Southwest Texas College Unveils VIDA Resource Center at Del Rio Campus

Uvalde, TX, September 15, 2025 - Southwest Texas College celebrated the grand opening of its first VIDA Resource Center on Sept. 4 in Del Rio, a milestone event that brought together community leaders, educators, and students. The center is designed to provide essential support services that promote student success and well-being. PHOTOS

The event commenced with a warm welcome from college representatives, who expressed their excitement about the new center. Distinguished guests in attendance included SWTX Board of Trustees President Dr. Harry Watkins, City of Del Rio Mayor Al Arreola, Economic Development Director Oreste Hubbard, City of Del Rio Councilman Jesus Lopez, SWTX students, faculty, staff and members of the Chamber of Commerce.

College President Dr. Hector Gonzales addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in education. "Partnerships are not a want, they're a need," said Dr. Gonzales. "We can't survive without partnerships, especially in the part of Texas that we operate in."

Dr. Gonzales highlighted the center's mission to support students beyond academics. "It's not about enrollment or attendance—it's about success," he stated. "This building is designed to help students with life challenges that may impact their studies."

The VIDA Resource Center will house programs such as TRIO, Upward Bound, and Student Support Services, as well as a Transfer and Career Center, a cowboy pantry to address food insecurity, and mental health counseling services. Additional features include a recharge room and a lactation room.

The VIDA project is led by Project Director Xaviera Haynes, Grant Manager Vannesa Gutierrez, and VIDA Care Specialist Maria Treviño. Future VIDA Resource Centers are planned for Uvalde and Eagle Pass, expanding access and support across our communities.

The new VIDA Resource Center offers a wide range of dedicated spaces and services, including:
Two counseling rooms, one of which supports virtual counseling sessions, making mental health resources more accessible.

A lactation room to support student parents.
A community resource room, where local partners can meet with students and assist with applications for services such as housing, SNAP benefits, and utility assistance.
Espacio VIDA, a flexible space for group sessions, workshops, and student activities.
The Cowboy Pantry, which helps meet students’ food security needs.

The opening of the VIDA Resource Center marks an important step in strengthening support systems for students and their families—ensuring they have the resources to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Dr. Gonzales also announced upcoming expansions, including new programs in welding, construction science, and power line technology, as well as enhancements to the aviation curriculum. "We're committed to Del Rio," he affirmed. "We're here to stay and we love serving this community."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded the event, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Southwest Texas College. With the VIDA Resource Center, the college reinforces its dedication to student achievement and community engagement.