texas border operations
Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College celebrated the year’s accomplishments and 25th anniversary of its dual credit program at its annual convocation ceremony held at the McAllen Convention Center.
More than 2,000 STC faculty and staff, superintendents and high school students from 21 affiliated dual credit high schools participated in the celebration led by STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis, the Board of Trustees and university administrators.
“Today we celebrate you. Your hard work over the past year has produced transformative results and made a difference within our community,” Solis said. “STC has grown and gained national attention through innovative technology and bold solutions…And today, we celebrate a significant milestone: Our dual credit program celebrates 25 years of success. Today is an important day for STC.
STC is a pioneer in dual credit programs and has one of the largest programs in the state. Founded in 2000, it is also the only program accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Programs (NACEP).
STC’s dual credit program currently serves 21 Rio Grande Valley school districts, including 70 high schools, with enrollment growth of 13%. Over the past 25 years, dual credit programs have served more than 130,000 students and saved families more than $425 million in tuition costs.
“This is a significant year for our dual credit program…25 years of excellence,” said Rebecca de Leon, vice president of dual credit programs and district partnerships. “Our programs are for all students, and through our partnership, we have been able to help students in Hidalgo and Starr counties succeed and realize their dreams.”
Nick Gonzalez, the godfather of dual credit, recalled the beginnings of dual credit at STC and rejoiced at its growth and how many families the program has impacted.
I’ve worked as an educator all my life, and it breaks my heart when I ask students about college and they say, “No, you have to go to work.” I knew we needed to do something about this,” Gonzalez said. “When I started dual credit in the spring of 1999, it was just me and me. I drove everywhere in the old suburbs to meet with counselors, especially since they were free to students. So we all loved the concept. Since then, so many people have worked together to make this program a success.”
Far San Juan Alamo (PSJA) Independent School District is one of STC’s largest dual credit partners. Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias highly praised the 25-year-old STC dual credit program.
“Currently, PSJA serves more than 1,500 students through dual credit and has saved families in the district more than $80 million over the past 10 years,” Elias said. “We would like to thank STC for being a great partner for 25 years.”
Marcy Sorenson of the La Jolla Police Department shared Elias’ sentiments.
We are very fortunate to have the University of South Texas who believes in us and our students,” Sorenson said. “STC offers a wealth of programs that change the lives of our students, and we are very grateful to STC. Congratulations on your 25th anniversary.”
The Dual Credit 25th Anniversary kickoff also included performances by Edcouch Elsa ISD’s Mariachi Juvenil Azteca, Edinburg CISD’s Johnny Economedes High School Folklorico Jaguar, Rio Grande City CISD’s Mariachi Gruja de Plata, and PSJA Drumline .
In addition, two students represented each partner school district to showcase their partnership at the grand finale.
In addition to celebrating Dual Credit’s 25th anniversary, STC administrators also highlighted each division’s accomplishments over the past year.
From the launch of STC’s Valley Promise program and the growth seen within the STC Foundation, to capital expansion projects and a newly implemented strategic plan, the university has experienced rapid growth and continued to advance its college-going culture and student success. The company’s dedication to creating new products has garnered it national attention.
“STC is creating multigenerational changes in families in our region,” said STC Board Chair Dr. Alejo Salinas. “From dual credit programs to the advancement and economic growth the university has brought to our region, it is a great time to be on the board. I joined STC 30 years ago, and 30 years later, , we are celebrating tremendous growth and success as the STC family.”
