From the first campus of South Texas College to new Texas A&M – McAllen Campus
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez,
As Originally Published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition.
It cannot get any better, Texas Border Business 2015 October issue carries many interesting stories to read. One of them brings great satisfaction because we had the opportunity to feature Dr. Shirley Reed, the South Texas College president.
The article was written by Dr. Gilberto de los Santos, Marketing Professor Emeritus, The University of Texas-PA. He did a wonderful job because now this issue serves as a sample that tells the story of the importance of the college in the region and the great leader that heads the institution of high learning.
The new century becomes even more interesting when just prior to publishing this issue, South Texas College announced its official enrollment figures with a record-breaking 34,641 students for the fall 2015 semester, reflecting a 10.6 percent increase of approximately 3,316 students over fall 2014.
All I can say is Congratulations! What an accomplishment. This has happened because the leadership at STC has been genuine from its inception. These results not only tell the story that they are growing, but for those who have a vision and are able to see beyond, it tells them to get ready, because the best is yet to come.
In 1993, when STC started it had no students, today it is a very different story. This issue gives you the opportunity to meet Dr. Reed, and in a fast-writing style, the author takes you from the beginning to 2015.
The feature story is titled “Dr. Shirley A. Reed’s Commitment to the Greater Good is Demonstrated By Her Success in Overcoming Structural Barriers in Higher Education.”
I know that you will enjoy it.
Boggus Ford Lincoln has come on board to support this year’s Santa Fe Wine Classic. The Classic is held to benefit the McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s education initiatives. More information in this issue.
The Big Story in this issue is that Texas A&M University’s decision to establish a stand-alone four-year University campus in McAllen, Texas is a good excuse to applaud. Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp announced at a joint meeting of the McAllen City Council and Hidalgo County Commission that a 100-acre tract of land in the new master-planned community Tres Lagos (treslagosmcallen.com), in northern McAllen, would be the site of the new university campus. Plans call for Texas A&M to be open for classes in McAllen in the fall of 2017. More inside this issue.
On another matter, the City of Edinburg’s Finance Department has once again been recognized by the Government of Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for a job well done.
A well deserved recognition. Andrea Rodríguez was recognized for her leadership in Chairing the Empty Bowls 2014 and 2015 events. She is the Director of Sales and Marketing for DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in McAllen.
And Brian Lewis of Higginbotham Insurance was also recognized at the last chamber executive committee meeting for his service on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
A just gesture from the City of McAllen; it held a press conference regarding the third annual marathon. With late Commissioner Crane’s family and runners in attendance, Mayor Jim Darling announced the race was officially named the McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Memorial Run. !Muy bien!
And for those who want to get rid of the stress, go and stay at the Indian Ridge Bed & Breakfast. This paradise resort is tucked away in the outskirts of Mission, Texas. It is a secluded hideaway paradise, loved and adored by birders and butterfly watchers. More inside this issue.
This Texas Border Business issue has much more, so make time to read from page one to the last. Enjoy! TBB
