Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – After 25 years of dedicated teaching and service at Texas Southmost College, instructor Maggie Solis has officially retired, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped generations of students.
Solis, who served as the college’s accounting technology program coordinator, concluded her career at the end of the spring semester.
“I’ve been teaching for those 25 years between what is UTB/TSC and what is now Texas Southmost College,” Solis said. “Not an easy decision.”
Health concerns played a role in her decision to retire, but Solis says she leaves her post with gratitude and pride.
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“I never realized that I would end my career in the very same halls where I once walked as a student, later as a professional, and ultimately as an instructor,” Solis said. “It truly represents a full-circle journey in life.”
Solis worked in various accounting roles for other organizations before returning to the institution in 1993 to join the accounting department in the business office. Her willingness and ability to help others quickly caught the attention of one of her supervisors.
“She took the initiative to speak with the business department director about a potential adjunct position for me,” Solis said. “Soon after, I began teaching as an adjunct instructor for about three years. When a full-time opportunity became available, I pursued it, and the rest is history.”
She fondly remembers an era in which instruction relied exclusively on traditional, non-digital materials.
“Lessons were taught using a chalkboard, with chalk and erasers always nearby, and assignments were handwritten and submitted in person during class.” she said. “Instruction, coursework, and assignment submissions are now largely completed through Canvas and other online programs and software.”
Her influence reaches far beyond the classroom. Solis has taught and mentored thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers — some returning to work at TSC.
“It’s been very rewarding seeing the growth of students and them working through a career path,” Solis said.
Solis also made a meaningful impact in the community through her involvement with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Alongside her students, she volunteered her time as a tax preparer to help underserved residents file their tax returns at no cost.
“It’s wonderful to be able to assist people from the community by doing their tax returns and it’s all for free,” she said. “They’re super excited — some of them even come by with doughnuts because they are very grateful.”
Over the years, Solis and her students have helped thousands of community members secure millions of dollars in tax refunds.
“This year, the TSC ITEC Center VITA site concluded the tax season after successfully completing 2,882 tax returns, generating an economic impact of more than $5 million in total refunds for the community,” Solis said.
Among her most cherished memories is working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure students received an education that would serve them well beyond graduation.
“Teaching has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues and to teach and mentor so many remarkable students throughout the years,” she said. “The relationships, experiences, and memories I have gained during my time at TSC will always remain meaningful to me.”
After decades of dedication to education and community service, Solis now looks forward to focusing on her health and enjoying time with family — leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape the future of TSC students for years to come.
