Southwest Texas Junior College

The Board of Trustees reviewed the dual credit program, covering its goals, partnerships across 24 school districts, enrollment trends, and recent growth in certifications. Key discussion topics included the alignment of high school and college coursework, the transferability of dual credit courses, and the administrative coordination required to support these programs. The meeting also highlighted the second annual National Signing Day for career and technical education and discussed the logistics of implementing programs with new school district partners.

The meeting featured a presentation on the radiology technology program, focusing on faculty introductions, strategic plan initiatives regarding persistence and success, and national certification exam results. The board discussed the limitations to student enrollment due to clinical facility capacities, explored potential expansion to new healthcare facilities, and reviewed a newly established scholarship for radiology students. Additionally, the board examined the program's admissions process, which now incorporates an entrance exam.

The Cabinet meetings involved extensive discussions on institutional operations, academic program developments, and student services. Key topics included curriculum committee updates, the status of baccalaureate degree proposals, and dual credit enrollment reports. Administrative discussions focused on facility maintenance and construction updates, technology expansion, energy conservation efforts, and campus security. Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed institutional access committee work, financial aid processes, student recruitment strategies, marketing campaigns, and preparations for upcoming commencement ceremonies and transfer fairs.

The meeting included reports from the aviation maintenance program, detailing the purpose of the Aircraft General Maintenance (Level 1) and Airframe Mechanics (Level 2) certificates, and plans to transition the latter to a Level 1 certificate and implement a Power Plant program. Discussions covered the new, larger facility in Del Rio and associated FAA requirements. A presentation on student and community outreach, including marketing, covered team structure, responsibilities ranging from social media and graphic design to managing numerous community events like Cowboy Roundups and Palamino Fest. Student engagement efforts were highlighted as crucial for retention and growth across all campuses.

The event marked the graduation ceremony for the Southwest Texas College Law Enforcement Academy, Alpha Class 2026. Key components of the ceremony included the presentation of the national anthem and an invocation focused on guidance, protection, and compassion for the graduating officers. President Dr. Hector Gonzalez addressed the graduates, recognizing their discipline and sacrifice, and acknowledged the support from families, mentors, and academy staff. Several special awards were presented, including Valedictorian (Steve Riles), highest scores on the state exam (Joshua Hodes, Robert Bazison, and Emanuel Ernnandez), Top Driver (Zachary Connor Teague), Best in Physical Fitness (Rolando Alvarez), and the Best Motivator award (Gerard Patterson). The ceremony also highlighted cadets sponsored by or hired by various law enforcement agencies, including Uvali Police Department, Eagle Pass Police Department, Real County Sheriff's Office, Rockport Police Department, and San Antonio ISD Police Department, who presented badges to their new officers.