators and Valley leaders from collaborating school districts to prepare for the school year ahead.

The meeting included representatives from 16 total school districts including Donna, Edinburg, Edcouch-Elsa, Hidalgo, La Joya, La Villa, McAllen, Mission, Monte Alto, Progreso, PSJA, Sharyland, South Texas ISD, Vanguard Academy, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, and Roma.

STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis gave the opening address, and the roughly two-hour meeting was moderated by Dr. Anahid Petrosian, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at South Texas College.

“Through our collaboration with our school district partners, we have been able to strengthen each other to leverage our funding, workforce, and production of countless educational opportunities for our students. This is what makes the Rio Grande Valley distinct from other regions in Texas,” Solis said at the leadership meeting. “Together, we have made a difference in the lives of our students by continuously adapting and changing to emerging challenges, such as the one we face today with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The key point to remember is we cannot face any challenge alone,” Dr. Solis said. “We have to face them together, and this is the basis of our partnership with our partnering school districts. We have made the decision to work united and find the best solutions for everyone.”

Since 2000, STC has served over 118,000 dual credit students tuition free. The Dual Credit Programs currently serves two counties, 21 school districts, 70 high school sites and includes over 12,000 students, 1,500 courses, and more than 570 faculty.

Topics at the meeting included a review of the state of the Dual Credit Programs as well as the most recent student performance data, and revisions to the Interlocal Agreement for the new fiscal year. The roundtable discussion also offered a rundown of the Texas Pathways Project aligning high school endorsements with STC meta-majors, as well as the major accomplishments achieved through the partnership between the college and school districts.

“I believe our strong partnerships, which have been established over the past 20 years is a testament to how we will continue moving forward in providing dual credit opportunities within our community,” said Dr. Rebecca De Leon, Dean of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships. “We are so fortunate to have our partners join us today, our superintendents and their executive leadership teams, as it truly demonstrates their commitment to make an impact with our students and determine how we can support them.

“Our College’s Dual Credit Programs will continue to support our students as we always have to ensure that they earn college credit while in high school as they work towards earning their degrees, which provides them a better quality of life,” De Leon said.

STC awarded degrees and certificates to 1,521 dual credit students in May 2021. In a first for Texas, South Texas College Dual Credit Programs also became the sole recipient of a prestigious accreditation by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) in May 2020.

Despite the impact of a global pandemic, the annual meeting in 2020 was held virtually. Leadership from local school districts say working with the college on behalf of students is one of the most positive achievements that has developed from the ordeal.

“These are very exciting times, and for us even though the pandemic came, STC stood strong in their partnership with us, and continues to offer these opportunities for our students,” said Mission CISD superintendent Dr. Carol Perez. “As I have been talking to our board and providing a listing of our presentations and so forth, they just applauded the partnership.

“This is a strong partnership, and we look forward to an explosion, especially when it comes to health science professions,” Perez said.

Speaking at a roundtable-style meeting with THECB Commissioner of Higher Education Harrison Keller, in attendance with STC president Dr. Ricardo J. Solis and college vice presidents and deans on Aug. 11, Farias, a Rio Grande Valley native, took the time to familiarize Keller with the college’s impact in communities. 

“We have a unique culture in the Valley, and higher education is the key to young people and to those adult learners coming back, to give them the opportunities to be able to get an education and to do well with their jobs and do well with their families and help us grow our community,” Farias said. “We are so happy that Commissioner Keller is here, and we appreciate your willingness to come and listen to the RGV’s needs.  

Farias has witnessed first-hand the needs of the RGV by serving local communities as an optometrist and as a member of many civic, professional, and philanthropic organizations. 

“Our culture is different. Our academic needs are different, and our students are unique,” Farias said. “We have a lot of bright students here in the Valley, and South Texas College has created many unique programs and has been a shining example not only for the state of Texas but for the entire country.”  

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) was created by the Texas Legislature in 1965 to represent the highest authority in the state in matters of public higher education.  

The Board is comprised of nine members appointed by the Governor for six-year staggered terms and one non-voting student representative who serves for a one-year term. The Governor also appoints the chair and vice-chair, and the Board meets quarterly in Austin.  

“There’s a ton that going on at the agency right now as you all know,” Keller told STC leaders. “There are some places that have slowed down. There are some areas where we have been able to speed up and have some unique opportunities so we are more than a year ahead on our work to modernize our educational workforce. I think that is going to be very important, and as we move forward.

