Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
In 2014, South Texas College alumnus Michael Cortez made history as the first-ever graduate of the college’s Law Enforcement Associate of Applied Science program, an accomplishment that has led to many opportunities throughout his 21-year career with the San Benito Police Department, where he currently serves as police captain.
A devoted husband and father of two, Cortez is a proud jaguar who returned to STC as adjunct faculty to offer the same encouragement and opportunity he once received, supporting students who are seeking to advance their careers in law enforcement.
“When I look back at my time at STC, I always felt the school genuinely cared. I am very grateful for that. They cared about me and my success, and they continue to care about the success of their students as a whole,” he said. “I am honored to play a part in their development as professionals and to contribute to the communities we serve.”
Cortez’s journey into law enforcement began unexpectedly when, at 19, he took a job as a dispatcher with the San Benito Police Department in 2003. Surrounded by officers who inspired him, he realized he wanted to join their ranks.
“To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect from a law enforcement career. I had family in the field, and my brother was an officer, so when the opportunity to apply as a dispatcher came up, I took it,” he said. “About 10 months later, three patrol positions opened and, again, I applied. I officially became a police officer in 2004.”
As a young officer supporting his family, college was not immediately accessible. That changed when his girlfriend, now his wife, saw potential he had not yet pursued.
“After being a police officer for several years, my wife knew I wanted to earn a college degree,” Cortez said. “One day she asked me what my plans were for the following week, and when I did not have an answer, she told me she had already enrolled me in college to get me on track. Without my wife and family’s support, the successes and education that came later would not have been possible. I am truly thankful and blessed to have her.”
After completing his core courses, Cortez found his next step when STC launched its Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement. He recognized an opportunity designed for working professionals like him. He enrolled, excelled and became the first graduate in 2014, earning Summa Cum Laude honors with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
“The program is fully online now, but back then, it was not. I was working full time as a police officer and raising a young family and the instructors understood that. They did their best to accommodate my schedule and I appreciated how many professionals with real-world experience were teaching and leading the program,” he added. “I was proud to be the first graduate and to walk across the stage that day. Earning my degree showed me that I was capable and it motivated me to keep going.”
Cortez went on to complete a bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership from STC in 2015, again graduating with honors, and later earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management in 2017 from the National American University.
He credits STC with preparing him not only academically, but personally, for leadership.
“Of the many lessons I learned at STC, the one that stands out most is that people come from all walks of life but often arrive at similar paths,” he said. “With the right motivation and support, individuals can accomplish anything they set their minds to. STC provided valuable lessons, and I met so many great people, both faculty and fellow students, who supported one another. We can do the same in the communities we live in. Together, we can accomplish so much more.”
As STC’s program expanded, the college sought working professionals to help teach and mentor students, and Cortez saw an opportunity to give back.
“The year 2015 marked the end of my time as an STC student, but I knew I was not done,” he said. “I wanted to stay involved and continue growing, so when the opportunity came up, I applied to be an adjunct instructor, and I was grateful to be selected.”
Cortez began teaching in spring 2018 and has remained part of the program as it expanded and transitioned online. His reward, he says, isn’t just teaching, it’s watching his students succeed.
“It makes you feel extremely proud when you see success stories of former students who have moved on to local, state and federal positions where they are now leading others,” he said. “Knowing that I was once in their shoes and that they have chosen a path that will reward them in their futures means a lot to me. I am honored to have a role in their careers.”
For students just entering the profession, he offers simple, serious advice:
“You will get out of this journey what you put into it,” he said. “Through hard work and dedication in any field, you can accomplish all goals you set for yourselves. Stay true to yourself, keep a level head and treat people with respect.”
Today, Cortez continues to serve both in the field and in the classroom, committed to a profession that gave him purpose and a community that welcomed him. For him, the work is no longer just about his own success, but about helping others reach theirs.
“STC is an innovative and professional institution that has helped shape and mold the future leaders of the Rio Grande Valley since the early 1990s,” he said. “I am grateful to have been shaped here, and now to help shape others in the same way.”
For more information on STC’s Law Enforcement or other Public Safety programs and training opportunities, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4200.
