South Texas College Hires New Manufacturing Faculty
The college added Ashley Estrada Sotelo to its Advanced Manufacturing Technology faculty to help bridge theory and industry.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Manufacturing
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In fall 2026, South Texas College appointed Ashley Estrada Sotelo as a faculty member for its Advanced Manufacturing Technology program. Sotelo brings 13 years of professional industry experience to the McAllen campus.
Why it matters
The appointment aims to inspire students to pursue engineering and manufacturing careers through hands-on instruction. By sharing her professional background, Sotelo seeks to demonstrate that these career paths are accessible to all students, including women.
Sotelo brings 13 years of industry experience to the classroom, having previously worked for Horton Pedestrian Access Solutions. She holds a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering.
The players
Ashley Estrada Sotelo
She is an Advanced Manufacturing Technology faculty member who previously worked for Horton Pedestrian Access Solutions.
South Texas College
Located in McAllen, Texas, it is the institution providing advanced manufacturing education.
The details
Sotelo utilizes her background to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical manufacturing applications by incorporating real industry examples. She plans to expand the program by introducing new 3D printing applications and boosting enrollment.
Timeline
Fall 2026: Sotelo joined the faculty at South Texas College.
Market Landscape
The hiring of industry-experienced faculty fits into the broader goal of aligning regional vocational education with shifting labor demands. This strategy positions the institution to better prepare students for technical roles in an increasingly automated manufacturing sector.
Students in the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program gain access to new curriculum modules focused on emerging 3D printing applications. These updates are intended to provide more relevant skills for those seeking local careers in the engineering sector.
The takeaway
Sotelo's transition from the private sector to academia highlights the value of bringing current industry practices into technical education. Aspiring engineers can look toward faculty with deep field experience to gain practical insights into the evolving manufacturing landscape.
Further reading
For more information on industrial training in the region, visit Manufacturing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Texas Border Business.
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