For nearly two decades, South Texas College (STC) faculty member and Department Chair Theresa Garza, Pharm.D., has helped shape the college's Pharmacy Technology program, bringing real-world pharmacy experience into the classroom and expanding hands-on training opportunities that prepare students for careers in healthcare.
Now, she has received her second National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award, recognizing her commitment to teaching and student success.
“I've never done this work for the recognition. What matters most to me is finding ways to improve our programs and give students the best opportunities to succeed,” Garza said. “At the end of the day, it's about making sure they're prepared for their careers and knowing we've done everything we can to help them get there.”
An experienced pharmacist and passionate advocate for the profession, Garza has made contributions to STC that extend well beyond Pharmacy Technology.
In addition to leading the program, her responsibilities have included overseeing Health Information Technology (HIT) and Medical Assistant Technology (MAT), as well as supporting the college's Healthcare Student Success course, helping strengthen academic programs and creating opportunities for students across multiple healthcare disciplines.
“When I was 5 years old, I wanted to be a teacher. Life eventually led me to another profession I love, but I never imagined it would also bring me back to teaching,” Garza said. “Sometimes things come full circle, just not always in the way you expect.”
Originally from Central Florida, Garza's journey into pharmacy began in high school, when she discovered an interest in chemistry and a talent for problem-solving.
That interest took her to Auburn University in Alabama, where she earned a bachelor's degree in 1994 and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1995. She later completed a pharmacy residency in Nashville, Tennessee, gaining clinical experience that would help shape her career.
“I've always enjoyed problem solving. In pharmacy, there are so many challenges, whether it's a patient's specific needs, medication shortages or even regulations,” Garza said. “Finding solutions to those challenges is something I've always found exciting.”
After completing her residency, a connection between her residency director and a fellow pharmacist introduced Garza to a job opportunity in South Texas. In 1996, she accepted a position with a company providing outsourced pharmacy services at McAllen Medical Center, marking the beginning of her career in the Rio Grande Valley.
In fall 2005, Garza joined STC. At the time the Pharmacy Technology program, established in 1999, was pursuing accreditation and required the leadership of a licensed pharmacist. With her clinical experience, Garza stepped into the role, beginning a new chapter in her career as an educator.
Drawing from her experience, she remains a passionate advocate for pharmacy technicians, whose important role in patient care she believes is often misunderstood.
“There's a misconception that pharmacy technicians only handle basic tasks, but their responsibilities go far beyond that,” Garza said. “They are an essential part of the pharmacy team, working alongside pharmacists to ensure patients receive the medications they need safely and efficiently.”
Over the years, Garza has built a life in the Rio Grande Valley, raising two children while dedicating much of her career to pharmacy and education.
At STC, she has helped the Pharmacy Technology program evolve alongside the profession, expanding hands-on training opportunities and introducing students to technology used in modern pharmacy settings. These efforts have included incorporating automated medication packaging equipment and opportunities for students to participate in simulations alongside other healthcare disciplines.
“STC has been such an important part of my life. I've had the opportunity to grow as an educator, work alongside incredible people and be part of something that makes a difference in our community,” Garza said. “I'm grateful that I've always had people willing to listen to my ideas and support the work we're doing for our students.”
Her contributions have earned recognition throughout her career, including her first NISOD Excellence Award in 2008, recognizing her continued commitment to teaching and student success.
For Garza, however, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing students grow in their understanding and confidence, particularly when teaching pharmacology, one of her favorite subjects.
“There's nothing like seeing that moment when something finally clicks for a student,” Garza said. “I remember what that felt like when I was learning, and now being able to give my students that same experience is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.”
Looking ahead, Garza remains focused on strengthening the academic programs under her leadership, mentoring faculty and preparing future leaders who can carry the programs forward.
“I want to know that when my time here comes to an end, the programs I've helped build will continue to grow and students will continue to have the same opportunities, if not better ones,” Garza said. “If I've helped make that possible, then I know I've made a difference.”
