Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
The city of McAllen Sergeant of Police Jesus Regalado graduated Sunday from South Texas College with an associate degree in Criminal Justice, a milestone he is proud to finally celebrate after putting college on hold as a young adult.
“I have such a sense of accomplishment and relief knowing I made it this far,” said Regalado, who will be among the more than 2,700 graduates earning certificates or degrees from STC this semester. “It’s time to start thinking about my next goals.”
The 38-year-old first began his journey in college straight out of high school in 2005, but to help his family make ends meet, he withdrew and settled on working.
“I was a first-generation college student, but I wanted to make life easier on my parents, so I left college,” said the Edinburg native. “I was initially a business major, but that also never quite felt right. Law enforcement was really where I wanted to be. The events of 9/11 stayed engrained in my mind, inspiring me to be a part of something bigger. I wanted to protect.”
He said as a freshman in high school, on September 11, 2001, time stood still as he watched the world change right before his eyes, motivating him to take the steps toward a career in law enforcement.
“In 2008, I joined the McAllen Police Department, completing their academy and doing what I set out to do – to serve and protect,” said Regalado. “As time went on, I was promoted to sergeant, however, I realized if I wanted any kind of future in law enforcement or any other opportunities to promote, I needed a degree.”
Ready to take the next step in his career, Regalado found STC, and because he was eligible for tuition exemptions as a result of his law enforcement status, college once again became a realistic opportunity.
“The combination of goals and an affordable education made taking this step a no brainer,” he said. “Since beginning my journey at STC two years ago, my experience has been nothing short of amazing. From my initial phone call to the college to now, everyone has been extremely helpful, encouraging me every step of the way toward the finish line.”
Regalado added, “Despite my classes being online, I have also been able to make great connections with my classmates, meeting many from other police departments and branches of government.”
Regalado said he took it one class at a time to get where he is today. In addition to juggling college, he was working 40-50 hours per week and maintaining a busy lifestyle as a husband and father of two.
He added that his educational journey was manageable because it was fully online, meaning school could go wherever he went.
“I could take my classes and my work with me everywhere,” he recalls. “It was flexible and feasible for the working adult. It allowed me to set a positive example for my children, especially my oldest. Even my wife has now enrolled at STC. We couldn’t ask for a better experience.”
He said that he advocates for STC endlessly, especially among his fellow officers, hoping he can encourage them to not only continue their education, but do it at STC.
Now that Regalado is has earned his associate degree, he is looking toward the future. His degree now affords him the chance to apply for the highly competitive Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Academy, a law enforcement training and research center, apply for additional promotion opportunities and pursue a bachelor’s degree from STC in Organizational Leadership.
“I have huge goals that I could only consider if I had an associate degree, and now I’m complete,” said Regalado. “My mindset is now on my next goal, and it’s all possible because of STC, its resources and affordability. STC should be proud of everything they offer.”
STC’s Commencement Ceremonies were held December 15, 2024, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg.
For more information on STC’s Criminal Justice program, visit southtexascollege.edu.
