Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees Selects New Student Trustee
At a special meeting held on April 22, 2025, the Alamo Colleges District Board of Trustees selected San Antonio College (SAC) student Josiah Rodriguez as the new student trustee.
Rodriguez will serve a one-year term from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. In 2014, the Alamo Colleges District was the first community college system in Texas to appoint a student trustee.
“We extend our gratitude to Logan Martinez, our outgoing student trustee, and outgoing student trustee alternate, Eliron Rosin, for their exceptional service in representing the Alamo Colleges at the state and national level,” said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor. “We look forward to the insight and contributions that our new student representatives will make to our board.”
Rodriguez is a San Antonio native participating in the political science program at SAC with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
After graduating from high school, Rodriguez made the difficult decision to delay his education and instead enter the workforce to help support his mother and siblings. During this time, he began attending city council meetings, where he discovered a love for civic engagement and a motivation to help build a more equitable city. Rodriguez knew he needed to pursue higher education in order to help drive meaningful change in his community.
At SAC, Rodriguez is actively involved in campus organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa, the Honors Academy, the Student Government Association, and serves as President of First Gen. These roles allow him to advocate for students facing challenges related to housing, transportation, and food insecurity, barriers he also has experienced.
Rodriguez has seen firsthand how access to affordable education can transform lives. Inspired by his journey, Rodriguez's mother earned her GED through the Ready to Work program and plans to attend SAC this fall.
Outside the classroom, Rodriguez gives back to the city he loves by working as a substitute teacher, speaking at public hearings at City Hall and volunteering with community organizations like Strong Towns and River Aid San Antonio. “In May, he will begin an internship with Texas State Representative Diego Bernal, where he hopes to deepen his understanding of public service and policymaking.
Looking ahead, Rodriguez is committed to championing greater opportunities and eliminating systemic barriers for San Antonio residents. As a student trustee for the Alamo Colleges District, he is dedicated to helping fellow students overcome obstacles to higher education, fostering collaboration across campuses, and supporting the leadership development of the next generation of changemakers.
Northwest Vista College (NVC) student Nala Knight was named as the alternate student trustee. She will attend board meetings if Rodriguez is unable to do so.
Knight, a U.S. Army veteran from Macon, Georgia, began her academic journey at Northwest Vista College in the summer of 2024. She serves as a Student Ambassador in Admissions and Records and President of NVC’s Student Event Team (S.E.T.). During her military service, Knight led the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program dedicated to enhancing the morale and welfare of single service members. She also participated in the Junior Achievement Future Educators Program, where she taught financial literacy to third-grade students.
Knight plans to transfer to Trinity University, where she will double major in English Literature and pursue a Master’s degree in International Studies inspired by her travels to Querétaro, Mexico, with the Alamo Colleges Cultural Exchange Program.
The other outstanding Alamo Colleges student trustee candidates included:
Jose De Jesus Bernal – is a first-generation college student and father pursuing an associate of applied science online with Palo Alto College’s (PAC) Cyber Defense & Operations program. In the future, he hopes to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration in computer information systems and security. In his free time, Bernal volunteers at the San Antonio Clubhouse, participates in community outreach programs for Restore Education and plays in three adult soccer leagues.
Angelica Cordero – is a parenting student and military spouse pursuing an associate of applied science at St. Philip's College (SPC). After graduation, she plans to continue her education at San Antonio College to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Cordero serves as the Director of Silvia’s Angels, a home health company, and brings over 22 years of volunteer experience working with the elderly. Her passion for advocacy, caregiving, and community has inspired her active involvement in campus organizations. She is a Future United Latino Leaders for Change member, the Student Government Association President-Elect, the SNT Coordinator for the National Society for Leadership and Success, and an ACD Student Leadership Institute participant.
Edmond "Ron" Kelley – is a dual credit student pursuing an associate of arts at Northeast Lakeview College (NLC) while attending Judson Early College Academy (JECA) as a high school junior. Kelley is a dedicated student who began taking college-level courses at 14. His future goals include earning his bachelor's degree at Harvard University and attending Harvard Medical School to earn his Doctor of Medicine and become a neurosurgeon. In 2021, Kelley co-founded the National Mentoring Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring young male students. Throughout his academic journey with the Alamo Colleges and JECA, he has earned numerous accolades, participated in various extracurricular activities, and taken on several leadership roles. In his free time, Kelley channels his passion for audio and video production into creating NBA highlight videos on YouTube that garner millions of views.
