Texas Border Business
Speaking to Mid-Valley Campus faculty and students, new STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis says the college is unbeatable when it comes to the resources provided to students
McALLEN, TX – South Texas College is the best investment for any student in the Rio Grande Valley to pursue their goals.
That is the message from STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis who addressed students, staff, and faculty on his first official visit to STC’s Mid-Valley Campus Sept. 15.
Speaking about the role of the college, Solis noted STC reflects the border region. Just like the border, STC is multi-cultural and ingrained within the Hispanic and Mexican-American communities.
“The comprehensive mission of the community college is to deliver relevant workforce and higher education programs that give our region opportunities to build better lives,” Dr. Solis said. “There is no other institution or organization in this entire nation that can provide a more comprehensive and faster pathway, with the programs, courses, and credentials to help people of all ages and all backgrounds.
“That is what the community college does. That is what STC does,” he said.
Solis’ visit to the Mid-Valley included an opportunity to speak and address faculty, staff, and students’ concerns at the campus.
STC Trustee Danny Guzman, who represents district 7 which includes Northeast Hidalgo County, North Weslaco, Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, and Mercedes, was in attendance along with STC vice presidents and deans. Trustee Guzman, President Solis, and the gathered administrators heard from students, faculty, and staff about what South Texas College is doing well, and what areas they would like to see improved.
“We have something other campuses don’t have, and that is the fact that we are really like a microcosm for every STC campus all in one campus,” said Mid-Valley campus administrator Daniel Montez. “We have academics, technical, allied health, continuing education, all of these programs are being offered at Mid Valley, and we are very proud of the fact that we have a little bit of everything to offer here at our campus.
“This is the heart of the Valley, and this is where the upper Valley and lower Valley converge. We tend to be a little of both,” Montez said.
Beginning his career in economic development before returning to college to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration – Community College Leadership from the University of Texas in his forties, Dr. Solis says he can relate to those students returning to school for want of a better life.
Also drawing upon experience in international trade, from international bridges to industrial parks in diverse regions including Mexico, South America, China and finally the Rio Grande Valley, Solis said community colleges have to be creative and ready for continuous change.
“When it comes to cost, to quality and flexibility, nobody can touch us. Our programs are just as good, whether it’s English, Math, Chemistry, Biology, they are all the same quality as those in a university,” Dr. Solis said. “In fact, they’re better here because we have smaller classes, with more hands-on instructors. Universities don’t have that, and no university can touch us. “We are the Valley’s college,” Dr. Solis said. “My goal is to take South Texas College to a higher level where we can promote the image that the Valley itself deserves, that our citizens deserve.”
