In this episode of Faculty Spotlight, we visit the kitchen at Laredo College’s South Campus to meet Alejandro Casillas, a Culinary Arts instructor whose journey came full circle. After earning a bachelor’s degree in dance from UTRGV, Alejandro followed his passion for cooking and enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Laredo College. He later returned as an instructor and has now been teaching at the college for the past four years.

Blanca Magaña-Shehab, a Vocational Nursing instructor and lab assistant, has been part of Laredo College for 14 years. After working as a floor nurse, she was encouraged by an LC professor to apply when her natural connection with students stood out. She takes pride in making a difference not only in patients’ lives, but in their families’ lives as well. Currently pursuing her master’s degree, she finds her greatest reward in hearing students say they feel fully prepared after completing the program.

Professor Brenda Garcia, Chair of the Cosmetology Department, moved to Laredo in 1996 without knowing English and began learning the language in high school. A Cigarroa High School graduate, she discovered her passion for cosmetology when a friend signed her up for classes. Licensed since 2000, Garcia has spent the last decade teaching future cosmetologists, including seven years at Laredo College, where she continues to share her love for the craft and her story of perseverance.

Professor Gloria Castillo, Chair of the Child Development Department, began her journey at Laredo College as a student. One of her professors, who had also been her kindergarten teacher, helped inspire her career path. Since joining LC in 2004, Castillo has dedicated herself to shaping future educators and helping students build strong foundations, just as she once did with children in her own classroom.

Director of Computer Sciences and Technology and the Cybersecurity Institute, Tekuani Perez first discovered computers at age seven; but his path wasn’t a straight line. After studying music and spending a decade in warehouse work, he returned to school at Laredo College, where his journey in technology began. Now pursuing his doctorate, Perez continues to teach while leading LC’s growing programs in computer science and cybersecurity.

Born and raised in Laredo, Music Instructor Luis Leal is the director of Mariachi Los Palominos—a group he helped bring back to LC. A proud graduate of Cigarroa Middle and High School, he discovered his love for music as a young violinist and later earned his master’s degree in Latin Music Performance after reflecting on his path during COVID. Now in his second year at LC, Leal hopes to inspire students through Mariachi and dreams of one day hosting a Mariachi festival on campus.

For Professor Eddie Vandewalker, teaching and music go hand in hand. Originally from Oklahoma, he shares his love for both with students at Laredo College and at the high school level. In just two years at LC, he’s come to appreciate the historic Fort McIntosh campus and says he hopes to make this his home for the rest of his career.

Originally from Ohio, Dr. Joe Crabtree moved to Laredo in 1997 to join Laredo College as Professor of Music and Voice. Now in his 28th year at LC, he has performed in three languages on two continents, lent his voice to commercials—including Super Bowl spots—and currently serves as President of the Laredo Philharmonic.

Juan Saldivar spent 10 years as an over-the-road truck driver before becoming a CDL instructor. He taught at a private company before joining Laredo College and is state-certified to train students for their commercial driver’s license.

🎧 Recorded using podcast equipment purchased through a grant from the Women’s City Club.

#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #CDLInstructor #LCFaculty #TruckDriving #TransportationCareers #WomensCityClub

Julie Kelly discovered her love for field biology as a young migrant worker. Now in her 10th year at Laredo College, she shares that passion with her students—and with the community as president of the Bird Club of Laredo.

🎧 Recorded using podcast equipment purchased through a grant from the Women’s City Club.

#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #Biology #LCFaculty #BirdWatching #WomensCityClub