Texas Southmost College President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez has been presented with the prestigious 2023 Western Regional CEO Award by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), marking a significant achievement for his outstanding contributions.
Presented Oct. 11, 2023, Dr. Rodríguez’s recognition is part of the national awards presented annually by the ACCT, with only five CEOs acknowledged across the United States and Canada. This accolade celebrates Dr. Rodríguez’s exceptional contributions to innovative programs that serve as models for two-year postsecondary institutions.
Texas Southmost College board of trustees Chair Adela Garza acknowledged his leadership, noting the unanimous support of the Board in his appointment.
“Dr. Rodriguez has achieved extraordinary results by increasing enrollment, student success, and community partnerships,” said Garza. “He has also done exceptionally well working with the Trustees to ensure TSC continues to provide high-quality education while remaining the most affordable institution of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Selected as the Western Regional CEO awardee, Dr. Rodríguez emerged from a competitive group of nominees spanning 10 U.S. states and five Canadian provinces/territories, which include Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut Territory, and Northern Territories.
The nomination emphasized Dr. Rodríguez’s role and contribution to developing innovative programs during his tenure, including TSC’s remarkable enrollment growth during the challenging COVID‐19 pandemic. TSC stood out as one of the few institutions of higher education nationally that experienced enrollment growth during this period.
“I am honored by this award, and it is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Scorpion Family,” said Rodríguez. “The TSC Board of Trustees leads the way by establishing a vision, strategic priorities, and having the courage to move the college forward with purpose and direction. I then have the great pleasure of working alongside highly talented faculty and staff who are fully committed to our mission of transforming communities.”
