STC celebrates NIMS accreditation

South Texas College celebrated its recent accreditation by the National Institute of Metalworking Skills for its Precision Manufacturing Technology Program at the Building Future Talent Workforce Summit. STC is the first college in the entire State of Texas to earn the accreditation, which means that STC has met and exceeded national metalworking industry standards for quality of instruction, incorporation of important, high-level industry skills, and overall safety.

“This process has been exemplary on the part of everyone involved,” said Stephen C. Mandes, executive director of NIMS. “On behalf of the entire NIMS family across the nation I extend our congratulations and gratitude.”

Mandes was on hand at the celebration to present college administrators with the official NIMS accreditation plaque. The college has earned the accreditation for the standard five year period and will engage in a reaccredidation process in 2012.

“It is a real honor and tribute to the quality of our program, instructors, students and administrators that we earned this accreditation,” said Mario Reyna, division dean of business, math, science and technology for STC. “It is also an important milestone for colleges across the State of Texas. As the first college in the entire state to earn this recognition, we are leading by example.

We also want to take this opportunity to thank each of our industry partners for working with us to ensure the successful completion of this accreditation. It would not have been possible without your support and motivation.”

A variety of business leaders and officials were on hand to help STC celebrate the accomplishment including, City of McAllen Mayor Richard Cortez, Hidalgo County Judge J.D. Salinas, South Texas Manufacturing Association Executive Director Mike Willis, McAllen Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Keith Patridge, and Gerald Stinson of Kings Prosperity.

For more information about STC’s Precision Manufacturing Technology Program call 956-872-6133.

Photo Caption:

STC administrators and Rio Grande Valley business leaders and officials celebrate the college’s recent NIMS accreditation at the Building Future Talent Workforce Summit. Pictured from left are Juan Mejia, STC vice president for instructional services; Mike Willis; Ed Hausbeck, chair of STC’s Precision Manufacturing Program; STC president Dr. Shirley A. Reed; Stephen C. Mandes; Wanda Garza, STC executive director for workforce development and external affairs; Keith Patridge; Gerald Stinson; and Mario Reyna.