Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
Born and raised in Donna, Texas, David De Los Rios with school board experience is familiar with the educational landscape of the Rio Grande Valley and the importance of making a higher education accessible to all.
De Los Rios was recently elected to the South Texas College Trustee Board of Directors representing District 6, which includes Donna, South Alamo, South San Juan, Southeast Pharr, South Weslaco and Progreso.
“STC is a prestigious board to be elected to,” said De Los Rios. “It’s an honor to be a part of this team, and together, I know we’ll continue to make extensive advances in education and technology for our region.”
As a former Donna Independent School District Board Member, serving from 2016 to 2022, De Los Rios said he is passionate about making a difference in the communities he serves, and this stems from a desire to “pay it forward.”
“Years later, after not getting a high school diploma, I earned my general education diploma (GED) and then I continued to get my associate degree in 2013,” he said. “I realized the importance of an education from certificates to degrees, and as a father, I want my children and their peers to have access to what I didn’t have, and that includes a higher education.”
As an RGV marketer and promoter, De Los Rios, in addition to his associate degree, also has numerous certifications in areas such as project management, event management and safety, that have allowed him to excel in his profession and in supporting the RGV community.
He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in Business Administration from Texas State University and expects to earn the degree next year.
“Through my learning and experience as a school board member, I have been able to help numerous students get the education they deserve to improve their lives and that of their families,” said De Los Rios. “Now as an STC trustee, my mission continues. STC is already taking higher education to new levels, and I look forward to being an advocate for our STC community.”
With at least two board meetings under his belt and hundreds of documents read and reviewed, De Los Rios said he now feels like he has a better understanding of what it means to be an STC Trustee.
“There is always a learning curve, in everything anybody does, but I’m up for the learning and the challenge,” he said.
One of the goals De Los Rios is working toward as an STC Trustee is expanding on the many programs already offered at STC’s Mid-Valley campus.
He added that, with the Mid-Valley seeing exponential growth, focusing on creating this skilled workforce will help meet the industry demand in the area.
“Under Dr. Solis’ leadership and the Trustees, who I have the privilege of joining, meeting industry demand and customizing training has been a top priority, and I look forward to joining that mission to not only provide skilled graduates, but more job opportunities.”
Furthermore, De Los Rios said, he is ready to work closely with his district’s elected officials with an aim of gaining more support and advocates for the college.
“STC is transforming generations and creating a college-going culture that is vital to our area,” he said. “Education is the key to success, and whether our students choose a short-term certificate or a bachelor’s degree, STC offers something for everyone.”
