(HARLINGEN, Texas) – For five Texas State Technical College employees at the Harlingen campus, success is measured in students who graduate, colleagues who grow and lives that are changed along the way.
That is why Joseph Abrego, Jena Campbell, Steven Shelby Coffman, Julie Gonzalez and Krystal Narro were recognized with the 2026 Chancellor’s Cornerstone Award. The award recognizes employees who exemplify TSTC’s values of excellence, accountability, integrity and service.
“At the heart of TSTC’s success is the exceptional quality of our people,” Reeser said. “Within that remarkable team are individuals who consistently go above and beyond, and this award recognizes and celebrates those people.”
The recipients, who have a combined 75 years of service to the college, share a belief that their work has a purpose beyond their responsibilities.
Abrego, an associate manager for visual communications, has worked at TSTC for 19 years. He said his most meaningful reminders of his impact come at graduation, when candidates for graduation celebrate their accomplishments with their families.
“The tears of joy, the happy hugs of a proud parent and the big smiles at the end of a student’s journey … it makes me proud to be a part of it,” he said.
Campbell, director of alignment for academic core and designated associate degree programs, has been with the college for 11 years. She said her motivation began with seeing students experience light bulb moments in the classroom.
“My purpose comes from seeing the success of our students and watching them walk the stage at graduation,” she said.
Coffman, a computer programming instructor, is an 18-year TSTC employee and alumnus. He said student success begins with making sure online students know their instructors care about their progress.
“I believe it is essential that students see that, even though their instruction is online, there are real people on the other side of the screen who want them to succeed,” he said.
Gonzalez has spent all 22 of her years at the college in human resources. She said excellence begins with the example a leader sets for others.
“I want my team to know that I expect a lot from them,” Gonzalez said. “But I am equally committed to supporting their growth, recognizing their contributions and being there for them when the work is difficult.”
Narro, an instructional designer manager, has worked with TSTC for five years. She said her drive comes from knowing that even small actions can have a lasting effect on students and colleagues.
“Every student we support, every colleague we help and every improvement we make has the potential to change someone’s future,” she said.
For more information about TSTC, visit TSTC.edu.