Six more years

WESLACO — Roy Deleon is guaranteed at least six more years with the South Texas College family after he was re-elected to serve on the STC board of trustees last month.

Deleon, a Mercedes native, also serves as chairman of the finance and human resources committee.

Deleon has served on the board for 11 years when he replaced Ruben Hinojosa, who was elected to a U.S. congressional seat. Deleon represents District 7, which spans from north of Weslaco, Edcouch-Elsa, La Villa, North Mercedes, Northeast Alamo, to northeast Edinburg and Hargill.

Deleon said was truly honored to be re-elected.

"STC is a special place in my heart," Deleon said. "I enjoy getting involved and it means a lot to me to be part of the board. I really look forward to serving six more years."

STC is expected to serve approximately 22,000 students in the fall and spring semesters, a population that has increased many times over since Deleon earned his first spot on the board.

The 1983 Pan American University graduate recalls when STC used portables as classrooms when the campus first opened.

"It's always good to work so hard for bragging success," Deleon said. "The growing pains were good pains because we were growing. Finally, we're at a level where we're breathing a little easier. As we grow in the Valley, there is so much more need for community college."

Newly elected chairman of the Board Mike Allen said Deleon deserves the seat.

"They guy has been an outstanding leader," Allen said. "He's represented our college in various national meetings. He's a great leader and we're really relieved he won."

Allen has known Deleon for four years since he first came on board at STC and said his finance background is a definite plus to his position.

"He's a businessman, he understands education, goals we're going after," Allen said. "He's the ideal candidate and type of person we want to have."