Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College Associate Vice President of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships Rebecca De Leon, Ph.D. is making history as the first from STC to be appointed as president-elect on the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) Board of Directors.
“This was unexpected. I’m still taking it all in, but it is exciting, and I’m honored. It could not have come at a better time, as we kickoff 25 years of dual credit at STC,” said De Leon. “This gives STC more time to shine at a national level. Our dual credit model is nationally recognized, and this opportunity allows me to further showcase the importance dual credit holds in our communities.”
STC is the only college in Texas to be accredited through NACEP, proving that the rigor of the program meets and exceeds all accreditation standards at the college.
“NACEP’s focus is to ensure that dual credit programming is of the highest quality and that our faculty are the most qualified and knowledgeable,” said De Leon. “NACEP also serves as a resource and support system for colleges like STC, when it comes to accreditation and best practices.”
As president-elect, De Leon will have oversight of numerous committees such as engagement, research, advocacy, accreditation and professional development. Her goals for this position are expansive, but her initial duty will be all about learning.
For the last three years, De Leon has served as a member-at-large for the NACEP Accreditation Commission.
“I have so much to learn within the scope of NACEP and its strategic plan, but I do know that my priority will always be about program success. Ultimately, it is all about our students and what is best for them,” said she said.
In last two years, STC has hosted the NACEP Summit for Dual Credit Programs at South Padre Island, Texas. Hundreds of educators from across the country come together to learn and share dual credit updates, information and best practices.
Last year’s summit saw a record number of breakout sessions and annually, has seen an exponential increase in attendance, with 32 states represented.
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D., said De Leon has played a crucial role in ensuring that this summit is a success for all who attend, going above and beyond her duties as a member-at-large.
“I’m very proud of Dr. De Leon and all of her accomplishments,” said Petrosian. “She will do an excellent job in her new role, and I know she will continue to promote collaboration and outreach.”
Describing this recent achievement as a full-circle moment, De Leon recalls how vital dual credit was to her growth and success as a student.
“Being a dual credit student was a transformative moment in my life. It built an educational foundation that I am now so passionate about,” she said. “To be where I am today – I’ve come full circle. This is my chance to serve students, not only in our region, but across our country. This is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”
De Leon will serve as president-elect for two terms, years, and during this time, she will have the opportunity to travel across the country promoting dual credit and all it has to offer.
Looking ahead into the new year, in addition to her new role, De Leon said she also plans to seek reaccreditation for STC’s Dual Credit Programs and expand opportunities for its partnering high schools and students.
STC’s Dual Credit Programs boasts 21 partnering school districts, at 70 high school site across Hidalgo and Starr Counties, and since its inception has served 145,000 students and has saved families more than $425 million in tuition.
For more information on STC’s Dual Credit Programs, visit southtexascollege.edu/dual.