“The idea isn’t just to modernize the infrastructure, but we’re organizing to make it much more accessible and useful, especially to inform our students who are making decisions for programs and academic affairs and to bring pride to your institution versus other institutions,” Keller said.

The meeting was an opportunity for STC leadership to offer updates as well as concerns on a variety of pressing matters for the college to THECB including the latest on academic programs, transfer concerns, community college state funding, training initiatives with Mexico, discussion of Nursing and Allied Health Programs, and many more.

“It is so great to hear the vision the commissioner brings especially when it comes to affordability, access, and more importantly empathy,” President Solis said. “That is so refreshing to hear. Here at South Texas College, we have very unique challenges and most importantly opportunities due to our (economy) and rapidly growing factories. We are very excited because, just like the college has grown so rapidly in the Valley, our challenges will continue because we have the youngest population in the entire state.

“We are not only interested, but concerned to make sure that we are meeting the needs of the workforce in the community,” Dr. Solis said.

Speaking during a Presidential Welcome Tour at STC’s Starr County Campus, Dr. Solis had the opportunity to connect with local business and community leaders in Rio Grande City who heard for the first time, the new president’s plan to address the challenges for higher education in the region.  

At issue, according to those community stakeholders are the demographic benchmarks in Starr, as well as capitalizing on the many opportunities and responsibilities to the residents served by the college. 

“For the first time in 27 years, South Texas College was in a position to find a new president, and it was odd to spend a year without (founding president) Dr. Shirley A.Reed when it came to college business,” said STC Board Chair Rose Benavidez. “We also knew that the challenges of a horrid pandemic changed us, not only in the way we do business, but in a sense allowing us to look at life and see what the future looks like.  

“It almost seemed appropriate that opening up wasn't just about bringing students back, but it was about bringing the college back,” Benavidez said.  

Sam Vale, President of Starr-Camargo Bridge Company added that the many opportunities and responsibilities the college brings forth, need to blend with partnered school districts.  

“I think that the most important thing would be to blend together public schools and have them knowledgeable in early college activities,” said Vale. “I would encourage that we make room for all levels of people to be able to prosper.”  

The tour was Solis’ first visit to STC’s Starr County Campus, in which he toured its facilities and met with students. He then met with county stakeholders during a luncheon.  

Guests attending included Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, State Rep. Ryan Guillen D-Rio Grande City, as well as Sam Vale.  

The South Texas College Board of Trustees was represented by Chair Benavidez, Vice Chair Dr. Alejo Salinas Jr., and Trustee Danny Guzman.   

At the luncheon with stakeholders, Dr. Solis emphasized his background in economic development to outline his plan that will combine technology and health to grow local economies, something that Starr County Judge Vera emphasized as well.  

“At one time there was (unemployment) at 35 percent, and if there is one thing the people of Starr County want, is to work,” Vera said. “Unfortunately, we did not have the skill labor to get them jobs.  

“Thanks to STC and Workforce Solutions, we were able to get that unemployment number down to a single digit, but I think the major reason was STC in getting our people trained in the skills that were needed.”  

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

“I was just blown away of the magnitude, the size of this campus, and most importantly the potential of where we are going take this because the infrastructure is already here,” Dr. Solis told attendees at the luncheon. “Our vision is to convert and continue growing this area into a stellar region for technology and health. These are the two areas that we will focus on because that is where the future is.”  

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

“Never before in the economic history of the United States has the community college been better poised to providing these skills availability and the skills providers,” he said. “This is where the community college fits. The community college is perfectly positioned for this.” 

State Rep. Guillen said that the county’s campus is important in adding to that economic development by ensuring that students at the campus succeed. 

“The reason why we are here is because the campus is very important to us,” Guillen said. “It’s important to the Starr County community and the success of our students who attend the campus.”  

. 

STC can be credited for the county’s current vaccination rate which is now hovering near 80 percent of people who are fully vaccinated, according to Starr County Judge Eloy Vera.

“Throughout the whole process, STC has helped us out with the nursing, all the data entry, as well as those students who stepped up to help us,” Vera said. “This is the only way to where we got where we were so quickly because of the all of the help we received. There were many in the community who helped us, but STC was the primary source of help we had just in terms of the numbers of people they gave us to work through this pandemic.

“We are very thankful for STC,” Vera said.

The message from Starr County compliments similar projects in Hidalgo County. The South Texas Board of Trustees and President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis are committed to support all of its students in every community in Starr and Hidalgo Counties.

