TSC Trustee Ramon Champion Hinojosa dies

Ramon HinojosaRamon Champion Hinojosa

Texas Southmost College (TSC) Board of Trustee Ramon Champion Hinojosa died Tuesday morning at Valley Regional Hospital. He was 81.

"The entire TSC family is heartbroken at the loss of Trustee Champion Hinojosa," TSC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Adela Garza said. "He was an advocate of education and a pillar of the community. His knowledge, insight and contributions to the Board of Trustees and the college will be greatly missed."

Champion Hinojosa, who represented Texas Southmost College District Place 7, was elected to the TSC Board of Trustees in 2012. During his time as TSC Trustee, Champion Hinojosa was part of the college earning independent accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), he voted on the selection of a new president, was instrumental in helping TSC re-establish itself as a community college, and helped establish collaborative partnerships with local government and institutions of higher education in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

He was a life-long educator, serving over 35 years in education as an elementary, middle school and high school teacher, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. His passion and commitment for education was especially evident when he gave his support for providing learning resources and enhancements for TSC students.

"On behalf of the entire college, I want to offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and to all those that his incredible legacy impacted," Garza said. "He was a dear friend and he served the college, the students, and the community with all his heart and unwavering dedication."

Champion Hinojosa received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Government from St. Mary's University. He later earned his Master's degree in Education from Texas A&I University in Kingsville.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Darling-Mouser Funeral Home.

About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor's degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. Recently selected as a Bright Spot by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, TSC offers over 50 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.