Latest NLC News RSS
- College Promise and Alamo Colleges District Host National Convening to Advance Student Father Success in Higher EducationCollege Promise and the Alamo Colleges District proudly hosted a national convening focused on advancing data-driven support and best practices for student fathers. Held on May 29, 2025, at the Alamo Colleges District’s ACCESS Building, the event brought together higher education leaders, policy experts, and practitioners nationwide to address student fathers’ unique challenges in accessing, achieving, and advancing through postsecondary education. The convening opened with remarks from Dr. Mike Flores, Chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District, and Rosye Cloud, Interim CEO of College Promise. Both emphasized the importance of elevating the voices of parenting students, an often-overlooked population in higher education. “At the Alamo Colleges District, we believe in meeting students where they are and designing pathways that reflect the realities of their lives. Student fathers are a vital part of our college communities, and too often, their experiences go unseen in higher education policy and practice. This convening represents a critical opportunity to share data, elevate voices, and create actionable solutions to ensure student fathers and all parents can thrive in college, career, and life.” In response to declining college enrollment rates among males nationwide, College Promise has identified male students, specifically fathers, as a critical subgroup of interest. This project is designed to (1) conduct a comprehensive landscape analysis of national and regional data, (2) share best practices to enhance student-father outcomes, and (3) increase the impact of existing supports through targeted technical assistance, outreach, and awareness campaigns. The initiative focuses on six states that collect student parent data: Michigan, Illinois, Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Texas. This initiative, announced earlier this year, aims to expand targeted interventions and wraparound services across key states, with a long-term goal of implementing these findings across College Promise programs nationwide. Through targeted discussions and workshops, the event will highlight effective wraparound services, financial aid innovations, and institutional policies that can be scaled across key states and, ultimately, replicated nationwide. Through efforts like AlamoPROMISE, the Alamo Colleges have eliminated cost as a barrier to higher education for thousands of students. Since its launch in 2019, AlamoPROMISE has enabled more than 23,000 students – many of them student parents and first-generation college-goers to enroll and persist in college. “When we support student fathers to achieve their potential, we uplift entire families and communities. That’s why College Promise is working nationwide to connect student fathers with career opportunities through education and training,” said Rosye Cloud, interim CEO of College Promise. “Higher education remains one of the most effective strategies for achieving long-term economic prosperity. The Alamo Colleges District stands out as a model for how institutions can drive economic mobility by offering student-centered support, financial resources, and career-connected programs.” Throughout the day, attendees engaged in data sessions, peer learning discussions, and workshops highlighting institutional policies and programs that can be scaled nationwide. From on-campus childcare and flexible scheduling to financial aid innovation and faculty engagement, presenters underscored the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change for student fathers. Taking place during College Promise’s 10th-anniversary year, this convening is part of a broader celebration of the National Promise movement’s growth and evolution, underscoring the importance of equitable access and support for all students.
- A Student Athlete’s Journey to a Stronger FutureNathaniel Wilbank was raised in San Antonio, TX and attended high school at Antonian College Preparatory. During his time in high school, he was a dedicated and talented student athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, Nathaniel’s decision of where to attend college was easy thanks to his family legacy at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) where his parents and grandfather attended San Antonio College. He was also excited to learn that he qualified for AlamoPROMISE, a last dollar scholarship that helps remove financial barriers by covering 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students. Inspired by his family’s experience and thankful for the opportunity to attend college tuition-free, Nathaniel enrolled at Palo Alto College (PAC). “If I didn’t have AlamoPROMISE, I’m not sure where I’d be right now,” said Nathaniel. At PAC, Nathaniel maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA and is part of the Welding Technology program with the goal of earning an Associate of Applied Science. He has also continued his path as a student athlete by joining the club basketball team, where has found a strong sense of support, purpose, and community. Nathaniel attributes his academic success to the PAC leadership and athletic staff who have kept him motivated and focused on his coursework. Although he remains busy with his studies and sports, he has also found time to give back to his community and has earned 25 hours of volunteer service this academic year. “I want to thank members of our athletics department staff…for pushing me to be strong academically with the required tutoring hours, biweekly grade checks, and volunteer service hours which have helped me to be a successful athlete and also a greater person,” said Nathaniel. At the ACD May 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting, Nathaniel was recognized as the AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his parents for keeping him grounded and focused and acknowledged the opportunities given to him as an AlamoPROMISE Scholar. “PAC has given me the opportunity to pursue a degree and career path that I’m passionate about,” said Nathaniel. After graduation, Nathaniel plans to begin a career in welding to provide for his future family. His journey reflects the impact that access, support, and determination can have on a student’s path.
