STC health care leader appointed to Governor’s state taskforce

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) recently announced the members of the state’s inaugural Healthcare Workforce Task Force, which addresses the state’s health care workforce shortage, and on the list is South Texas College Regional Health Care Liaison Jayson Valerio, DNP.

Valerio brings to the taskforce more than 20 years of experience as a registered nurse and as faculty, program chair and dean for STC’s nursing and allied health programs.

Through his leadership, STC’s nursing program has become the No. 1 producer of nursing graduates among community colleges in the state of Texas and No. 2 among the combined list of Texas colleges and universities.

“I am deeply honored and feel a profound sense of duty following my appointment by Governor Greg Abbott to the Healthcare Workforce Taskforce aimed at addressing the pressing workforce shortages within Texas’ health care system,” said Valerio. “This appointment is not just an honor, but a clarion call to action – charging us to bolster a health care system that is robust, responsive and resilient enough to serve our rapidly growing population.”

A press release from the Office of the Texas Governor, stated that earlier this year, Abbott tasked the THECB with creating the taskforce to address the health care workforce shortage, to meet the demands of the growing state and to provide students with the skills they need to succeed.

“Health professionals across Texas work tirelessly to meet the needs of our growing state and provide high-quality care to their fellow Texans,” said Abbott. “In April, I directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to address our state’s health care workforce shortage by maintaining sufficient clinical placement sites and retaining qualified clinical faculty so that students have the tools they need to succeed in this vital industry, and the highly qualified group of experts, industry leaders and individuals from Texas’ top-tier higher education institutions will ensure Texas can expand our health care workforce to meet the needs of all Texans for generations to come.”

Valerio will serve alongside some of the state’s top research, medical and hospital leaders. STC is the only community college with a seat at this prestigious table.

“We’re very proud of Dr. Valerio’s appointment,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “This speaks to STC’s commitment to producing skilled and compassionate nurses to meet the critical health care needs of our region and state.”

Valerio, who agrees with Abbott’s sentiment, that health professionals across the state work tirelessly to meet the state’s needs, said that this assertion not only recognizes the monumental efforts of the health care community, but it also underscores the urgency of the taskforce’s mission.

“In this role, I am dedicated to leading initiatives that bridge the current gaps in our health care workforce and build a strong foundation for future growth,” he said. “Our objective goes beyond merely filling vacancies. We are committed to empowering and equipping the next generation of health care professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required for success in this honorable field.”

Chair of the Healthcare Workforce Taskforce Victoria Ford, chief executive officer and president of Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute, said she is looking forward to working with knowledgeable health care experts and leaders like Valerio.

“The task force and advisory members have exceptional expertise and experience,” said Ford in a recent release. “I am looking forward to working with them through this process to identify strategies that will ensure Texas continues to grow a strong and robust health care workforce.”

He is also active in his community, representing nursing and STC locally, statewide and nationally, serving in organizations such as the Texas Team Coalition Academic Progression in Nursing (APIN), Texas Nurses’ Association, Texas Society of Allied Health Professions, Texas Deans and Directors of Professional Nursing Programs, International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation & Learning, Advisory Panel for the University of Texas Center for Excellence in Aging Services and Long Term Care and Board Advisory of the Philippine Nurses Association of South Texas Rio Grande Valley Chapter.

Additionally, he currently serves as a member of Sigma Theta-Tau International Honor Society – Chi Alpha Chapter, International Nursing Scholar Laureate and Golden Key International Nursing Society.

With a long list of accolades, Valerio said he is still always humbled and motivated by the trust placed on him to serve his state and college in such a large capacity.

“The journey ahead is going to be filled with challenges, but also with abundant opportunities, and with the solid support of Governor Abbott and the dedicated contributions of my fellow taskforce members, we are set to innovate, inspire and enhance our health care offerings across the state,” said Valerio. “Our aim is to ensure that every Texan receives the health care they deserve and to cultivate a team of health care professionals who are not only competent, but also compassionate and resilient. I eagerly anticipate collaborating towards a healthier and brighter future for all Texans.”

In a statement from the Office of the Texas Governor, the taskforce will meet monthly to gather and discuss insights from state agency and health care experts throughout the state with the goal of issuing a final report by October 2024.