STC swears in returning and new trustees

Rose Benavides, Victoria Cantu and David De Los Rios were sworn in this week as returning and new South Texas College Board of Trustees in swearing-in ceremonies with their families, friends and colleagues in attendance.

Benavidez and Cantu have been reelected for an additional six-year term for their recent dedication, commitment and innovative initiatives that are transforming higher education in the Rio Grande Valley.

De Los Rios is a newly-elected board member, joining the team of seven leaders and representing District 6, Donna, South Alamo, South San Juan, Southeast Pharr, South Weslaco and Progreso.

“Thanks to our STC Board of Trustees, we have a vision, we have a culture of accountability, and impact, a culture of care for students and employees and the constituents of this great region – the Rio Grande Valley,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “Most significantly, the board’s most powerful contribution to our college system is their connections to the Valley’s communities. They always ensure our region is the focus of this remarkable, respectable and growing institution.”

De Los Rios, the newest member of the board, comes to STC with community service experience. He served nearly six years on the Donna Independent School Board. As a product of the community college system, with an associate degree in Marketing and Communication with additional certifications in areas such as project management, he said he understands the importance of having a comprehensive community college in the region.

In fact, one of his sons will be completing college courses over the summer at STC, while the other one aspires to enter the college’s police academy.

“The Mid-Valley is growing exponentially and the need for college certifications and degrees is on the rise in the area, so I’d like to expand more of our programs and services into the college’s Mid-Valley campus,” he said. “I understand the expansion has already started with a new Culinary Arts kitchen and our police academy, but I know that possibilities are endless and I’m looking forward to doing my part in accelerating growth in the area.”

Furthermore, De Los Rios said he is proud to be a part of an innovative group of trustees and honored to work with them.

“Being an STC Trustee is a prestigious honor,” he added. “They have produced great success for STC’s students, employees and our communities. I admire the caliber of their work.”

Benavides has served as an STC Trustee since 2009, following her late father’s footsteps. Manuel Benavidez was founding member of the STC Board of Trustees.

During her tenure, Benavidez has advocated for increased federal funds for higher education, aligned skills training with meaningful wage employment and has promoted STC and its students across the United States, Canada, Europe and Pacific Islands as the first Latina to hold the distinguished position of chair of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).

“This was not only an oath of office, but a pledge to ensure that the service we do in this community we continue to do together,” said Benavidez. “It’s the honor of a lifetime to share our stories and this is possible because of every individual who has allowed me to stand on their shoulders so I can reach higher. I’m extremely proud to be afforded the opportunity to continue to serve as your representative on the STC Board of Trustees alongside six amazing individuals and the most exceptional administration.”

Cantu has served on the STC Board of Trustees since May 2018 and immediately took on a leadership role serving as secretary and the chair of the STC Education and Workforce Development Committee.

“I am humbled and energized as I take my oath of office for another term as an STC Trustee,” said Cantu. “For the next six years, I will continue to be an advocate for all my constituents who are dreaming of a brighter future and who aspire to achieve their goals and make a difference in our community. I’m committed to making their dreams my priority and I will continue to work tirelessly to create opportunities and support the system that inspires our RGV to succeed.”