STC ready for artificial intelligence

The rise of Artificial Intelligence isn't a distant promise; it's a present reality reshaping industries, job markets, and our daily lives. For many, this rapid evolution presents a critical question: how do we equip ourselves and the next generation to thrive in an AI-driven world? The answer lies not in resistance, but in thoughtful, strategic integration, and South Texas College (STC) is taking a leadership role in this essential shift.

Embracing the AI Revolution Responsibly

STC recognizes that AI is a permanent technological force, not a passing trend. Our approach is proactive and ethics-driven, designed to balance the transformative opportunities of AI with clear guidelines for responsible use. Simply banning AI would be a disservice to students, hindering their preparation for a workforce where AI literacy is becoming indispensable. Instead, STC champions an environment that encourages learning and workplace readiness, underpinned by institutional guidance to clarify ethics, prevent misuse, and ensure acceptable academic practices.

A Decentralized Approach with Coordinated Vision

Our strategy is unique: a decentralized implementation across STC’s six campuses, allowing each department to explore and integrate AI in ways that best suit its specific needs and curricula. This grassroots innovation is supported by an overarching AI Task Force, co-led by Dr. Jesus Campos, Interim Vice President for Information Services, Planning, Performance and Strategic Initiatives, and Dr. Christopher Nelson, Dean of Liberal Arts. This task force acts as a central hub, ensuring consistency, ethical alignment, and comprehensive faculty training across all programs.

Future-Proofing Careers with AI Skills

Nowhere is STC’s commitment more evident than in its academic programs. The Bachelor of Applied Technology Computer Information Technology (BAT-CIT) program has been at the forefront, integrating AI certifications tied to industry leaders like Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS) since 2023. These valuable microcredentials offer significant advantages in the competitive job market, enabling graduates to advance their careers, secure higher salaries, and remain competitive by mastering the latest skills.

Consider Fernando Benavides, an STC alumnus now serving as Information Technology Operations Manager for Texas Workforce Solutions. He credits the BAT-CIT program's emphasis on AI for enabling him to leverage AI tools that assist job seekers. His experience underscores a vital truth: AI is not merely the future; it is actively shaping our present, and STC ensures its students are not just spectators, but active participants and innovators.

AI as an Institutional Priority

Integrating AI isn't just an initiative; it's a cornerstone of STC’s 2025-2031 Strategic Plan. This comprehensive vision calls for the creation of new programs and degrees utilizing emerging technologies, alongside the strategic deployment of AI to maximize efficiency and streamline operations across the college. Divisions like Business, Public Safety and Technology (BPST) have fully embraced this directive, embarking on year-long assessments to embed AI across their programs, preparing for a generation of students who will inherently use AI as a resource.

Joe Vela, BPST point of contact, articulates this commitment: “We know AI is already here to stay and we want to start embedding it into all of our programs. We want to show students that we have an answer for them, exemplifying expertise when it comes to AI.”

Building a Balanced and Ethical Foundation

At the heart of STC's AI integration is the principle of responsible use: leveraging AI for support while diligently practicing and reinforcing foundational skills. This balance ensures students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and ethical awareness alongside their technological prowess. It’s about empowering individuals to innovate with AI, not replace their essential human capabilities.

In a world rapidly transforming, being ready for AI is no longer optional—it's imperative. STC is not just preparing students for this future; it's actively shaping it, ensuring every graduate is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and ethical framework to lead in an AI-powered era. Explore how these advancements can define your future and contribute to a more skilled workforce. Your journey into the AI-driven future begins now.