Dr. Susan Guzmán-Treviño, Temple College’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services, was named a Hispanic Legacy Trailblazer Hero Thursday during the City of Temple’s 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
The event, hosted at the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum in coordination with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 4971, celebrated the Hispanic culture and leadership that has impacted and influenced the community.
“I want to thank LULAC Council 4971 and 22305 for this special recognition. I have been truly blessed to be born into a loving family, with parents and grandparents who instilled a strong sense of faith, love of family, and the importance of education,” Guzmán-Treviño said. “Being an educator is a calling and a blessing.”
A graduate of Belton High School, Guzmán-Treviño began her postsecondary studies at Temple College, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree. She then earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and master’s degree and Ph.D. in education from the University of Texas at Austin.
Guzmán-Treviño has served Temple College for more than 30 years as an administrator and faculty member. She has led numerous reform efforts at the College, including, most recently, Texas Pathways, Rural Pathways, Caring Campus, Focus to Finish 8-week Course Design, Achieving the Dream national efforts, and the establishment of a Center for Teaching and Learning. This summer, she received the top award for higher education leadership from The Texas Association of Community Colleges.
“Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of students who have impacted me more than they will ever know, and I will always be grateful to them as well as to the wonderful people who have supported me during my educational career,” Guzmán-Treviño said.
Judy Morales, president of LULAC Council 4971, who initially notified Guzmán-Treviño of the honor, said her contributions to the education community have made a significant impact on the lives of countless students.
“Your innovative teaching methods, leadership skills and unwavering commitment to student success make you a true role model,” Morales wrote in her letter inviting Guzmán-Treviño to the event. “Your tireless efforts have inspired and empowered both students and fellow educators alike. We believe that your achievements deserve to be celebrated and shared with the community.”
In addition to Guzmán-Treviño, others named Hispanic Legacy Trailblazers were: Eva Garcia, Ana-Luisa Carrillo-Tapia, Phyllis Galban Green, The Leon Family, Paul and Margaret Ramirez and Regina Martinez.
“By honoring Hispanic Heritage, we recognize that our diversity is the cornerstone of our strength,” Morales said. “Through the richness of our traditions, the warmth of our culture and the resilience of our people, we find inspiration to build a brighter future for our community.”
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Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto and Taylor, offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.
Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 97 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premiere institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.