Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
South Texas College recently inaugurated a new Wellness Center at its Health Science Professions Campus in McAllen, giving students, faculty and staff free access to a space designed to support both physical and mental well-being.
The facility marks the college’s fourth wellness center, expanding access to fitness resources across its campuses. Other locations include Pecan Plaza in McAllen, the Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco and the Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City.
It features a wide range of equipment, including cardio and strength-training machines, and is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle while fostering a sense of community.
“It has taken a great deal of work and support from STC leadership to get here, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” said STC Interim Dean of Health Science Professions Margo Vargas-Ayala, DNP. “These programs demand a lot from our students, so we are proud to finally give them a space that supports both their health and their success.”
STC’s wellness centers are operated through the college’s Kinesiology program, which provides free access to students, faculty and staff. According to college staff, the new location was developed in response to a growing demand from the campus community.
“Programs in the medical field, such as nursing or respiratory therapy, are very rigorous, and students spend a lot of time studying, which leaves little room for self-care,” said STC Kinesiology Instructional Facilities Coordinator Ivan Figueroa. “We’ve had surveys showing that our students really wanted a space to work out, relieve stress and take care of their health, so this was a response to that need.”
For Saul Martinez, a Nursing student in his third semester of the two-year program, the facility is more than a gym. It is a convenient way to unwind after long days in class.
“I usually go work out off campus, but sometimes it’s just too out of the way, especially when I’m tired after class,” he said. “Having this here makes it easier to get a workout in and decompress. In our program, we’re here all day. Classes end around 1 p.m., and we don’t stop studying until about 5 p.m. After that, the gym gives us time to relax.”
In addition to serving as a space for students to exercise, the new facility will also play a role in education. The center is expected to benefit programs such as Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), where physical endurance is essential.
Faculty say the space will allow students to gain hands-on experience with equipment they may encounter in clinical settings, helping them better understand how to apply what they learn in the classroom.
“This space will allow students to move beyond the classroom and apply what they’re learning,” said Diana Hernandez, STC PTA program chair. “They can identify muscle groups, understand how different equipment is used and connect that to real clinical situations. It helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.”
The Wellness Center, located in Building A, Rooms 101 and 102, is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. On Fridays, hours are 5 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays the facility is open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Vargas-Ayala said the expansion of these facilities reflects the college’s continued commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to listen to our students and expand opportunities like this,” she said.
For more information on STC Wellness Center locations, visit southtexascollege.edu/health-wellness/ or call 956-872-3838.
