In 11 short years, South Texas College has grown from 1,000 to more than 17,000 students, and from a faculty and staff of 267 to 1,489. The college has also grown from one campus to five campuses and centers. STC has campuses in McAllen, Weslaco and Rio Grande City as well as the Dr. Ramiro R. Casso Nursing and Allied Health Center in McAllen, and the Technology Center in south McAllen near the Foreign Trade Zone. New facilities have opened at all campuses as a result of a $98.7 bond issue approved in September 2001.

Dr. Shirley A. Reed, South Texas College's founding president, has led the college in developing new degree and certificate programs that have resulted in dramatic increases in student enrollment. Students can now choose from 80 degree and certificate options.

STC reached a new milestone when it was granted accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offer a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) degree. The college will begin the new program, which focuses on technology management, in fall 2005.

STC joins Brazosport College and Midland College as the first Texas community colleges accredited to offer a limited number of bachelor's degrees in applied technology. The three colleges were selected from among the state's 50 community colleges to be a part of a10-year pilot project approved by the Texas Legislature.

STC goes well beyond its associate degrees and certificate programs to meet the educational needs of the community. Dual enrollment programs are offered in school districts throughout Hidalgo and Starr counties. The programs allow eligible high school students to take college courses while attending high school.

The Partnership for Workforce Training and Continuing Education provides opportunities for lifelong learners who want to upgrade their skills, change careers or seek personal enrichment. The division offers a variety of courses that satisfy employer needs for customized training to upgrade skills of current employees and prepare new employees. Mandatory Continuing Education Units meeting licensing requirements are also available for certified professionals. Classes are scheduled with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, throughout Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Courses can be scheduled in response to community demand.

The STC faculty is among the most qualified in the nation. In the degreed programs, 224 faculty members have master's degrees, 17 have double master's, three have triple master's and 60 have doctorate degrees. In certificate and other programs, there are 37 faculty members with bachelor's degrees and 35 with associate's degrees.

In 2001, STC received 10-year reaffirmation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The college has also successfully undergone two Institutional Effectiveness site visits from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Twenty-eight STC degrees/certificates have been recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Call 1-800-742-STC2 (South Texas) or (956) 872-8311 for information.