- A Student Athlete’s Journey to a Stronger FutureNathaniel Wilbank was raised in San Antonio, TX and attended high school at Antonian College Preparatory. During his time in high school, he was a dedicated and talented student athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, Nathaniel’s decision of where to attend college was easy thanks to his family legacy at the Alamo Colleges District (ACD) where his parents and grandfather attended San Antonio College. He was also excited to learn that he qualified for AlamoPROMISE, a last dollar scholarship that helps remove financial barriers by covering 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students. Inspired by his family’s experience and thankful for the opportunity to attend college tuition-free, Nathaniel enrolled at Palo Alto College (PAC). “If I didn’t have AlamoPROMISE, I’m not sure where I’d be right now,” said Nathaniel. At PAC, Nathaniel maintains an impressive 4.0 GPA and is part of the Welding Technology program with the goal of earning an Associate of Applied Science. He has also continued his path as a student athlete by joining the club basketball team, where has found a strong sense of support, purpose, and community. Nathaniel attributes his academic success to the PAC leadership and athletic staff who have kept him motivated and focused on his coursework. Although he remains busy with his studies and sports, he has also found time to give back to his community and has earned 25 hours of volunteer service this academic year. “I want to thank members of our athletics department staff…for pushing me to be strong academically with the required tutoring hours, biweekly grade checks, and volunteer service hours which have helped me to be a successful athlete and also a greater person,” said Nathaniel. At the ACD May 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting, Nathaniel was recognized as the AlamoPROMISE Student of the Month. During his acceptance speech, he thanked his parents for keeping him grounded and focused and acknowledged the opportunities given to him as an AlamoPROMISE Scholar. “PAC has given me the opportunity to pursue a degree and career path that I’m passionate about,” said Nathaniel. After graduation, Nathaniel plans to begin a career in welding to provide for his future family. His journey reflects the impact that access, support, and determination can have on a student’s path.
- Congrats Class of 2025![hide]
- How the Ready to Work program gave Onesty Hamilton a new career in law enforcementThe first time Onesty Hamilton enrolled in San Antonio College’s First Responders Academy, she failed out of the program a month before graduation. She had been trying to complete the academy part-time, while still working as a correctional officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It was her experience working with inmates at the prison that inspired her to seek out a new career in the first place. “You get a feel of how it is once they’re already in,” she said, “but I wanted to see what it was like before they get in.” Hamilton wondered what kind of interactions they had with law enforcement before they were incarcerated. “Can you make a difference and turn them on a different path?” she thought to herself. She sought out a program that could train her for a new role in law enforcement, and found the First Responders Academy. She signed up for the 9-month part-time program, and soon after found out about another opportunity: San Antonio’s Ready to Work financial assistance. She received a full scholarship. But when Hamilton failed her coursework, the situation became more complicated. She contacted her Ready to Work case manager, explaining that she wanted to try the program again, full-time, but needed continued financial support. There was money left over from her original scholarship, so Hamilton was able to receive the funds on the condition that she complete the course this time. Still, there were challenges. Hamilton realized she couldn’t balance full-time work—or, she discovered, even part-time work—alongside the full-time academy, and had to give up working so she could focus and make sure she passed. This, of course, presented another financial obstacle. Even with the scholarship, and a supportive husband, who worked hard to make sure she was able to focus on her career journey, Hamilton said her bills were still piling up. Again, Hamilton turned to her Ready to Work case manager, who connected her to the resources she needed. Between Ready to Work and the Student Advocacy Center on campus, she received gas cards, as well as money for food and other bills. Hamilton credits these two programs with allowing her to stay focused in class, and receive the support she needed without having to rely on outside agencies. Fully immersed in the academy, Hamilton learned a wide range of things that she felt would enable her to keep her community safe. The highlight of the course for her was a crisis intervention training, where she learned to effectively communicate with someone during a high-stress situation. All the while, Hamilton was applying to police departments where she might work after