Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Texas Southmost College President Dr. Jesús Roberto Rodríguez was recently announced as the winner of the 2023 Western Regional CEO Award by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). The national award is only one of five bestowed annually to CEOs by the organization, one for each of its five regions across the United States and Canada. Dr. Rodríguez was recognized for his exceptional work in initiating or helping to develop innovative programs as models for use in two-year postsecondary institutions.
“Since our Board of Trustees unanimously named Dr. Rodríguez President of Texas Southmost College six years ago, he has achieved exceptional results by increasing enrollment, student success, and community partnerships, as well as working in unison with the Trustees to ensure TSC remains the most affordable institution of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Texas Southmost College Board of Trustees Chairwoman Adela Garza. “At the same time, he has participated in initiatives that are making a great impact at the state level and is actively engaged at the national level. We are very proud that he has been recognized by ACCT for his outstanding leadership.”
As the winner of the Western Regional CEO award, Dr. Rodríguez was selected from a pool of nominees from 10 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces/territories (including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, as well as the following Canadian provinces/territories: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut Territory, and Northern Territories).
Dr. Rodríguez’s nomination highlighted innovative programs designed and implemented as a result of his leadership and expertise. For example, Texas Southmost College grew enrollment during the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic, making TSC one of only 9% of institutions of higher education nationally whose enrollment grew during this time period.
“I am very honored by this award, which is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Scorpion Family,” said Rodríguez. “The TSC Board of Trustees leads the way by establishing a vision and strategic priorities for the college. I then have the great pleasure of working alongside highly talented faculty and staff who are fully committed to our mission of transforming communities.”
Rodríguez said that the wide range of academic and workforce programs at Texas Southmost College are designed to serve the entire family. An emphasis on maintaining a student-centered focus has resulted in providing a high-quality, affordable education, offered in an environment that is welcoming and provides a sense of belonging to all.
