“This is a great time to be a part of TSC,” Rodriguez said. “While our division is in the early planning stages, we are eager to develop new continuing education and workforce training programs. For years, TSC has been the epicenter of Brownsville’s workforce training. That focus remains. We know that Brownsville is an emerging market and that TSC will play a vital role in educating our local and regional workforce. Our division will focus on developing workforce training and continuing education programs that are integrated with TSC’s innovative, accelerated, and technology-rich learning environment.”
Rodriguez will lead the new division that will play a critical role in building relationships with local businesses, community organizations and alumni to support the vision and mission of the college. She will oversee a variety of departments such as continuing education and workforce training, alumni, the TSC Foundation, grants, and marketing.
“We’re excited to have Melinda Rodriguez join the TSC family to help the college continue to move forward,” TSC Interim President Mike Shannon said. “Her substantial knowledge and experience in fundraising, as well as her experience with economic development, are great assets that will benefit both the community and the continuous growth of the college, especially in the areas of workforce training and continuing education.”
Originally from Brownsville, Rodriguez returned to the Rio Grande Valley after having lived in Austin for almost 20 years, where her career focused on non-profit management, marketing, business development, grant writing, and fundraising. Before her return to Brownsville, she was the executive director of Catholic Charities in Austin.
She is a board member of several local organizations such as the United Way of Southern Cameron County, Brownsville Economic Development Corporation, the UTRGV College of Business and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville.
Rodriguez earned her master’s degree in Human Services from St. Edward’s University and received a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Texas-Pan American.
About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor’s degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. Recently selected as a Bright Spot by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, TSC offers 53 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.