Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – Eight months into the job as a member of South Texas College’s Board of Trustees, Victoria Cantu says advocating for the college on a national level remains her top priority for 2019.
Always eager to serve as a public advocate and ambassador for the college wherever she visits, Cantu said her job on the board remains to ensure that STC stays at the forefront, leaving an indelible imprint on society that empowers all students.
“It’s important that we continue to attract students from all over because STC is not only a community college but an institution that can provide excellence in higher education to a dynamic student body population,” Cantu said. “I will continue to work to reduce barriers that prevent students from graduating on time and working with industry leaders to establish career pathways for highly skilled employment opportunities for our students.”
Cantu is currently the CEO of Children’s Education Station, a childcare program based in Peñitas, Texas assisting with the development of children ranging in ages from infant to elementary level. She represents District 2 for STC, which serves the areas of La Joya, Western Mission, Palmview, Sullivan City, Penitas, and Western Alton. She began her position on the Board in May 2018.
“My experience on the Board has been both personally and professionally rewarding, yet a bit challenging since holding public office can be a bit demanding,” she said. “I am proud to be a part of this incredible and dynamic board where each and everyone brings a unique attribute to the table. My desire to serve stems from the love I hold dear to our community and that to me is priceless.”
Equally important priorities for Cantu include supporting the development and maintenance of innovative, high-quality programs that meet student, employer and community needs.
Cantu says she wants to encourage the college to adopt common business practices and services that facilitate student access and success as well as help close the achievement gap and improve outcomes for all students by supporting recruitment, retention, and increase graduate completion rates.
“I truly believe that higher education is a pathway to success for our children and we need to provide the support and resources to help them be successful in their college experience,” Cantu said. “As a trustee, I want to make a difference and I want to make that direct impact in their success. I want to know what challenges arise for our students and how we as a board can come together and help overcome these challenges.”
Trustee Victoria Cantu’s top priorities for 2019:
- Continue to advocate for South Texas College locally, statewide and nationally.
- Support the development and maintenance of innovative, high-quality programs that meet student, employer and community needs, and maintain the excellent reputation of the college. Ensure opportunities for all types of students, including transfer, workforce, basic skills, and lifelong learners.
- 3. Encourage the college to adopt common business practices and services that facilitate student access and success.
