Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College’s pioneering work in artificial intelligence (AI) is drawing national attention as out-of-state institutions are visiting the college to learn more about the college’s innovative use of applied AI across its academic and workforce programs.
Columbia State Community College in Tennessee recently participated in a visit to STC that brought together faculty, administrators and AI leaders from both institutions for discussions centered on curriculum development, workforce partnerships and strategies for preparing students for AI-driven industries.
The visit stemmed from a presentation delivered by STC Advance Manufacturing and Mechatronics Technology (AMT) Program Chair Erika Guerra at the American Association of Community Colleges Workforce Development Institute earlier this year, where she highlighted the college’s efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into manufacturing education.
“Columbia attended that workshop and reached out to me,” Guerra said. “They liked the information that I gave on how we are adapting artificial intelligence in our AMT department and how we are tracking it within the Division of Business, Public Safety and Technology (BPST).”
Representatives from Columbia State, including Aaron Beshears, Ph.D., director of artificial intelligence; Patrick McElhiney, director of grants and Mehran Mostajir, dean of Business and Technology, visited STC as part of Columbia’s COMPASS initiative, a four-year U.S. Department of Education-funded project designed to expand AI integration across teaching, learning and student support services.
“The momentum you have built around AI is remarkable, and it is clearly supported by broad institutional buy-in, from presidential leadership all through faculty and staff,” Beshears said. “I was especially impressed by the BPST Division’s commitment to staying ahead of the technology curve and ensuring students train on current, industry-relevant tools, including AI. That culture of forward-thinking is a real strength.”
During the visit, Columbia State visited with STC’s AI Task Force, faculty from Cybersecurity and Information Technology and leaders involved in the college’s community education AI offerings.
Both institutions expressed interest in continuing discussions and exploring future opportunities for collaboration, which may include workforce development initiatives and AI-focused research projects in order to prepare students for the demands of industry.
“We had a great exchange of ideas,” Guerra said. “We were able to see that we have some similarities, some things are different and it was just a great collaboration and discussion with those visitors from Columbia who had heard about us and wanted to know more.”
The visit also provided an opportunity for STC leaders to showcase how artificial intelligence has become embedded throughout the college, from workforce training and manufacturing programs to broader strategic planning efforts.
Jesus Campos, Ed.D., interim vice president for Information Services, Planning, Performance and Strategic Initiatives, said the discussions with Columbia reaffirmed that STC’s approach to AI implementation is aligned with emerging best practices across higher education.
Campos said STC’s approach emphasizes both innovation and responsibility by balancing experimentation with the development of policies and safeguards that support ethical AI use.
“It gives us an opportunity to hear what others are doing and to share notes on what we are doing,” Campos said. “On one hand, we can share the great things we are doing, but it also helps us identify any gaps or areas where we an improve. It reaffirmed that the directions we are taking are very sound.”
Joe Vela, interim dean of Business, Public Safety and Technology at STC agreed that the visit demonstrates how STC’s AI initiatives are attracting attention far beyond Texas.
“Individuals from other universities are starting to notice, and they are coming to us and looking to us for answers,” Vela said. Even though the work began in manufacturing, institutions are looking at how they can replicate that success in other programs. They are looking at STC as a leader in that space.”
Beshears said he believed the visit marked the start of a dynamic partnership between the two institutions, and representatives from Columbia left inspired by the vision of STC leadership and faculty.
“Your willingness to share your experiences and lessons learned speaks to the collaborative spirit that defines South Texas College. We left inspired by the clarity of your vision, the strength of your execution, and the commitment your teams bring to advancing AI‑enabled workforce development,” Beshears said. “I am especially grateful for the partnership we are beginning to build together. Our conversations around AI governance, advisory structures, and institutional strategy were incredibly valuable, and the opportunities we identified for joint grant work in AI, security, and technology make the path ahead even more exciting. We look forward to continuing this work side by side and exploring the opportunities ahead.”
For more information on all the exciting developments happening within AI at STC, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/ai/.
Information source: STC
