MCALLEN, Texas - South Texas College STC held a groundbreaking event to celebrate their new exercise and kinesiology building Oct 2.
Attending was Marcos Silva, the new executive director of foundation and external affairs at South Texas College (STC). Silva gave the Rio Grande Guardian an interview to tell us about his new role.
Silva finds resources, opportunities and scholarships to help fund students’ admission to STC. An important role to helping the number one two-year Spanish serving institution in the nation grow its student body.
Helping students find funding to attend secondary education is critical for a region where 73.78% of its population is without a college degree according to RGV Health Connect.
Silva has a history in education and attributes his career growth to opportunities for post-secondary access to education.
“I love the new position and the role that I play in the institution because I know that the better that I do my job, the more students that will have access to an education after high school,” he told the Guardian.
The RGV is a rapidly growing major metropolitan area. With many jobs coming to the RGV schools are focusing on providing 21st century skills so residents are prepared for future jobs.
Silva added: “We’re at the forefront not only of the skill sets that individuals are going to need for future jobs, but we are providing those opportunities at the affordability and the flexibility our community needs right now.”
Silva is a part-time lecturer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and has served as a leader and organizer for TEDx McAllen, TEDx McAllen Youth and the South Texas Ideas Festival.
A press release from STC pointed out that Silva has a decade-long career as an IDEA Public Schools counselor, RGV Lead executive director, to now STC’s executive director of Foundation and External Affairs.
“STC is a staple in the RGV community and to join this fierce institution full of great minds and experts is an honor,” Silva said. “I’m excited to be a part of moving STC forward, engaging with the communities we serve, actively leading conversations about STC’s innovative approaches and successes and serving our students through fundraising and scholarships that will lead to educational success.”
Silva said STC granted him the opportunity to grow as a student during his undergraduate years. He has since gone on to earn a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree. He said this was a challenging feat for a first-generation student.
“My parents know the value of a higher education and the upward mobility it provides,” Silva said, for the STC press release. “But there are still challenges that, even with support, first-generation students face, and because I can relate to them, my passion is to find the opportunities that will best serve them.”
Silva continued:
“This is my time, my chance to give back. STC has been great to me, and it’s allowed me to grow in more ways than one. This is my chance to continue working in its legacy by engaging with familiar and new communities that will keep STC on the national map.”
Silva said his goal as the STC Foundation’s executive director is to keep education affordable and accessible to all. He said he has plans to continue engaging and creating new philanthropic and corporate partnerships at the local, state and national level to raise funds for the students of STC and the Rio Grande Valley.
“STC is recognized nationally, and we want everyone to be a part of this and helps us move our students and institution forward,” Silva said, for the press release. “I want our students to know that they are not alone. We are here for them, and this community-based approach will allow us to showcase STC’s work and our students’ achievements, which will bring more resources to our campuses. We’re here to support students and their families for many generations to come.”
Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D., said Silva possesses all the qualities needed for his new role.
“Dr. Silva brings to STC a proven record of service in education, advancement and community leadership,” said Rodriguez. “In his most recent role with RGV Lead, he championed efforts to align regional educational pathways with workforce and economic development, making us confident that his expertise, dedication and passion for student advancement will play a pivotal role in propelling the mission of STC and its foundation to new heights.”
Silva also serves as a part-time lecturer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and has served as a leader and organizer for TEDx McAllen, TEDx McAllen Youth and the South Texas Ideas Festival.
“I’m here to support STC and our students’ journeys,” he said. “This career move aligns perfectly with my values, and I won’t stop looking for opportunities that can positively impact the Foundation, our students and our college. STC is already doing phenomenal work and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
STC’s big gala to support its foundation takes place on Oct. 16.
Editor’s Note: To learn more about STC’s Foundation or how to become a donor, visit southtexascollege.edu/foundation.
