(NU), a Veteran-founded nonprofit university serving nontraditional, working and military learners, and 51���� (TSC), a comprehensive community college offering both academic and technical education programs, today announced a new partnership to expand access to affordable and flexible bachelor’s and graduate degree pathways for TSC students, employees, and recent alumni.

The signing ceremony, held today at the TSC Performing Arts Center, formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions aimed at improving access, affordability, and student success. The collaboration will strengthen transfer opportunities, support workforce development, and provide flexible online and hybrid learning options designed to help busy students and professionals advance their education and careers.

NU and TSC were recently recognized by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for their designation, underscoring their shared commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that leads to upward mobility and career success.

“National University and 51���� share a deep commitment to expanding opportunity through education,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University. “Together, we’re creating seamless pathways for students, alumni, and employees to pursue bachelor’s and graduate degrees that fit into their busy lives—empowering more learners to achieve their goals and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.”

Through this partnership, TSC students and employees will receive significant tuition discounts when continuing their education at National University, along with dedicated transfer support to guide them through every step of their academic journey:

• 25 percent tuition discount for TSC students who have completed a transferable associate degree and wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree
• 15 percent tuition discount for recent TSC alumni who have completed a transferable associate degree within the last five years and wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree
• 25 percent tuition discount for TSC employees pursuing most bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• 15 percent tuition discount for TSC employees pursuing doctoral programs, including the (DCP) designed to support faculty and staff who are all but dissertation (ABD) in completing their doctoral degrees.

51����, serving the southernmost region of Texas, offers affordable, high-quality associate degree and certificate programs designed to strengthen the local workforce and expand access to higher education.

“51���� is partnering with National University in expanding opportunities for our students, alumni, employees and communities,” said TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez. “This partnership creates clear transfer pathways, offers meaningful tuition benefits and empowers our community to continue their educational journeys with confidence. Together, TSC and National University are forging another new pathway in higher education and providing educational opportunities that will lead to brighter futures and stronger communities.”

“National University is excited to expand our presence and outreach in the state of Texas as we look for new opportunities and partnerships to remove barriers, provide seamless transfer pathways, and expand access to make higher education a reality for nontraditional students,” said Dr. Gerardo de los Santos, vice president of community college relations at National University and inductee into the American Association of Community Colleges Leadership Hall of Fame. “We look forward to partnering with 51���� to create accessible and equitable pathways for community college students, recent alumni and employees to continue their educational journey at NU.”

As the home of the —students balancing careers, military service, families, and other commitments—National University champions nontraditional learners. By combining NU’s flexible Whole Human Education™ model with TSC’s commitment to high-quality, accessible education, this partnership opens new pathways for student success across the region.

51���� students who are looking to get ahead before the Spring semester begins can do so through TSC’s , set to start December 15.

These short-format courses allow students to earn credits in just eight weeks, helping them stay on track toward graduation, get ahead in their studies, or begin their college journey without waiting for a full semester to start.

“Mini-Mesters are opportunities for students to add more classes once a semester is already underway,” said Judy Moreno, TSC Executive Director of Strategic Enrollment. “For students who may have missed a registration deadline, these short-format courses allow them to start a little later because they may have needed extra time for their finances or to get permission from their bosses if they have full-time jobs.”

Moreno explained that the Winter Mini-Mester includes a variety of courses that help students complete core academic requirements. Common offerings include art appreciation, English, history, government, math, and science, among other general education classes.

“For example, a student could get ahead by taking their first government class over the Winter and then the second part immediately after in the Spring semester,” said Moreno. “For those with jobs or home��responsibilities, adjusting their schedule to accommodate for just eight weeks of class may give them the perfect opportunity to get just a little bit closer to graduation.”

The condensed schedule makes the Winter Mini-Mester ideal for students looking to balance coursework with work, family, or other commitments. The format allows for intensive learning within a short period, giving students a valuable way to make progress over the holiday season.

Students interested in enrolling in the Winter 2025 Mini-Mester can contact their Success Coach through Starfish. New students may request information online at .

51���� has unveiled the roster of upcoming classes for the��Fall 2025 Mini-Semester, providing students with the opportunity��to make significant progress toward their degree in a condensed timeframe.

