After two decades of dedicated leadership at Howard College’s Lamesa campus, Provost Monica Castro is preparing to retire, leaving behind a legacy marked by student success, community impact, and deep personal connections. 

Castro’s journey with Howard College began in 2005 when she joined as the VCT Coordinator. She was later promoted to dean and, eventually, provost. Her higher education career spans an impressive 40 years, including two decades at Midland College before accepting the Lamesa position following her predecessor’s retirement. 

A graduate of Lubbock Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in organizational management, Castro found her greatest joy in working directly with students, helping them access opportunities and supporting them through their academic journeys, sometimes even seeing multiple generations from the same family enroll. 

“It is a good feeling seeing generations of students go through the program,” Castro said, noting that the campus has been “a big community changer” since its inception. 

Over the years, Castro witnessed dramatic changes in higher education, particularly the rapid growth of technology and online learning. While she admits she is still uncertain about how artificial intelligence will shape the future, she is certain of its importance. 

“I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the years to come, but the future is in technology and AI,” she explained. 

Her proudest moments came from watching graduates enter the workforce and thrive. 

“I love seeing them in the community in their new jobs,” Castro said. “I’ve seen them as coaches, teachers, and nurses, and it makes me very happy.” 

Not every journey was easy. Castro acknowledged that one of her biggest challenges was seeing students leave before completing their studies due to personal or financial obstacles. But she also shared inspiring stories of persistence, such as a student who returned to finish her degree after a time away. 

“It was wonderful to see her come back and reach her goal,” Castro said. 

During her tenure, Castro oversaw numerous improvements to the campus, which began in a building that once housed a skating rink. 

“It used to be an old skating rink with skating rink bathrooms,” she said with a smile. “As I began making requests to improve the building, I received the support and guidance I needed. Howard College and Dawson County have always been very supportive of us and I am grateful for that.” 

Today, the Lamesa campus offers a variety of classes including CNA, EMT, First Responder, English, History, and Physics, and serves as a hub for community activities. 

As she passes the torch to her successor, Lamesa native and first-generation college graduate Lupe Sudano, Castro is confident in the future of the campus. Her advice to Sudano was simple but heartfelt: 

“I told her to remember you have a team and you don’t have to do everything by yourself. I reassured her that she could call me if she needed help.” 

As she reflects on her years of service, Castro is filled with gratitude for her colleagues, for the students, and for the community that has supported her. 

“I want people to remember me as being helpful, providing hope, that I cared, and was happy when my students succeeded,” she said. 
 
“Howard College has always been very committed to the town of Lamesa and our community has been equally supportive of the college. I am so grateful for the support, confidence, and trust that pours out of this community for our college, our staff and faculty, and most importantly, our students.” 

Looking ahead, Castro plans to enjoy retirement with her 92-year-old mother, who lives with her, and is also preparing for her wedding this September. She admits she’s looking forward to “spending time with family” and to the relief of “not having pending things.”