Texas Border Project
By Amanda Sotero
Since arriving at the University of South Texas, Dr. Ricardo J. Solis has been on his mission to make the university accessible and affordable for everyone in the Rio Grande Valley by launching bold solutions and initiatives in higher education, workforce and economic development.
In recognition of his efforts and success, Solis recently became the recipient of the 2025 Hidalgo County Urban County Leadership Conference Leadership Award.
“It’s a great honor to receive this award, but I’m not the only one. I have thousands of dedicated faculty and staff who have led our plans and initiatives into action every day, dedicated to the success of our students,” Solis said. “Every day we offer scholarships through programs such as the Valley Promise and the STC Foundation, which eliminates poverty through education, to ensure that students not only graduate, but also get great jobs, careers. This is just the beginning.”
The award was established through the Hidalgo County Urban County Leadership Conference Committee and recognized outstanding institutions and individuals like Solis for their work, contributions and achievements that made a big difference to the small Hidalgo County community.
Joe Bella, assistant city manager for McAllen, explained that the Hidalgo County Urban County Leadership Conference Award was awarded annually, and this year the committee unanimously selected Solis.
“There’s not enough to be said about what Dr. Solis did in our community and in South Texas,” he said. “He has provided outstanding support to our small communities through higher education, community support, economic and community development, advocacy and resources. He works tirelessly to meet the needs of the South Texas community, ensuring that everyone has a better future opportunity.”
In almost four years, Solis has led the STC to a great extent. From registration and short-term workforce training programs to RGV-wide and cross-border regional partnerships to the implementation of new programs, the university has become the epicenter of economic growth and stability in the region.
Under Solis’ leadership, STC is the top producer of nurses across the state and will introduce the introduction of two new healthcare programs. It has introduced dental hygiene and surgical techniques, and has made STC one of the few universities offering all Allied health programs possible, establishing the Valley Promise program.
Hidalgo County Urban County Program Director Joel Rivera worked closely with the STC as former police chief for Weslaco to establish the university’s highly successful police academy and had the opportunity to award Solis the award.
“It was a privilege to present this year’s achievement award to Dr. Solis for his leadership, excellence and participation in our organization,” Rivera said. “Solis deserves this award. He has innovated not only in the university, but in all communities. During his tenure, he demonstrated that he is committed to improving our community and making a lasting, positive impact.”
Solis said the future is bright for STC and the communities it serves.
“I would like to thank the Hidalgo County Urban County Leadership Committee for this award. I am honored,” he said. “We’ve done a lot to improve our community, but there’s more work to do. We’ll continue to work diligently on our mission to empower our community through lifelong learning opportunities and drive socioeconomic progress.”
