Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
At South Texas College, faculty members Angelica Gomez, Maria Pontejos and Gloria Seno have transformed their diverse clinical backgrounds into a united teaching force, earning special recognition for their collaborative work in developing and delivering one of the most rigorous courses in STC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
The trio’s collective efforts in teaching Pharmacology, a challenging, high-enrollment course typically taken during the first semester, were honored with the prestigious STC Faculty Spotlight Award, which recognizes excellence in teaching, college and community service and scholarly achievement.
These efforts contributed to a high student success rate and helped STC achieve a 98.14% passing rate in 2024 on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the highest in Texas among nursing programs of comparable size.
“Teaching the next generation of nurses is an extraordinary privilege and one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career,” said Gomez. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch students grow, transforming from eager learners into competent and compassionate professionals. Being part of their journey and knowing that I play a role in preparing them to provide excellent patient care fills me with pride and satisfaction.”
For her, earning the Faculty Spotlight Award is a meaningful recognition of the hard work and dedication her team has put into teaching.
“The team has worked diligently to construct a well-organized and comprehensive course that not only addresses the complexities of the subject matter, but also supports students in understanding and mastering the material,” Gomez explained. “Our combined expertise, dedication and innovative teaching strategies have created a learning environment where students can truly thrive.”
Pontejos, originally from the Philippines and bringing over 30 years of nursing experience, also shared her pride in the team’s recognition and her gratitude for the opportunity to inspire future nurses.
“It is incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts are making a difference in our students’ lives, and I am immensely grateful that we get to share this recognition as a team,” Pontejos said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to teach in the ADN program and for the professional development STC provides, which has greatly contributed to my growth. I truly appreciate the school’s commitment to excellence.”
For Seno, who also immigrated from the Philippines and brings nearly 35 years of experience, nursing has always been more than a profession, it has been a lifelong vocation rooted in her deep desire to care for others.
“I’ve been interested in nursing since I was little. It’s the only career I’ve ever seriously considered,” Seno said. “Helping others has always been at the heart of who I am, and nursing allows me to do that in the most meaningful way. Now, contributing to the future of health care by shaping skilled and compassionate nurses is deeply fulfilling.”
Inspired and humbled by the award, she reaffirmed her commitment to putting students first and ensuring that future nurses have everything they need to succeed and thrive.
“While each of us has our own unique way of teaching, we share a common goal -to work together effectively. Consistency in assignments and testing is a priority, ensuring every student receives a unified learning experience,” she explained. “We also protect and support each other as a team, and that collaborative approach creates a cohesive and encouraging environment for our students, helping them better understand rigorous material and ultimately succeed,” she said.
Together, Gomez, Pontejos and Seno exemplify the power of collaboration, compassion and commitment, qualities that continue to shape the future of nursing education and have helped position STC as one of the top nursing programs in the state, recognized for excellence and student success.
“There are many things I’m grateful to STC for, especially the opportunity to work in a position I truly love,” Gomez said. “STC has become a second home, with a supportive environment that helps us thrive. It’s given me a career I’m passionate about, empowering leadership, growth opportunities and a strong community. Knowing that our contributions are recognized and that we’re making a meaningful impact on the institution and the students we serve is incredibly fulfilling.”
Information Source: STC
