4 finalists named for TSTC president

HARLINGEN - Four finalists are being considered to take over as the next president of Texas State Technical College.

One of the four men will succeed J. Gilbert Leal, the college's third president, who retired this year after holding the post for 30 years, according to a statement from the college.

One of the four candidates, Cesar Maldonado of Harlingen, is a member of the TSTC board of regents, raising the issue of a possible conflict of interest because the regents will select TSTC's new president.

But Eliska Flores, associate vice chancellor of marketing and communications for the TSTC system, said no conflict of interest exists.

TSTC Chancellor Bill Segura looked into the issue soon after receiving Maldonado's application for the position of TSTC president, she said.

Flores said Maldonado not only would have to abstain from a vote on a new president, but also would have to leave the room during the vote.

"He would abstain and step out so discussion can be honest and forthright in the boardroom. And that's standard protocol," Flores said.

If Maldonado is chosen as the new TSTC president, he would give up his seat on the board of regents, she said.

Maldonado has a master of science degree in chemical engineering and is a doctoral candidate in systems and engineering management.

He is the vice president of Systems Development at Maverick Engineering.

The other three candidates are:
*Boyd, a resident of Laguna Vista, who holds a doctorate in philosophy in 20th century European history, specializing in diplomacy and Asian relations. He is currently the president of Business and Management Consultants of America Inc.

*Hector Castillo, the assistant vice president for academic affairs at the University of Texas at Brownsville-Texas/Southmost College. He is a resident of Brownsville and holds a master of science in secondary and higher education, and is a doctoral candidate in educational administration.

* Pat Hobbs, TSTC's interim president and the college's vice president for student learning. He has a master's degree in business administration and lives in Rancho Viejo.

According to the college's statement, TSTC is seeking a president who has "a demonstrated capacity to lead and manage, strong communication capabilities, fund-raising skills, and stature in the local communities."

The position requires a bachelor's degree with a commitment to further graduate study, with a master's degree preferred. It also requires 10 years of successful upper-level management experience in industry or business, government and-or education.

The next step in the process calls for the candidates to meet with the college's presidential search committee on Sept. 23.

The candidates will be introduced to the college community following the interviews.

The college chancellor expects to make the appointment in mid-October subject to confirmation by the Board of Regents at its November meeting.