Following his first visit to STC’s Starr County Campus, in which he toured its facilities and met with students, Dr. Solis then met with county stakeholders during a luncheon. Guests attending included Vera, state Rep. Ryan Guillen D-Rio Grande City, and Sam Vale, president of Starr-Camargo Bridge Company. The South Texas College Board of Trustees was represented by Chair Rose Benavidez who introduced Dr. Solis, Vice Chair Dr. Alejo Salinas Jr., and Trustee Danny Guzman.

In response, STC announced that it will utilize its Vocational Nursing (VN), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), and Paramedic students to hold vaccination drive events at all of its campuses in the near future.

“We will continue to build on this vital partnership with Starr County,” said Dr. Solis. “It has been readily apparent that STC has played a significant role joining Starr County in the fight against the current pandemic, whether it’s through promoting vaccinations or contributing the students, who as future health providers, stepped up to defend their communities from the pandemic.

“This is a goal we are committed to achieving,” he said. “We have the infrastructure and facilities, and we are going to do everything possible to do it. We are here to create the best education for our students, and it begins at the community level “anytime, anywhere, and on any platform.”

STC has partnered throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with Hidalgo and Starr counties to support testing and vaccination efforts that have helped protect our communities. The College is committed to supporting these ongoing public safety efforts, with a renewed focus on providing vaccines to school- and college-bound students and their families.

Educating the community about the importance of COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial priority in ensuring acceptance, according to Judge Vera.

“We cannot overstress how important it is for people to get vaccinated,” Vera said. “If 90 percent of the people who are dying are those who are not vaccinated, then I don’t understand why people are still reluctant to get vaccinated. It’s mindboggling because that’s the only way we are going to get past this, by more people getting vaccinated.

This was the message conveyed by leaders with South Texas College and Hidalgo County who have announced they will work collaboratively, alongside their counterparts in Starr County, to provide effective and equitable COVID-19 vaccines to community members.

South Texas College Board Chair Rose Benavidez, South Texas College Trustee Paul R. Rodriguez, and South Texas College President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis announced the college’s partnership with Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez at a press conference Aug. 4.

“Today we are commemorating the efforts with the county as the largest higher education institution and provider of healthcare training in South Texas. South Texas College is known for its impact in community engagement, and this partnership is a testament to that mission,” Dr. Solis said.

“We will mobilize and prepare our students in order to accelerate the response to delivering vaccinations to meet the community health needs in the Rio Grande Valley.”

Trustees, Dr. Solis, and Judge Cortez made the formal announcement at STC’s Nursing and Allied Health Campus Wednesday afternoon.

“Today we formally celebrate a partnership that is not just ongoing but that has been a very important component of south Texas,” Trustee Benavidez said. “It’s mission and purpose of our efforts is to educate our residents and to ensure that we are a partnership in public health and public safety.”

At the event, STC announced that it will utilize its Vocational Nursing (VN), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), and Paramedic students to hold vaccination drive events at all of its campuses in the near future, the details of which will be discussed with the Vaccine Equity Committee for RGV.

Working the with that committee, STC will help develop strategies for communities with lower vaccination rates.

STC has already received requests for vaccine drive assistance from local school districts, which are presently organizing back-to-school campaigns in the coming weeks. In response, the college intends to send out senior ADN students to those locations.

“South Texas College is not only known for providing educational opportunities but also for community service that responds to meeting the healthcare needs of the counties that we serve,”

said Dr. Jayson Valerio, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. “I am proud of our institution, that we (will) work side by side with the county to end the pandemic as our primary goal.

“I believe our micro efforts will yield macro effects in combatting COVID -19,” Dr. Valerio said.

STC has partnered throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with Hidalgo and Starr counties to support testing and vaccination efforts that have helped protect our communities. The College is committed to supporting these ongoing public safety efforts, with a renewed focus on providing vaccines to school- and college-bound students and their families.

Educating the community about the importance of COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial priority in ensuring acceptance, according to Judge Cortez.

“What really defines us is what we do for one another, and we find ourselves in tough spot. Being a community minded area is extremely important, and for STC to hurry up and say ‘Hey we’re here we want to be a part of the solution not part of the problem,’ really tells you how good of an institution we have in the Rio Grande Valley,” Cortez said. “Under the circumstances, the best thing we can do is get vaccinated.

“For us to have South Texas College and all their personnel really helps us, and that’s a big deal,” Cortez said.

South Texas College will work collaboratively with Hidalgo and Starr Counties’ efforts to provide effective and equitable COVID-19 vaccines to the community.

STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis and Dr. David Plummer, STC Vice-President of Information Services, Planning & Strategic Initiatives joined U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona for a virtual roundtable July 29 discussing the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) Supplemental Funding.

Recognizing that “equity and student-centered services are in your institutional DNA” the meeting was a chance for the secretary to hear how funds allowed the college to continue to meet student needs. The roundtable was also a way to explain how HEERF funds have helped community colleges serve their communities just as much as their students, according to USDE.

Participating in the virtual roundtable was Dr. Guy Generals, President of Community College of Philadelphia; Dr. Karrie G. Dixon, Chancellor of Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina; and Carla Sineway, President of Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College in Mount Pleasant, MI.

“It should come as no surprise that the institutions that have long dedicated themselves to serving these communities were also among the hardest hit,” Cardona said in the roundtable. “It is your response to the challenges…you did whatever you could to support our students in need.

“Your institution has been used to doing more with less for years, and it’s almost like we have normalized that, unfortunately,” Cardona added. “It is long past time for this to end, and we are hopeful that the allocation of funds is a step in the right direction.”

Secy. Cardona recognized STC for its efforts to re-engage students through its enrollment campaign and the expansion of the college’s mental health program to support student needs using HEERF funds.

“You (STC) are a perfect example of how we need to think differently,” Cardona said. “I have visited colleges across the country and I have met people who were trying college for the first time. These people are in their 50s or 60s who say ‘I want to rethink a lot of things and I want to take care of me and I want to go back to school to do something’.

“I met this person recently who had a heart attack but survived it and now decided to go back for a degree to help people who have poor health because they found their purpose in life,” Cardona said. “These are the students we have to capture now, and I see that you (STC) are setting the infrastructure to do that.”

U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez announced more than $175 million in emergency funding for institutions in the Rio Grande Valley under the American Rescue Plan in May. STC received nearly $74 million of those funds, which it then applied for numerous strategies in order to assist students through the worst of the pandemic.

Most recently, the college has enabled students to apply for a $1,700 cash award to offset the cost of their tuition and fees for fall 2021, essentially giving students a “free semester” in order to return to college.

Following a decision by South Texas College Board of Trustees in June, STC also eliminated the debt of 3,488 students with unpaid balances from recent semesters, which included over $1.9 million in outstanding student balances.

Through its “Power Up” campaign, STC has also distributed emergency relief funds directly to students in the form of grants in order to provide financial assistance to those experiencing unforeseen hardships.

STC also added several new positions during the pandemic in order to enhance student support services. This included financial aid support specialists and admissions specialists tasked with working with those students hardest hit by the pandemic.

“We are very appreciative of the HEERF program, and the opportunity that it has brought to us. Today is a defining moment,” Dr. Solis said in the roundtable. “These funds have not only assisted our mission, but it has assisted in defining and transforming our mission, and really the mission of all community colleges including those in southern United States and along the U.S.-Mexico border.

“These funds have been an incredible asset in assistance to the community colleges, especially those that have been devastated by the pandemic,” he said. “We certainly wish to continue utilizing these funds to bring our students back, and more importantly to be able to address the needs in this economic recovery in the United States.”

STC and the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen Froylán Yescas Cedillo formalized an official IME Becas amendment to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by STC president Dr. Ricardo J. Solis on July 22. The scholarship aims to increase the educational attainment level of Mexicans or persons of Mexican origin living in the US.

“There is no better investment in a person than through education, and we will continue making an effort to work with Mexico and develop more opportunities for the students of Mexico that are here in the United States,” Dr. Solis said. “We are grateful to be able to implement this project, and we know that we will take advantage and manage it well.

“I would like to thank you for giving us that money from the Mexican people to help the students in the RGV,” he said.

IME stands for “Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior” or “Institute for Mexicans Abroad” in English. The "IME Fellowship Program" of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico seeks to improve access opportunities for Mexicans and individuals of Mexican origin in all educational levels through adult education and higher education programs in the United States.

In order to qualify for one of the scholarships, a student must be a Mexican national or person of Mexican-origin, residing in the United States, and must not be receiving any other type of scholarship or financial aid.

The Consulate of Mexico in McAllen presented STC with $10,000 in order to provide scholarships to qualifying students. South Texas College will match those funds for a total of $20,000.

The scholarship funds will benefit eligible students at South Texas College at $500 per student. Scholarship funds will be distributed and designated to pay for tuition and fees, and textbooks in accordance with the terms outlined in the MOU between the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen and South Texas College.

The awards will be designated for the upcoming Fall 2021 semester, and the funds have to be expended by Oct. 29.

