MCALLEN, Texas - Already the nation’s No. 1 Hispanic-Serving two-year higher education institution, South Texas College has earned its second recertification through the Seal of Excelencia award.
Excelencia in Education awards institutions whose impact reaches beyond the educational pathway. It recognizes the positive impact colleges and universities have in preparing and connecting Latino, and all, students to the workforce.
“Through our collaboration, we build talent for our country’s workforce and civic leadership,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education.
Rodney H. Rodriguez, vice president for Institutional Advancement and Economic Development at STC, was in Washington, D.C. recently to receive the award. The Rio Grande Guardian secured an interview with Rodriguez upon his return.
Rodriguez explained that STC was one of the first of eight colleges in the nation to earn the new “Intentionally Thriving Institution” designation of the Seal of Excelencia by Excelencia in Education.
“We are just elated with this recognition, and we know that we're going to do wonderful things in partnership with Excelencia,” Rodriguez told the Guardian.
“Out of all the colleges in the nation, we were one of eight that were recognized with this accolade.”
Asked why STC has received so many accolades from Excelencia in Education, Rodriguez said:
“Our college is more than 93% Hispanic, Latino. But we serve all students, and that is one of the things that they focus on, to make sure that South Texas College is not only leading the way, is innovative in the programs that we produce, but they're high demand occupational programs that (allow) our students can get a good paying job and change the generational roles of their not only themselves, but their families.”
Here is a video recording of the interview:
South Texas College recently posted a press release about its “Intentionally Thriving Institution” designation by Excelencia in Education. The press released included these comments:
Fernando Chapa, STC dean of Institutional Research, Effectiveness and Strategic Planning:
“The Seal of Excelencia recognizes institutions that go beyond simply enrolling students. It honors those that intentionally serve them with excellence. This achievement is yet another testament to STC’s commitment to serving all students with care, purpose and impact.”
Deborah Santiago, co-founder and chief executive officer of Excelencia in Education:
“Seal of Excelencia-certified institutions are investing in transformation, ensuring access to excellence and becoming places where Latino, and all, students thrive. These institutions have made demonstrable efforts to ensure students’ return on investment in a degree while cultivating talent that fuels our country’s future.”
Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education:
“Excelencia is proud to continue to catalyze and support colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia for their impact and intentional efforts to deliver on the promise of higher education for all students. Through our collaboration, we build talent for our country’s workforce and civic leadership.”
Ricardo Solis, president of South Texas College:
“This designation and recertification exemplifies the transformative leadership we have at STC, in ensuring access to excellence for Latino, and all, students. These prestigious distinctions reaffirm our unwavering commitment to serving Hispanic and underrepresented students with excellence, innovation and equity at the heart of all we do. This is a powerful reminder that we are creating a brighter future for all students in South Texas and beyond.”
