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MCALLEN, Texas - The new president of South Texas College says he will be unveiling some \\u201cgreat projects\\u201d in the near future, primarily in the automotive and transportation sectors.

Ricardo Solis spoke at a recent McAllen Economic Development Corporation board meeting. He said he is excited to be working with MEDC to improve workforce training. He said his big focus right now is developing higher education programs in the health and technology arenas.

\\u201cIt is a pleasure to be here. I look forward to being part of these economic efforts for the McAllen region,\\u201d Solis said, pointing out that he has known MEDC President and CEO Keith Patridge for man years.

\\u201cKeith Patridge and I go way back. Practically, about 30 years when I was doing economic development back in the lower Valley. And then I transitioned into the private sector, and then went into higher education,\\u201d Solis said.

Solis previously served as president of Laredo Community College. While there, Solis and Patridge worked together to develop the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research & Education Initiative (NAAMREI), which covered the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo.

\\u201cWe truly believe that higher education is the key for communities to thrive. It is a pleasure to be part of it. There is no other place that I would rather be than in this part of the Valley and especially working with the MEDC for our workforce efforts,\\u201d Solis told the MEDC board of directors.

Transforming education

Solis said a lot of changes are happening at South Texas College.

\\u201cAt STC we are going to continue transforming education, primarily focusing on health and technology programs. We are very excited. We have some great projects we are going to be announcing very soon, primarily in the automotive and transportation areas,\\u201d Solis said.

\\u201cBut also, at the same time, the health, we are going to expanding even more programs, and expanding the capacity because we know there is huge demand, especially for the nursing areas. So, very excited that we are going to be engaging in these areas.\\u201d

Editor's Note: To read the full story, go to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service website.

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