graduation, with the hope that one would sponsor and pay her during the academy. She applied to a few departments, but didn’t get any leads. “That’s not where I was destined to be,” she said. When the Alamo Colleges District Police Department recruited her, she decided to give it a shot and apply. She was impressed that, throughout the whole application process, they kept in touch with her frequently. She felt she wasn’t just another number to them. Hamilton graduated from the academy in December, and started her new role as an officer at the ACPD in January. She’s working toward her original goal of keeping people out of the prison system, but she recognizes it will be a long journey but realizes she "won’t be able to save everybody.” In the meantime, she’s become involved in recruiting the next generation. “I just want to share my experience, share my story,” she said. She’s also a strong advocate for taking advantage of the financial assistance available across the Alamo Colleges. “Use the resources. Don’t be too proud,” she said. Whether it was help with food, bills or even mental counseling, Hamilton said she would not have made it through the academy without the support from those resources and her family.
- How the Ready to Work program gave Onesty Hamilton a new career in law enforcementThe first time Onesty Hamilton enrolled in San Antonio College’s First Responders Academy, she failed out of the program a month before graduation. She had been trying to complete the academy part-time, while still working as a correctional officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It was her experience working with inmates at the prison that inspired her to seek out a new career in the first place. “You get a feel of how it is once they’re already in,” she said, “but I wanted to see what it was like before they get in.” Hamilton wondered what kind of interactions they had with law enforcement before they were incarcerated. “Can you make a difference and turn them on a different path?” she thought to herself. She sought out a program that could train her for a new role in law enforcement, and found the First Responders Academy. She signed up for the 9-month part-time program, and soon after found out about another opportunity: San Antonio’s Ready to Work financial assistance. She received a full scholarship. But when Hamilton failed her coursework, the situation became more complicated. She contacted her Ready to Work case manager, explaining that she wanted to try the program again, full-time, but needed continued financial support. There was money left over from her original scholarship, so Hamilton was able to receive the funds on the condition that she complete the course this time. Still, there were challenges. Hamilton realized she couldn’t balance full-time work—or, she discovered, even part-time work—alongside the full-time academy, and had to give up working so she could focus and make sure she passed. This, of course, presented another financial obstacle. Even with the scholarship, and a supportive husband, who worked hard to make sure she was able to focus on her career journey, Hamilton said her bills were still piling up. Again, Hamilton turned to her Ready to Work case manager, who connected her to the resources she needed. Between Ready to Work and the Student Advocacy Center on campus, she received gas cards, as well as money for food and other bills. Hamilton credits these two programs with allowing her to stay focused in class, and receive the support she needed without having to rely on outside agencies. Fully immersed in the academy, Hamilton learned a wide range of things that she felt would enable her to keep her community safe. The highlight of the course for her was a crisis intervention training, where she learned to effectively communicate with someone during a high-stress situation. All the while, Hamilton was applying to police departments where she might work after graduation, with the hope that one would sponsor and pay her during the academy. She applied to a few departments, but didn’t get any leads. “That’s not where I was destined to be,” she said. When the Alamo Colleges District Police Department recruited her, she decided to give it a shot and apply. She was impressed that, throughout the whole application process, they kept in touch with her frequently. She felt she wasn’t just another number to them. Hamilton graduated from the academy in December, and started her new role as an officer at the ACPD in January. She’s working toward her original goal of keeping people out of the prison system, but she recognizes it will be a long journey but realizes she "won’t be able to save everybody.” In the meantime, she’s become involved in recruiting the next generation. “I just want to share my experience, share my story,” she said. She’s also a strong advocate for taking advantage of the financial assistance available across the Alamo Colleges. “Use the resources. Don’t be too proud,” she said. Whether it was help with food, bills or even mental counseling, Hamilton said she would not have made it through the academy without the support from those resources and her family.
