Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
With more than 15 years of service, dedication and leadership in the classroom, Assistant Professor Paul Gonzalez, Ph.D., will bring his experience and vision to a new role as Chair of South Texas College’s Department of Psychological Science.
Gonzalez began his career at STC in 2010 as a lecturer and has since become an integral part of the Psychological Science Department, serving twice as assistant chair.
A native of the Rio Grande Valley, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas–Pan American (UTPA) before completing his doctorate in Clinical Psychology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. His background in clinical psychology has fueled his passion for teaching and mentoring students.
“It’s very rewarding working with students as opposed to doing clinical work because there is a lot more interaction and you can see the effects of your work right away,” he said. “You can also have a bigger impact because when people are younger, they’re still figuring out what to do. I found teaching a lot more rewarding than anything else.”
Throughout his tenure, Gonzalez has played a pivotal role in enhancing student engagement. Alongside faculty members Liza Veliz and Carlo Gonzalez, he cofounded the Psychology Club to give students a platform to connect with their peers and explore the field. He is also actively involved in the Psi Beta National Honor Society for Psychology, serving as Regional Vice President and sitting on the National Council.
Liza Veliz, assistant professor of Psychological Science, expressed her confidence in Gonzalez’s leadership.
“With a deep understanding of the human mind and a passion for teaching, Paul Gonzalez empowers students not only to learn psychology, but to thrive through it—fostering critical thinking, scientific curiosity and a lasting drive for personal and academic success,” she said. “As he transitions into the role of Chair of the Department of Psychological Science, I’m confident he will lead with insight and integrity—fostering a dynamic learning environment where both faculty and students can achieve their highest potential.”
Gonzalez expressed deep gratitude for the trust and confidence his colleagues placed in him when they voted him into the chair position. Their support reinforces his commitment to serving the department with dedication and integrity.
“It’s always nice when faculty have faith that you will do a good job,” he said. “I see myself as a caretaker of the program, an advocate for the faculty and someone who can address the needs of our students. I want to provide stability and predictability for everyone.”
In addition to his administrative vision, Gonzalez hopes students gain a deeper appreciation for psychology’s broad applications.
“The nice thing about teaching psychology is that even if you don’t acknowledge it, it’s a part of everyone’s life,” he said. “You don’t have to major in Psychology to benefit from it. The field teaches students to think scientifically, analyze critically and question what they know. These skills are valuable in any career.”
Gonzalez credits his passion for teaching and mentorship to the transformative experiences he had as an undergraduate student. He recalls how one professor challenged him to think in new ways and encouraged him to push beyond his perceived limits.
“One of my professors opened my mind in ways it had never been opened before, and that person immediately became my mentor,” he said. “Mentoring is something we as professors can do to inspire the next generation and open up a world of possibilities they never considered.”
As department chair, Gonzalez remains committed to supporting both faculty and students while continuing to advance the STC Psychological Science program.
For more information on STC’s Psychological Science program, visit: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/psychology/.
Information source: STC