While many students are familiar with the traditional Fall and Spring full-term semesters, mini-semesters offer several benefits and advantages for those eager to make the most of their time.

“Mini-semesters are opportunities for students to add more classes once a semester is already underway,” said Judy Moreno, TSC Executive Director of Strategic Enrollment. “For students who may have missed a registration deadline, these short-format courses allow them to start a little later because they may have needed extra time for their finances or to get permission from their bosses if they have full-time jobs.”

Moreno added that the program encompasses a diverse range of courses designed to help students fulfill their core academic requirements. Options typically include subjects such as art appreciation, English, History, Government, Math, Sciences, and other various introductory academic courses.

The most significant difference from a traditional semester is the pace. Mini-semester courses run for just eight weeks, making them more intensive but also more manageable for students with outside responsibilities. Students can use the mini-semester to stay on track academically, get ahead on credits, or even start their educational journey mid-semester without waiting for the next full term.

“A student could complete both government requirements in one semester since one class runs from August to October and the other from October to December,” said Moreno. “For those with jobs or home responsibilities, adjusting their schedule for just eight weeks instead of the traditional 16 may give them more opportunities.”

For students interested in registering for a mini-semester class, they can contact their Success Coach through Starfish. New students can request information online at , stop by the Oliveira Student Services building (Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.), or call 956-295-3600.

A milestone moment for hundreds of students took place as 51���� (TSC) held a trio of Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Jacob Brown Auditorium.

A total of 816 graduates walked the stage to receive their diplomas and certificates in front of their proud families and loved ones. Among the hundreds of graduates were dual-credit students from 18 local high schools, earning their college credentials before even finishing high school.

A gathering of TSC administration were on-hand as part of the ceremony, dressed in the traditional academic regalia, delivering their congratulations to the new graduates, as well as offering words of encouragement as they prepare to take the next steps in their lives.

“No matter what program of study you chose at TSC, our Trustees, faculty, and staff had one goal: your success,” TSC President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez told the crowd of new graduates. “In the end, your individual success helps sustain a thriving local economy and improved overall well-being for all members of our community.”

The events also featured guest commencement speaker Ms. Teresa Ann Capistran, Superintendent of Point Isabel Independent School District. As a first-generation college graduate, Ms. Capistran offered a message focusing on creating milestones and blazing trails for future students to follow.

“All of you can achieve anything you set your mind to do,” Capistran told the graduating classes. “You can be the first in your family to do what hasn’t been done before. You have heard the saying ‘the sky is the limit’ and may not really have personalized it to your life, but it is true.”

Each ceremony concluded with a final congratulations from Dr. Rodriguez and a triumphant burst of confetti cannons to mark the occasion with a signature TSC style of spectacle. As the graduates and their loved ones filed outside for photographs and further adulation, it painted a proud picture of the region’s commitment to education and a powerful reminder of what is possible when opportunity and determination come together.

On behalf of everyone at 51����, congratulations to the graduating class of Spring 2025!

51���� (TSC) is proud to announce the launch of three new academic programs beginning in Summer and Fall 2025, developed to align with the educational and workforce needs of the Rio Grande Valley. Students can now enroll in the Associate of Arts in Music and the Associate of Science in Allied Health Education, the latter offered both in-person and fully online for maximum flexibility. Starting Fall 2025, TSC will also offer a Level Two Certificate of Proficiency in Structural Welding, a hands-on, career-focused program designed to equip students with in-demand technical skills for today’s job market.

Associate of Arts in Music: A Path to Performance and Education

51���� is now enrolling students for its new Associate of Arts in Music program, launching Summer and Fall 2025. This program offers a comprehensive foundation in music theory, performance, and education, preparing students for careers as performers, producers, or educators, as well as for transfer to four-year university programs.

Dr. Christopher Alves, Dean of Arts and Sciences and TSC faculty member, highlighted the significance of the new offering. “Music education fosters discipline, creativity, and cultural awareness,” said Alves. “This program is not just about notes and rhythm — it’s about shaping the next generation of musicians and music educators.”

Associate of Science in Allied Health Education: A Launchpad for Health Professions

Now enrolling for Summer and Fall 2025, the Associate of Science in Allied Health Education at 51���� is designed to prepare students for seamless transfer into four-year programs in nursing, medical sciences, and other healthcare fields.

