South Texas College #2 in Nation in Awarding Associates Degrees to Hispanics

STC Ranks Third in Community College Enrollment for Hispanics

McAllen, TX -- May 2, 2006 -- South Texas College, the premier community college serving Hidalgo and Starr Counties, today announced it has ranked second in the nation in awarding associates degrees to Hispanics, as well as ranking third in the nation in enrollment of Hispanic students at community colleges according to the National Center for Education Statistics, a department of the U.S. Department of Education and Institute of Education Sciences.

“We are truly making a difference in South Texas and our rankings serve as testimony to the access and opportunity to pursue higher education, which STC is providing to all families in our communities,” said Dr. Shirley Reed, founding President of the College.

“These rankings are a highly valuable tool, affirming the quality education experience that STC provides,” said Juan Mejia, Vice President of Instructional Services at STC. “With this ranking also comes increased accountability and expectations that will in turn drive us to continue creating bold initiatives and great opportunities for our students. We are constantly working to develop new initiatives to reach new segments of our population, hoping to entice them to experience STC and the benefits of higher education.”

Additionally STC ranked fifth overall, out of 100 community colleges in the nation, in awarding associates degrees and certificates to all students and fifth in the number of associates degrees awarded in the area of education.

“STC recognized from the onset that our mission was to meet the needs of the Valley’s population, which is predominantly Hispanic and as such, we have tailored our culture and our educational offerings to best service this special community,” continued Reed. “Our entire faculty and staff are focused on making students feel at home at STC and this ranking validates the success we have achieved through our focus and dedication. We are extremely proud of the heritage of South Texas and our students and are so thrilled that STC has become a central part of the Valley, offering educational opportunities for students of all ages, races and incomes.”

The NCES information, which was collected and synthesized between 2003 and 2005, is compiled from regular data collection from higher education institutions across the United States. For additional information about the NCES, please visit its Web site at http://nces.ed.gov/.

For additional information about STC, please visit www.southtexascollege.edu.

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Last Updated June 20, 2007