Press Release from Southwest Texas College 4/22/26
(Uvalde, Texas) Southwest Texas College showcased its continued growth, strong finances and student-focused mission during its 2026 Friends and Alumni Network President’s Gala, which raised $27,000 for scholarships and drew about 320 attendees to the Uvalde County Fairplex Event Center on Saturday, April 11.
The “Rhinestones and Rodeo” gala brought together college supporters for dinner, casino fun, live music and a silent auction, while also highlighting a year of expansion across academics, workforce training and student success. During his remarks, Dr. Gonzales said the college’s financial position remains strong, noting that the fund balance has grown from $23 million to $57 million since 2019 and that the college’s tax rate has decreased from 16 cents to 12 cents over that same period.
“Last year alone, our fund balance increased by almost $6 million,” Gonzales said, calling the state of the college excellent. He said Southwest Texas College has served the people of Southwest Texas for 80 years and continues to innovate while staying grounded in its mission to serve students.
Gonzales also thanked the college’s Board of Trustees for its support, as well as faculty, staff and members of the leadership team who help advance the institution’s goals. He said collaboration with community partners makes the college’s work possible and creates opportunities for students across the service area.
The evening also included a tribute to the late Uvalde County Judge William R. Mitchell, whose service to the community and support for Southwest Texas College were recognized. Gonzales said Mitchell was a steadfast supporter of the college and noted his work as a faculty member, his years of public service and his longtime role as the voice of Uvalde Coyotes Football on Friday nights.
Gonzales pointed to a series of accomplishments that reflect the college’s recent growth. He said the institution is moving through the accreditation process, with a positive visit last fall and expectations of full reaccreditation after the commission meets in June. He also noted that the EMT-paramedic program has earned full accreditation, while the surgical technology program is still in process. He also pointed to growth in aviation mechanics, professional truck driving, power line, diesel mechanics and behavioral health, along with plans for a physical therapy assistant program.
He said the aviation mechanics program in Del Rio recently received approval to expand from airframe training into powerplant instruction, a move he described as significant for students and the region. New buildings are also going up in Eagle Pass and Del Rio, with another planned for Crystal City to support expanded training in welding, air conditioning, construction, science and workforce development.
Gonzales also highlighted potential expansion into La Salle and Dimmit counties, saying he has been meeting with local leaders about bringing technical education closer to those communities. “Both counties are super receptive and excited about that potential,” he said, adding that if plans move forward, an annexation election could be held in November for the counties to potentially join the college district.
Gonzales also noted that the college board has approved a bachelor’s degree in business administration, which is now moving through the state approval process and could launch in spring 2027.
Rodeo remained a major point of pride during the gala. Gonzales said seven Southwest Texas College athletes competed in the National College Finals Rodeo in Casper, where the women’s team was named national team of the year and Acey Pinkston was crowned national champion barrel racer. Tyler Calhoun was also recognized as national champion calf roper and rookie of the year.
Gonzales said those accomplishments reflect the college’s broader impact across the region and its role in preparing students to lead in classrooms, job sites, hospitals and communities. He closed by thanking supporters for believing in Southwest Texas College and its students, saying the scholarships raised from the event will help learners across the college’s service area.
Gonzales closed with a Henry Ford quote: “Coming together was the beginning. Staying together was progress. Working together was success.”
About Southwest Texas College
Southwest Texas College is a regional, “open door” institution serving an 11-county area that stretches from the Texas Hill Country to the US-Mexican border. Since 1946 SWTX has provided accessible, affordable, high-quality education that prepares students to successfully transfer to senior colleges and universities; enter the job market; pursue their professional and personal goals; and contribute to the economic growth of the region. The college’s mission is to enrich lives and advance growth through the education of our diverse communities.
To learn more about SWTX, visit swtxc.edu. For more information on this story, contact Ismael Martinez, SWTX Social Media/Public Relations Specialist at 830-591-2942 or imartinez@swtxc.edu.
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