This rigorous curriculum offers a strong academic foundation in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and psychology—providing the essential knowledge needed for future healthcare professionals. Graduates will be well-prepared to continue into Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs or pursue careers in various allied health specialties with a deep understanding of both the scientific and human aspects of healthcare.

Structural Welding Certificate: Building the Future, One Weld at a Time

Starting Fall 2025, TSC will begin offering a Level Two Certificate of Proficiency in Structural Welding, a hands-on training program tailored for those aiming to enter the welding, fabrication, and manufacturing industries.

Dr. Emma L. Miller, Dean of Business, Engineering, Architecture & Technical Programs, highlighted the program’s vital role in regional workforce development.

“Welding is the backbone of infrastructure, industry, and innovation,” said Miller. “Our Structural Welding program equips students with in-demand skills to immediately contribute to South Texas’ growing manufacturing sector. We’re proud to support student success and economic development through this career-focused certificate.”

Enroll Now for Summer and Fall 2025

With these new programs, 51���� continues its mission to offer accessible, high-quality education tailored to community needs and student ambitions.

Prospective students are encouraged to meet with a TSC college enrollment coach to learn more about admissions, financial aid, and academic planning. You can also reach out via email at scorpionenrollment@tsc.edu

For more information, visit tsc.edu or request information at tsc.edu/info.

BROWNSVILLE, TX — The newly accredited Associate of Arts in Music degree at 51���� (TSC) has officially struck its first chord, and it’s none other than Anthony Hudgins, Administrative Assistant for the TSC Marketing Department, who holds the honor of being the very first student to enroll.

“I left school a few years ago to explore the world as a senior Flight Attendant with World Atlantic Airlines, but music has always been my compass,” said Hudgins, who earned the nickname “La Callas” from professors and friends in various music departments due to his musical prowess. “Maria Callas has always been my musical hero, teaching me the importance of authenticity, dedication, and honoring a composer’s wishes. The first time I played Beethoven with an orchestra at UTSA, I was overwhelmed with joy, it was a moment that solidified my love for music. This second chance at TSC allows me to pursue my true passion, keeping classical music alive by helping youth discover and hone their musical talent. I’m so grateful it’s happening here at TSC.”

Hudgins plans to continue his education after earning an associate degree, with the ultimate goal of becoming a music director in a public school district. “This opportunity is a launchpad for the rest of my journey, and I hope to be instrumental in bringing a string orchestra program to the Brownsville School District,” he said.

51���� recently received official accreditation for its Associate of Arts in Music degree by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a major milestone for the college and its students. The degree offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes music theory, music literature, sight singing, ear training, applied music, and participation in music ensembles.

Victor Martinez, TSC Music Instructor, trumpet player, and Chair of Curriculum and Instruction, shared his excitement on social media. “As chair of the curriculum and instruction, and with the help of my amazing colleagues, I’m glad to announce that TSC has, now, an associate degree in music,” Martinez posted on his LinkedIn profile. “This is a huge step for our college, our music faculty, and most importantly, for our students.”

TSC Music Instructor and Program Coordinator for the Associate of Arts in Music Antonio Durant, who also teaches piano, is looking forward to the new opportunities it will present for students in the region. “This is such an exciting time for our college and our community,” he said. “We’ve always had talented students, and now we can offer them a full academic program that nurtures their creativity and prepares them for professional success. Teaching piano here has shown me just how much potential we have. Now, with this degree in place, we can help students unlock that potential even further.”

Avigai Gonzalez, Music Program Administrator and Mariachi Director at TSC, emphasized the broader impact of the new degree. “It’s incredible we get to offer a structured, accredited music program for our community,” she said. “We hope it inspires students to not only pursue music academically but to join ensembles like Mariachi Escorpión. If you love music, now is the time to register and get involved.”

With courses tailored to build both technical skill and academic depth, students in the music program are supported by success coaches and faculty mentors, ensuring they stay on track toward graduation and beyond.

In addition to the Associate of Arts in Music, 51���� has expanded its academic offerings with new programs, including Allied Health Education and a Level Two Certificate in Structural Welding, continuing its mission to meet the diverse needs of students and the community.

For more information on the Associate of Arts in Music degree and other new programs, visit

Students in the Rio Grande Valley looking to expand their educational horizons and take the next big step in their academic journeys will now have a new avenue available. 51���� (TSC) and Texas Woman’s University (TWU) recently held a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony to formalize the beginning of a new working agreement between the two institutes of higher education.

