Ali Esmaeili, Ph.D., dean of Math, Science, Information Technology and Bachelor Programs, has served South Texas College for more than 30 years, and is a pioneering leader in the development and implementation of the five bachelor’s programs offered at the college.
It is through his work, that Esmaeili has recently been selected to serve on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Working Group on Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree Pathways, a 13-member group established at the direction of Texas Governor Greg Abbot.
“Dr. Esmaeili’s appointment reflects STC’s continued commitment to advancing innovative higher education pathways that support student completion, affordability and strong connections between education and workforce,” said STC Vice President and Provost of Academic Affairs and Workforce Innovation Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D. “Congratulations to him on this well-deserved appointment and we wish him success in this important statewide role.”
Esmaeili is one of only four community college leaders from the across the state to be selected to this working group, along with nine other universities representatives, to develop a statewide framework for establishing three-year bachelor’s degrees pathways.
“Through my work at STC, we’ve created bachelor’s programs with credible reputations that are accessible, affordable and competency-based, leading our students to educational success,” said Esmaeili. “We started our programs within a state pilot group of at least three other community colleges in 2003, testing how this would impact our institutions and
our students, and now, we’re a model program. That is why STC has a seat at the table, and I’m honored to have been selected to that seat.”
A press release from THECB states Esmaeili and the working group will develop recommendations regarding academic standards and requirements for three-year bachelor’s degree pathways; high-demand occupations for which three-year bachelor’s degree pathways may be most appropriate; student demand and employer workforce needs, accreditation and institutional approval requirements and administrative changes necessary for statewide implementation.
“We look forward to hearing from these expert educators as they identify accelerated programs that can offer students a quality education leading to a durable, financially-rewarding career,” said Texas Higher Education Commissioner Wyn Rosser.
According to data from the THECB, a three-year bachelor’s degree could reduce the cost of earning a degree by up to 25% and save Texas students between $15-35K.
Esmaeili said STC has already changed the educational landscape of the Rio Grande Valley with every certificate, degree, noncredit and workforce training program it offers, and being able to collaborate with others from the across the state to design even more opportunities for students is a responsibility and commitment he takes seriously.
“From a founding dean of the bachelor’s programs to this working group, my dedication will always belong to the students we serve and designing and implementing programs that will benefit generations to come,” he said. “STC has graduated thousands, many who go on to receive master’s and doctorate degrees and be changemakers in their communities. I look forward to sharing our students’ stories at a state level and allowing this to be a basis for the recommendations of a brand-new framework we will present later this year.”
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said he could not imagine anyone other than Esmaeili sitting among this group.
“Dr. Esmaeili is the founding dean of our bachelor’s programs. He has been here since the very beginning,” said Solis. “He demonstrates his passion for STC, our students and the work we do, every day. He played a crucial role in implementing our bachelor’s programs, and there is no doubt that he will continue working with STC administration and leadership in creating new opportunities for our students. This is another step in his lifelong career of education. We congratulate him. We know he will always represent STC well.”
The statewide group will submit its final recommendations to the governor’s office before the end of the year, and the Governor plans to use the framework to make the pathways official through legislation.
ABOUT SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE
Founded in 1993, South Texas College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers more than 130 degree & certificate options, including associate degrees in a variety of liberal art, social science, business, math, science, technology, advanced manufacturing and health professions fields of study. Additionally, South Texas College is the only community college in the state of Texas to offer five baccalaureate degrees. South Texas College has a faculty and staff of more than 2,700 to serve more than 30,000 students, on the college’s six campuses, two higher education centers and one virtual campus.
