Veteran STC Board Member and newly-elected trustee take Oath of Office
Photo above: Rina Castillo and Alejo Salinas Jr., Ph.D., were both sworn in recently during a Ceremonial Oath of Office event to officially mark their new six-year terms on the STC Board of Trustees. Photo courtesy STC Communications.
Amanda Sotelo, STC Communications
Edinburg TX – Rina Castillo and Alejo Salinas Jr., Ph.D., were both sworn in recently during a Ceremonial Oath of Office event to officially mark their new six-year terms on the STC Board of Trustees.
Sixth term for Salinas
Salinas, was reelected to his sixth term serving as an STC Trustee, representing District 5, Northwest Hidalgo County, Edinburg, North San Juan and Northeast Pharr.
He also previously served as chair of the STC Facilities Committee and chair and vice chair of the STC Board of Trustees.
“In the past 30 years, it has been an honor serving STC and its communities,” said Salinas. “I’ve been a part of monumental growth – new buildings, new programs, new technology. More than 225,000 students have graduated during my time and are now gainfully employed. This is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our board and to look ahead at what still can be done. There is exciting work to do and I’m positive about my next six years and still being a part of STC.”
Castillo is newcomer to STC Board
Castillo is newly elected to the STC Board of Trustees, representing District 7 – Northeast Hidalgo County, North Weslaco, Edcouch, Elsa, La Villa, North Mercedes, Northeast Alamo, Northeast Edinburg and Hargill.
The community and economic development agent for Prairie View A&M University is a community advocate and public servant with more than 20 years’ experience in education, workforce development and economic empowerment throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
“I’m very excited to serve my community in this capacity and blessed to have been successful in this race,” said the Edcouch native. “I’m honored that I will now be a part of STC history and that I’ll play a role in helping upcoming generations have access to college and higher education and to advocate for the resources that my district needs.”
Among those who joined in the celebration, Katherine Garcia-Perez, Hidalgo County Court 4 judge-elect and Charlie Espinoza, Hidalgo County Precinct 4 justice of the peace, officially led the oath and swearing in of both trustees.
In their oath, Salinas and Castillo, swore to uphold the U.S. Constitution, purposefully and intentionally serve their constituents and support and defend the mission and values of STC.
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said this event always marks a meaningful moment for STC, as it celebrates those who strengthen STC’s mission of transforming lives.
“We are only as strong as our Board of Trustees,” said Solis. “Dr. Salinas will continue serve as he has for decades. His leadership, vision and unwavering dedication to advancing educational opportunities in the RGV have led to a measurable impact across the region. We are also excited to welcome Rina Castillo on this journey, as she begins to serve our students, faculty, staff and communities. Together, with our trustees, we continue to transform lives through education, workforce development, apprenticeships, innovative technology and community partnership.”
Salinas’ and Castillo’s terms run through May 2032.