San Jacinto College has reached a historic milestone with the appointment of Salvador Serrano Jr. as the first Hispanic male trustee to serve on its board. A lifetime resident of Pasadena, Texas, Serrano brings a wealth of experience, cultural heritage, and community commitment to his new role. His journey from Pasadena ISD schools to becoming a business owner and community leader serves as an inspiration to the diverse student population of San Jacinto College.

Using Cultural Heritage to Inspire

Serrano’s deep ties to Pasadena and his bilingual abilities position him as a strong advocate for Latino students and families. 

“As a lifetime resident of Pasadena, I have a deep understanding of the community and its rich diversity,” Serrano shared.

Recognizing that San Jacinto College serves a multifaceted population, Serrano is committed to breaking language barriers and fostering inclusivity.

“Education can have a profound impact on our community,” he said. 

“As a bilingual trustee, I believe that being able to communicate in multiple languages enables me to better connect with our residents and address any potential language barriers.”

Serrano’s focus will be on ensuring students have access to the resources and support needed to succeed, building an environment where cultural diversity is celebrated.

Supporting First-Generation Students

San Jacinto College is home to many first-generation college students, a group Serrano is particularly passionate about. Programs like The Promise @San Jac scholarship, which provides debt-free education to high school graduates within the college’s taxing district, align closely with Serrano’s vision.

 “Initiatives like The Promise are designed to address barriers and create pathways for success,” Serrano explained.

Beyond scholarships, the college offers wrap-around services such as mental health support, childcare, and flexible class scheduling. Dual credit and early college high school programs further ease the transition to higher education, with 7,500 high school students annually earning college credits through these initiatives. Serrano’s leadership aims to expand such programs and deepen their impact on Latino students and their families.

Motivating Through Personal Experience

Serrano’s personal story—from attending Pasadena ISD schools to becoming a successful business owner—is a testament to the transformative power of education. 

“Growing up in Pasadena has given me a unique perspective on the needs of our community,” he said. 

His experience as a business owner has shown him the importance of accessible education and career development resources.

Serrano also highlighted the college’s Small Business Development Centers and the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Generation Park Campus as vital resources for local entrepreneurs. 

“These initiatives provide valuable support, and I encourage community members to take advantage of them,” he noted.

Building Partnerships for Student Success

Through his leadership roles in initiatives like Pasadena Loves Local, Serrano has demonstrated the power of collaboration. 

“Effective partnerships… enhance our ability to serve the community,” he said. 

“When we work together towards a common goal, we are often able to achieve more than we could have alone,” he added. “This approach not only enhances our ability to serve the community, but it also makes the work more enjoyable.”

San Jacinto College’s active participation in 15 chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, including the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, enables the institution to stay connected with industry leaders and local businesses.

Serrano plans to leverage these connections to inform strategic planning and ensure students are prepared for workforce demands.

“By participating on these Boards and engaging with community partners at their events, we are able to gather valuable insights into the community’s needs and concerns, which helps inform our decision-making and strategic planning,” Serrano shared. “ This interactive approach enables us to forge stronger relationships with the community and contribute more effectively to its advancement.”

 Ensuring Representation in Leadership

Representation matters, and Serrano’s appointment underscores San Jacinto College’s commitment to diversity in leadership.

“As a trustee, I am committed to being a voice for the people I represent,” Serrano affirmed. 

He aims to prioritize initiatives that support transfer to four-year institutions, workforce readiness, and financial stability for students.

Serrano’s dedication to putting students first aligns with the college’s recognition as one of the top 10 community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute.

“Our focus on students has been a key factor in achieving this distinction.”

A Lifelong Commitment to Pasadena

Salvador Serrano’s deep-rooted connection to Pasadena is evident in his extensive community involvement. From serving as the Past President of the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation to leading The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Serrano has consistently championed initiatives that uplift his hometown.

“As someone who is committed to giving back to my community, I am humbled by the opportunities I have had to make a positive impact in Pasadena and beyond. As a San Jacinto College trustee, I understand the value of education in breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for individuals from all walks of life.”

As a father of two sons currently attending Pasadena ISD schools, his commitment to education and community service is both personal and profound.

With Salvador Serrano on the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, the future looks bright for Latino students and the community as a whole. His leadership promises to inspire the next generation to overcome barriers, pursue their dreams, and build a better future for all.