The MOU will lay the foundation for students to have even more robust educational opportunities as they work toward graduation and prepare to enter the workforce after graduation.

At the core of the MOU is an articulation agreement designed to help TSC students matriculate into baccalaureate programs at TWU. Students who enroll at TSC to transfer to TWU after attaining their associate’s degree can expect a seamless transfer of their earned academic credits. This arrangement will allow them to immediately begin their studies in a program of their choice at TWU, whether in-person at one of their three campuses or through fully online courses.

The agreement aligns with one of the TSC’s most significant goals: to help provide a wide variety of academic opportunities to its students through partnerships forged with other universities. For those students who seek to maximize their educational opportunities while minimizing the cost of tuition they will incur along the way, this articulation agreement will achieve the goal of helping them save precious time and money.

“Providing a high quality and affordable education remains a focus of both institutions,” said 51���� President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez. “Students may earn an associate’s degree or transfer credit from our college at about 1/3 of the price of other local higher education institutions. Then, when they transfer to Texas Woman’s University, they can be confident that their credits have maximum transferability, saving them time and money.”

Dr. Jorge Figueroa Flores, Vice Provost of Curriculum and Strategic Initiatives at TWU and one of the representatives participating in the MOU signing, also recognizes the multitude of positive new opportunities that the partnership will create for ambitious young students who look to further their education at TWU.

“Today, we gather not simply to sign an agreement but to solidify a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to transforming lives through education,” said Dr. Flores. “Our work is not about institutions or titles but rather about the people we serve – the students who entrust their futures with us and will shape our world. At Texas Woman’s University, we recognize the unique strengths and stories that students from 51���� bring. This partnership bridges opportunity, achievement, and realizing their dreams.”

In an institute of higher education, it’s not uncommon to see students engage in collaborative projects within a class to help develop teamwork.

However, at 51����, they aren’t permanently restricted to exercising their collaborative skills within a single class, as students from an English Creative Writing course are engaging in a series of simulation scenario exercises with cadets from TSC’s Police Academy program.

TSC Criminal Justice Institute Training Coordinator Crisobel Abrego Jr. feels that this type of immersive scenario-based training is crucial to developing police officers, as it prepares them for the unexpected.

“The benefit of having roleplayers from the student community is that they’re fresh faces that the cadets are encountering for the first time, so it’s very much like what they would expect when encountering an unknown person while on duty,” said Abrego. “The students stay in character the entire time, and their scripts encourage them to throw curveballs at the cadets so that they have to dig deep into their training and get used to thinking on their feet.”

The result proved to be a uniquely engaging experience for both parties involved. In this instance, the cadets were given their first opportunity to practice skills they had learned throughout their training, such as responding to dispatchers via walkie-talkie while using proper police code and protocol.

At the same time, the creative writing students were allowed to show the depth of their creativity. For example, if a student was given a prompt to act as a domestic abuser, they were given free rein to obstruct the cadets as they attempted to gather details, employing tactics such as frequently repeating themselves and coming up with a multitude of reasons to deny the cadets entry to their classroom/residence.

“Performing something like this helps the students be more comfortable in different situations and learn to adapt to change,” said 51���� English Instructor Monica Mejia, whose students acted as counterparts to the cadets. “They gain experience acting in front of others and improvising on the spot if needed. It’s something that the Creative Writing students will need to do before the end of their semester, so getting a chance to collaborate early really helps everyone involved.”

Creative writing students were presented with scenarios police officers in the field sometimes respond to while on duty. The prompts covered topics ranging from human trafficking to domestic abuse. Students were assigned roles in each scenario and given the creative freedom to flesh out their characters’ personality traits.

Creative writing student Anthony Hudgins acted out his role in a human trafficking scenario and saw this collaborative exercise’s mutually beneficial nature.

“For us writers, it’s an opportunity to hone our improvisational and narrative skills, adapting and evolving our scenarios in real-time based on the cadets’ responses,” said Hudgins. “Cadets gain hands-on practice in a controlled simulated environment that requires them to approach situations thoughtfully rather than reactively, practicing patience, empathy, de-escalation, and keen observation.”