Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Brownsville, Texas — Texas Southmost College President Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez called for regional cooperation to address water challenges and support economic growth during remarks at the RGV Connect Water Forum held April 15, 2026, at the college’s Performing Arts Center.
Welcoming attendees on behalf of the college’s board of trustees, faculty, and staff, Rodríguez emphasized the importance of working together to address regional issues.
“What truly moved me is what we’re seeing, this collective will of working together, and that’s the only way we’re going to move our communities forward,” Rodríguez said.
The event, hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, brought together public officials, business leaders, educators, and utility representatives to discuss water security in the Rio Grande Valley.
Rodríguez thanked Rio Grande Valley Partnership President and CEO Paco Sanchez for selecting Texas Southmost College as the forum venue and said the institution was honored to host discussions focused on regional priorities.
“We’re going to have an engaged conversation to address the water issues,” Rodríguez said. Referring to a quote often attributed to Mark Twain, he added, “Whiskey is for drinking and water for fighting.”
Rodríguez said water remains a critical regional resource and stressed the need for long-term planning and strategic cooperation.
“We need to move our economy forward, our community forward collectively, but strategically as well,” he said.
The forum took place during Texas Southmost College’s centennial year. Rodríguez noted that the institution is celebrating 100 years of education and service to the Rio Grande Valley.
“This year we’re celebrating our centennial, a hundred years, hundred years of history, education, and service to the Rio Grande Valley,” Rodríguez said.
Later in the program, Rodríguez highlighted the college’s role in workforce development and regional partnerships, saying Texas Southmost College is preparing for future economic demands.
“We’ve seen incredible changes to our local economy, new industries emerging,” Rodríguez said. “Texas Southmost College is poised to meet the new challenges of this new century.”
Rodríguez said the college will continue supporting workforce needs through education and partnerships with regional employers and institutions.
“This is your community college,” Rodríguez said. “We’re here to support our communities.”
The RGV Connect Water Forum was part of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership’s series of regional discussions designed to gather input, identify priorities, and support advocacy efforts on issues including water, education, workforce development, healthcare, and economic growth.
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