Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – South Texas College President Dr. Shirley A. Reed is headed to New York City to receive the 2018 Western Regional Chief Executive Officer Award.
The Award will be given to Reed at the 49th Annual Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Leadership Congress event, taking place on October 26.
The award recognizes one trustee, one equity program, one chief executive officer, one faculty member, and one professional board staff member in each of its five regions for their tremendous contributions to community colleges.
Reed, the founding president, developed South Texas College from a “blank canvas” to serve South Texas, a region that was once plagued by limited access to higher education and workforce training.
Her notable accomplishments include:
- Orchestrating approval of a taxing district to fund college operations and leading efforts to pass three bond issues totaling $227 million for campus construction
- Expanding the College to 34,000 students on six campuses
- Contributing to reduced unemployment by 72% and poverty by 25%
- Initiating one of the nation’s largest tuition-free dual credit programs: 29 Early College High Schools, 78 high schools, 14,000 dual credit students
- Pioneering applied baccalaureate degrees and helping secure legislative approval for expansion to other Texas community colleges
Today, the College is the catalyst for economic development, regional prosperity, and social mobility in South Texas.
South Texas College Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Paul Rodriguez says Reed is a leader in education who deserves the award.
“The board of trustees is extremely proud of the many accomplishments South Texas College has achieved under Dr. Shirley Reed’s leadership,” said Rodriguez. “As our only chief executive officer since the college’s establishment 25 years ago, she has been relentless in promoting the College’s role in enhancing the quality of life and job opportunity in our region through education.”
“Dr. Reed has served as an inspiration and a catalyst in the efforts to transform the Rio Grande Valley and our entire region’s educational attainment,” said STC Board of Trustees Vice Chair Rose Benavidez. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work and learn from a selfless and committed individual who has dedicated her life to improve the lives of others. Honoring her with this recognition is long overdue and a testament to her countless achievements.”
Dr. Reed is also eligible to receive the national –level recognition, the Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award. The awardee will be announced at the awards gala.
The South Texas College family congratulates Dr. Reed and wishes her good luck on her nomination for the national award.
