PHOTO ID (left – right): SWTX President Dr. Hector Gonzales, SWTX Board Member Victor Lopez, Dimmit County Judge Martha Ponce, SWTX Board of Trustees President Dr. Harry Watkins, La Salle County Judge Leodoro Martinez III, SWTX Board Member Maria Elena Lara, SWTX Board of Trustees Secretary, Tony Moreno, SWTX Board Member Anita Shackelford
Press release from Southwest Texas College
05-26-26
(Uvalde, Texas) Southwest Texas College’s Board of Trustees took a historic step this week by accepting the institution’s first-ever annexation petitions from both La Salle and Dimmit Counties, making it the first time two counties have simultaneously sought to join the college district.
“This proposal is about people, neighbors, and shared opportunity. Dimmit and La Salle counties are strong, hardworking communities with deep roots and a clear vision for their future,” said SWTX President Hector Gonzales. “At Southwest Texas College, we believe every resident—whether a recent high school graduate, a working adult, or someone seeking a fresh start—deserves access to affordable, high-quality education close to home.”
Strong Community Support
Both counties surpassed the rigorous requirement of obtaining signatures from at least five percent of registered voters. La Salle County Judge Leodoro Martinez III led the petition effort for La Salle County, which has a population of 6,664 and is headquartered in Cotulla. Dimmit County, with approximately 8,615 residents and its county seat in Carrizo Springs, also demonstrated strong support for joining the SWTX district, with support from county judge Martha Ponce, Carrizo Springs ISD Superintendent Rose Pearson and the city of Carrizo Springs.
“By coming together as one district, we can expand opportunities in high-demand fields that directly support our local workforce — programs like welding, construction science, HVAC, commercial truck driving, and powerline technology,” said SWTX President Hector Gonzales. “These are careers that keep our infrastructure running, support local industry, and provide families with good-paying, sustainable livelihoods.”
Hearings and Election
Following the board’s unanimous approval to accept both petitions, public hearings have been scheduled under Section 130.065 of the Texas Education Code. La Salle County residents will have their hearing on July 7 at 6 p.m. at the La Salle County Courthouse in Cotulla, while Dimmit County’s hearing is set for July 9 at 6 p.m. at the Dimmit County Courthouse. Following the hearings and publication of formal annexation plans, the matter is expected to go before voters in the November general election.
Educational Impact
Southwest Texas College currently serves students across 11 counties in Southwest Texas through campuses in Uvalde, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Crystal City, Hondo and Pearsall. The potential addition of La Salle and Dimmit Counties would expand access to technical, workforce training, degree opportunities and educational resources for thousands of additional residents in neighboring communities.
“Our goal is to listen, partner, and invest in Dimmit and La Salle counties so that education becomes a true engine of growth, workforce development, and community pride — helping ensure that local talent can learn, work, and succeed right here at home,” Gonzales said.
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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