Texas Border Business
By Sara Reyna
For South Texas College Faculty member and Program Chair Rolando Longoria, Ph.D., being honored with a National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award, is invigorating and incredibly humbling, attributing his impact on students to a genuine love for education that permeates beyond the classroom.
“When you’re passionate about education, you don’t do it for the recognition or accolades,” Longoria shared. “For me, teaching is about playing a meaningful role in the lives of students, helping them unlock their full potential and fostering their curiosity about the world around them. To be recognized in this capacity by peers and the institution is invigorating and a deeply validating experience.”
Raised in El Paso, Texas, surrounded by the rich culture of his Mexican-American heritage, Longoria’s early life experiences laid the foundation for his journey to Stanford, California. His path took an unexpected turn when he discovered a deeper calling in sociology.
“El Paso nurtured my appreciation for Mexican-American culture and ignited my awareness of social injustices,” Longoria explained. “As a teenager, I was already thinking sociologically without realizing it. Initially, I believed my calling was to work in genetics and that’s what led me to Stanford. However, living in California, the mentors I encountered there, completely redirected my focus from science to sociology.”
After earning his bachelor’s degree in Human Biology from Stanford University in 2003, Longoria began working with the Stanford Medical Youth Science Program, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering low-income, first-generation students interested in medical careers.
“Working with at-risk youth was a turning point for me and solidified my desire to become an educator,” Longoria shared. “During this time, I also connected with my own mentor, inspiring me to continue my studies. This led me to pursue graduate work at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I focused on Chicano/a Studies and later Sociology in 2014, which ultimately brought me to South Texas College four years later.”
With more than 19 years of experience to his credit, Longoria views teaching as a dynamic platform for exploration, where students can uncover and pursue their passions.
He emphasized that teaching is more than just delivering content, it’s about sparking critical thinking and empowering students to take the reins on their educational journeys.
“I strive to create spaces where students feel inspired to ask questions, challenge ideas and dive into topics that resonate with them,” Longoria shared. “As educators, we have the privilege of guiding our students through the process of discovery and I make it a priority to support their curiosities.”
With an influence felt beyond the classroom, STC bachelor’s student Marc Cardenas credits Longoria for his mentorship that helped shape his personal and professional growth.
“I had the pleasure of working with Professor Longoria and I truly appreciate how he mentored me for two years,” Cardenas shared. “His guidance was crucial in helping me develop my skills and he even encouraged me to pursue my personal interest in computer technology. I have seen first-hand how dedicated he is to driving student success because I am product of his commitment to helping others.”
As Longoria celebrates seven years of teaching at the college and a 2024 NISOD Excellence Award, he remains committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment that instills inspiration for students to succeed and follow their dreams.
“My goal is to take a holistic approach in my courses, encouraging students to embrace their passions, share their opinions and realize that wherever they are in their educational journey is the perfect place to start,” Longoria said. “If you have an idea, a motivation or a curiosity, now is the time to fight for your dreams.”
