Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
In a passionate opening to the McAllen Municipal Election Forum, Dr. Ricardo Solis, President of South Texas College (STC), delivered a powerful message about the significance of McAllen—not just locally but nationally—while highlighting the vital role STC plays in shaping the region’s future.
Standing in front of an audience that included students, local leaders, and community members, Dr. Solis began by welcoming attendees to the “original Pecan campus” of South Texas College, a place he described as both historically foundational and deeply forward-looking. “This is our original campus here in McAllen,” he added, “and I know clearly today the focus is going to be about this great city of McAllen.”
Dr. Solis quickly widened the scope of his remarks, tying the evening’s local elections to a national conversation about the U.S.-Mexico border. “Never before in the political history of the United States—during a general national election—has the border been the number one priority,” he said. “Think about that. The number one priority by both candidates, by both parties: the border region.”
He emphasized McAllen’s position in this dynamic national landscape. “We are right here in the middle of all of this activity. We are in the most strategic location,” he said. “McAllen is at the epicenter of what’s taking place throughout South Texas and the entire border, the entire U.S.-Mexico.”
Dr. Solis’ remarks framed the evening as more than a political event—a moment of civic engagement at the core of a region facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. “This is so critical because it affects all of us,” he said, pivoting to how South Texas College is directly involved in shaping solutions through education and empowerment.
He spoke with pride about the evolution and impact of STC. “We’re the most advanced transformative college in the state of Texas,” he said, citing the college’s six campuses. He especially emphasized the importance of the three locations in McAllen: the original Pecan campus offering associate and bachelor’s degrees, the Technology Campus, and the Nursing and Allied Health Campus.
“These are the three most important campuses,” Dr. Solis noted. The Technology Campus, he said, is the “flagship of programs when it comes to technology opportunities—advanced manufacturing, automotive, welding, HVAC, computers… I can go on and on.” He also highlighted the relevance of construction management and its connection to current infrastructure challenges discussed during the forum.
Dr. Solis emphasized the collaboration between the college and the City of McAllen when discussing the Nursing and Allied Health programs. “That is our program that we’re so excited about—that the City of McAllen has been instrumental in providing us all the assistance we get for increasing our nursing capacity here in South Texas.”
As he transitioned toward introducing the forum, Dr. Solis emphasized the significance of civic participation and education. “It says a lot what we’re doing here today,” he remarked, nodding to students from the government and political science programs in attendance. “We’re very excited. I see many students here… which is why we’re proud to host tonight’s FUTURO RGV candidate forum.”
Dr. Solis also acknowledged the role of FUTURO RGV in organizing the event. “This program, this venue, has been put together by FUTURO… we’re here just hosting, providing the facility and nothing else,” he clarified, while also crediting the college for offering “the electronics, the video, the media, the access.”
He closed his remarks with humor and humility, joking that his “one-minute elevator pitch” had become something longer. But the extended applause clearly showed that the audience welcomed his overview.
His final words underlined the purpose of the evening and the larger role that STC plays in fostering community leadership. “Looking forward to moving this city forward,” he said, handing the event to the moderators and candidates.
At that moment, Dr. Solis made it clear: South Texas College is not merely an educational institution. It is a civic pillar, a workforce engine, and a place for opportunities—right in the heart of a region shaping the national conversation.
