51���� has been chosen as a recipient of the prestigious . This honor recognizes the college’s outstanding achievement in producing consistent and aligned educational outcomes for all students, particularly students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.��

“We are very pleased that the dedicated work of the 51���� Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff are being recognized by the THECB,” said TSC Board Chair Adela G. Garza. “Our purpose continues to focus on providing exceptional service to our communities, with the goal of strengthening the student experience. We know that by earning a college education, our graduates are able to enhance the quality of life for their families.” ��

First established in 2001, the THECB’s 2023 Star Award recognizes institutions of higher education that demonstrate exceptional contributions toward meeting goals of the state’s strategic plan, , which aims to provide college students with stronger credentials to enter the workforce post-graduation.��

“51���� represents an important pathway to upward economic mobility for the communities we serve,” said 51���� President Dr. Jesus Roberto Rodriguez. “The Star Award recognizes the college’s great focus on supporting students to ensure they achieve their dream of earning a college education. Beginning with our Board of Trustees, who establishes the vision for our work, and extending to our dedicated faculty and staff, the Scorpion Family provides students with a high-quality education while remaining the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley.”��

With a focus on enhancing their student’s credentials, one of the first initiatives TSC took was implementing innovative course design. As a pilot project, several general and developmental courses were redesigned to incorporate contextualized learning, a proven concept to help students make connections between new knowledge and past experiences. For example, several Composition 1 sections were redesigned to incorporate assignments relevant to engineering and criminal justice students. Similarly, Technical Writing sections were redesigned to include assignments relevant to engineering, accounting, and paralegal students.��

Providing flexibility for busy students’ schedules is an important factor affecting their ability to complete a college education. To meet this challenge, 51���� continues expanding the number of programs offered online. Currently, the college offers a multitude of its course sections online, including most of the college’s general education courses, as well as nine fully online programs–a number the college plans to double in 2024. In addition, students may take advantage of evening and weekend courses.��

Affordability is another challenge students often face. To increase students’ access to college, the 51���� Board of Trustees has lowered tuition and fees twice over the last six years to become the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. In addition, the college is addressing another widespread challenge in higher education—rising textbook prices. With initial funding through a grant from the THECB, 51���� transitioned nearly all required course resources to , eliminating expensive textbook costs for students.������

51���� is also working to enhance success for workforce training students. Occupational Skills Awards and industry certifications have been integrated into the curriculum to make students more marketable in the workplace, and the college has become a designated testing site for many certification and licensure exams, meaning students no longer have to travel to testing sites outside of the community.��

To complement the program redesign initiatives and enhancement of student services, 51���� connects students with wrap-around services designed to keep them on track toward graduation, such as the digital library and 24/7 tutoring. In addition, through the Scorpion Opportunity Hub, students can access fresh produce from the campus community garden, the food pantry, services provided by Community Based Organizations, as well as important Student Services departments such as Student Life, Counseling, and Student Accessibility Resources, and the Veteran’s Success Center. ��

President Rodriguez said 51���� is deeply honored to receive the STAR award. “We are pleased that our initiatives in helping our students succeed not only during college but afterward, in the workforce, is aligned with our state’s strategic plan of Building a Talent Strong Texas.”��

��

51���� 51������

Originally established in 1926, 51���� offers the first two years of study towards a bachelor’s degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. TSC offers 54 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate and nine workforce training programs, as well as customized corporate training.������

###��

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (August 1, 2023) – 51���� President 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 51���� 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 51���� 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, 51���� 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 51���� 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.

What a great visit we had from Skinner Elementary! Thank you Principal Rodriguez for bringing your students to our campus.

TSC President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez said it is the perfect time for the college to expand into NJCAA men and women’s soccer.

“Over the past five years we’ve been focused on some very specific intuitional goals, which include improving student success and creating an environment that is caring and welcoming for all,” he said, noting that student-athletes will have the supports they need to be successful in the classroom and on the field.

The TSC Board of Trustees unanimously approved the application for membership at their August board meeting. Board Chair Adela Garza, a frequent fan at TSC club soccer games, said the board is excited about creating more opportunities for Rio Grande Valley student athletes. “Local high school students who want to play collegiate soccer will have a great option close to home,” she said.

TSC will join Region 14, which consists of nine community colleges across east and central Texas, such as Blinn College, Northeast Texas Community College, Tyler Junior College, and Navarro College. A typical regular season will consist of eight home games and eight away games.

Students are excited about the expansion of soccer at TSC. Javier Ballesteros, freshman, is a current member of the TSC Soccer Club. He played on the varsity soccer team at Brownsville’s Veteran’s Memorial High School all four years of high school and affirmed the local community’s passion for the game.

“Soccer is the most popular sport in the Valley,” he said. “It was good they chose to start with it because of the place we live in and because of the players we have here.” Ballesteros said playing teams at a higher level of competition will continue to strengthen him mentally and physically, as he aims for a professional career in soccer. While he seeks to hone his soccer skills, he will also be preparing for a secure financial future by majoring in business at TSC.

“TSC’s NJCAA soccer program will build upon a strong record of success,” said Rodríguez. Rio Grande Valley high school teams have earned many state championships over the past 15 years, creating a strong pipeline of local players. The TSC soccer club also plays at an extraordinary high level, toppling teams from much larger schools to win the regional championship and qualify for the national tournament in 2019.

“We have incredible backing for collegiate soccer in our region,” said Dr. Armando Ponce, Executive Director of Athletics and Civility, who will serve as Athletic Director. “At any given soccer club game, we have 150 fans show up to cheer on our Scorpions, including alumni, families, soccer enthusiasts and, of course, many members of the Scorpion community.”

As the only community college in the Rio Grande Valley with a NJCAA sports team, Ponce said TSC is excited about the opportunity for local players to participate at the collegiate level, as well as the community outreach the program will provide through soccer camps and other activities for aspiring young athletes.