“I just want to reiterate that this money isn’t the consulates or from the government of Mexico, it is money that comes from the people of Mexico, from the people who work and pay their taxes,” said Yescas Cedillo in Spanish. “The government only administers. The money belongs to the people; it is the money of the people, and the best way of using that money in a productive way is this that we’re doing, making it available so that the young people can continue going to school, there is no better investment in the world than education.”

To apply for the scholarship funds, students can visit the scholarships page on the South Texas College website:

Scholarships Administered By STC's Student Financial Services

All of us can make history together.

That was a key message from new President of South Texas College, Dr. Ricardo J. Solis.

On his first day as president, Dr. Solis met with student representatives from STC’s Student Government Association (SGA) who then briefed the new president on student needs as well as perceptions of the college.

The student group included those representing STC’s Pecan Campus, Mid Valley Campus, Technology Campus, Starr County Campus, as well as dual enrollment.

“All of us here… our goal is to meet the needs of our students, and to make sure you succeed because we truly believe in the mission of the community college,” Dr. Solis said. “Our goal is to continue evolving, changing, and adapting to these needs. I am very honored to have been selected as the president of this incredible institution.”

Determined to make the meeting more of a fact-finding workshop rather than a venue to unveil his vision for the future of the college, Dr. Solis pressed SGA students about their concerns as well as experiences at STC.

The new president inquired about everything from needs on the various campuses, how to best improve reaching out to prospective students, the effectiveness of social media and marketing, and improving services on campus.

“It felt good to voice our concerns on behalf of students,” said Ulises Serna, a student from Economedes High School in Edinburg currently participating in the early college program.

“I appreciated speaking with the new president to get our point across, and the fact that he was here to listen to us really made us feel like our voice matters,” Serna said.

“I tried to convey the fact that students really do struggle, but we still do our best to get the education we need even though we don’t often have the resources,” he said. “Us being able to get these questions out in the open has been the important thing to us.”

The meeting with students preceded the new president’s visit to all STC campuses as he begins his job as the college’s second president since former president Dr. Shirley A. Reed left in January after 26 years.

Dr. Solis is the former president of Laredo College in Laredo, and previously served as Executive Dean for Academic, Professional, and Technical Education at Gateway Community College, Maricopa Community Colleges, in Phoenix, AZ.

Beginning his career in economic development before returning to college to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration – Community College Leadership from the University of Texas in his forties, Dr. Solis says he can relate to those students returning to school for want of a better life.

“The most important factor I learned after many years working with companies, organizations, and communities was that education was the bedrock,” Dr. Solis said. “Education was always the key, and the most important asset that companies need and want. These companies want to know what skills are being provided and who are the providers.

“This thinking prompted a change in my own career because I wanted to be a part of that,” he said.

Rose Benavidez, Chair of South Texas College Board of Trustees:

I am pleased to inform you that the Board of Trustees has named Dr. Ricardo Solis as the sole finalist for the position of President of South Texas College pending final negotiations. He is expected to assume the office in the month of July 2021. We are excited to welcome Dr. Solis’ leadership as we enter the next chapter of South Texas College’s history.

The Board is confident that we have found a visionary leader in Dr. Solis whose work will further elevate this great institution while staying true to our mission of access and success. We look forward to building a strong collaboration that will transcend any challenges and cement the legacy of South Texas College as a transformational agent for our region.

Ricardo Solis, Ph.D., is President of Laredo College in Laredo, TX. He previously served as Executive Dean for Academic, Professional, and Technical Education at Gateway Community College, Maricopa Community Colleges, in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Solis earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration – Community College Leadership from The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX; a Master of Business Administration in International Management from Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA; and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX.

I would like to extend my appreciation to each member of Presidential Search Committee and all our partner stakeholders for their dedication and hard work. We sincerely thank you for your dedication to South Texas College.

Trustee Victoria Cantu:

"So many individuals offered input during this process, which was tremendously valuable, Their active engagement was a welcome and was an essential part of our search. It was truly a community effort and for that I’m grateful to each and everyone involved. 

I’m faithfully confident in our boards decision as Dr. Solís is bringing an extensive amount of experience with his innovative way of leading. 

I’d like to invite our STC family to please help welcome Dr. Solís with open arms and help us help him be a successful leader for not only our college but for our community as well." 

If you have any questions, please reach out to our ACCT Search Consultant: Bill Holda, Ed.D., ACCT Search Consultant, wmholda@gmail.com, or (903) 987-3332 (mobile).