A State and National Leader

South Texas College has been the answer for tens of thousands of locals who have not had the financial means or academic preparation for the rigor of a four-year university straight out of high school.

In all, there are 50 community colleges across Texas all tasked with improving a region’s economic prosperity and providing residents with a better quality of life. Here in the Valley, South Texas College is celebrating 30 years of success and service.

With April designated Community College Month, it’s a good time to review STC’s note-worthy contributions – and there are many.

STC has become a state leader in Dual Credit Programs and Workforce Training, especially in offering innovative educational opportunities such as apprenticeships and competency-based learning which allows students to use work experience to get college credit. And, STC is nationally recognized for its bachelor’s programs; currently it’s the only college in Texas to offer five bachelor’s degrees.

“South Texas College is a vital part of our region,” said STC Board Chair Rose Benavidez. “For many, we are their only choice for a higher education. We are a first-class institution that provides more than 60% of our students the honor of becoming first-generation college graduates. As someone who grew up in an underserved area, I understand how crucial it is to have access to opportunity. STC is changing lives while improving communities and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of that transformation.”

To meet the educational and vocational training needs of the Valley, STC is comprised of six campuses – Starr County in Rio Grande City; Pecan, Nursing and Allied Health and Technology in McAllen; Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr and Mid-Valley in Weslaco, with two additional Higher Education Centers in Pharr and La Joya.

With a new dynamic, community-minded president at the helm, STC has emerged as a big player in moving the region forward.

“We are in a time of transition; a time when we must be big thinkers, be bold innovators and take risks,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “STC is providing relevant career choices for the entire Rio Grande Valley community. We are creating economic opportunities that bring a better quality of life for the people of our region. We are doing that through creative partnerships with local government, industry and other institutions of education.”