Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
In a special event attended by local education, community and business leaders, South Texas College (STC) and National University (NU) recently commemorated the first anniversary of their strong partnership, which brings new academic and scholarship opportunities to the Rio Grande Valley.
“STC and NU share a vision to transform and elevate higher education. With their impressive catalog of unique and innovative programs, they offer opportunities not found elsewhere in our region, perfectly complementing the quality of education we already provide at STC,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “This is exactly what our community deserves, accessible options and opportunities, particularly for working professionals.”
Renowned for its expertise in online learning, National University, based in San Diego, California, has significantly expanded educational opportunities in the RGV since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with STC a year ago.
This collaboration enables eligible STC bachelor’s degree alumni to transition into a master’s program with a 25% tuition discount scholarship. Additionally, faculty, staff, their spouses and dependents can also receive a scholarship toward graduate or doctoral programs.
“NU was founded with the mission to serve working adults, including parents, military personnel and students who may face barriers to education,” explained Eric Roe, NU Dean and Regional Vice President for Texas. “For over 50 years, we have dedicated ourselves to supporting these types of nontraditional students, and we’re excited to expand our presence and partnerships across the nation in regions like the RGV, where there is a strong demand for these opportunities.”
During the event, STC Public Relations and Communication Manager Amanda Sotelo, the first graduate from the STC, NU collaboration and recipient of the tuition reduction scholarship, spoke about the way this opportunity changed her life.
“Only 8% of Hispanic women in the United States hold a master’s degree, and thanks to this partnership, I was able to join these incredible women,” she said. “When I first heard about this opportunity, I knew in my heart that this was my chance, my moment. Although it had been 13 years since my time in the classroom, my family and I made it through together.”
With over a decade of experience in the field and nearly three years at STC, she recently earned a master’s degree in Strategic Communications from NU, accomplishing this remarkable achievement in just 10 months.
“Working full-time, raising two young children and pursuing a master’s degree isn’t for the faint of heart, but I did it for them. I want my children to know that anything is possible,” she continued. “And while I may be the first alumna from this partnership, I know I’m not the last. This is only the beginning.”
Additionally, National University donated a $2,500 check to the STC Foundation, which will be allocated to scholarships, opening more opportunities for students in the region.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with STC, the only community college in the state offering five bachelor’s degrees,” said Roe. “This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to further expand educational pathways and create lasting opportunities for this vibrant community. We’re committed to continuing to work together to bring even greater opportunities to this dynamic region.”
NU is San Diego’s largest private, nonprofit university. It offers more than 190 online and on-campus programs, with flexible four-week and eight-week classes and one-to-one education models designed to help working students reach their academic goals.
To date, NU has more than 250,000 alumni across 50 states and 20 countries.
For more information on this partnership and opportunity, visit academicaffairs.southtexascollege.edu/transfer-center/.
