MISSION, TEXAS (March 11, 2025) - Mission Consolidated Independent School District (Mission CISD) takes pride in celebrating the accomplishments of its alumni, and one remarkable success story is that of Dr. Rebecca De Leon.
As a former Mission CISD student who benefited from the district’s dual credit program, Dr. De Leon has now come full circle—leading the very initiative that set her on her path to success.
"Mission CISD made this happen," said De Leon. "Through this partnership with South Texas College, they are changing lives of students and families by giving them a jumpstart in college while still in high school."
A Strong Educational Foundation
Dr. De Leon, Associate Vice President for Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships at South Texas College, attributes much of her professional journey to the strong academic foundation she built at Mission CISD.
Her parents instilled in her the value of education from a young age. Her mother, a former migrant worker, earned her bachelor’s degree while pregnant with Dr. De Leon and later achieved her master’s degree at the age of 50. Her parents always reminded her that education is something that can never be taken away.
De Leon began her educational career at Mission CISD’s Mims Elementary before transferring to Waitz Elementary, continuing on to Mission Junior High, and later graduating from Veterans Memorial High School. Along the way, she developed lifelong friendships and gained invaluable support from her teachers and mentors.
A Passion for Golf and Leadership
While at Mission CISD, Dr. De Leon participated in various extracurricular activities, including choir, National Honor Society, and golf. Golf played a pivotal role in her journey, despite the fact that no one in her family had ever played the sport before.
It was Coach Thomas Ocaña who guided her, gave her confidence, and saw her potential from the start. His encouragement led her to excel in the sport, and ultimately, she received a full scholarship to play golf at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). This experience not only shaped her athletic career but also reinforced the values of perseverance and determination.
From Dual Credit Student to Program Leader
Most notably, De Leon took advantage of the district’s dual credit program, completing 17 hours of college coursework while still in high school—an opportunity that would later shape her career.
De Leon went on to earn her bachelor's degree in communication studies, a master's in educational leadership, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lamar University.
Now, she oversees South Texas College’s dual credit program, managing a staff of over 40 and serving more than 13,000 students across 21 partnering school districts, including Mission CISD.
“This year, we celebrate 25 years of the dual credit program at South Texas College. Through this initiative, families have saved over $425 million in tuition costs, and more than 165,000 students have benefited from the program,” she shared. “Ironically, I am one of those students who reaped the benefits of this incredible opportunity.”
Mission CISD’s Lasting Impact
Mission CISD’s commitment to student success continues to transform lives, helping students earn college credit while still in high school, preparing them for higher education and career readiness. De Leon stands as a testament to the district’s impact, inspiring current and future students to take advantage of every opportunity available to them.
"Don't be afraid to try something new. Stay determined, stay focused, and your dreams will come true," De Leon said.
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