Serving on Lone Star College System’s board means providing students ‘the best of the best’

HOUSTON, TX -- When Myriam Saldívar was elected to the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees in 2016, she saw it as more than public service—it was a chance to help students transform their lives through education. Now serving her second six-year term and currently the board’s vice chair, she leads its policy committee with a passion rooted in her own experience as a former LSCS student.

As a trustee, she sees her role in helping students of all ages—whether they be a recent high school graduate or a senior citizen starting fresh—to reach their goals through education.

“I’m a huge advocate for education. It helped me succeed in life, and I believe education is vital not only to help an individual succeed in life and accomplish their goals, but it’s a huge factor in their economic development,” Saldívar said. “My focus in running for the board was to be able to expand and highlight the resources that make Lone Star College System a leading community college—and to keep them affordable for students.”

Saldívar knows firsthand what it means to be an LSCS student. A proud Aldine High School graduate, she began her higher education journey at LSC-Tomball before transferring to the University of St. Thomas, where she earned a degree in international studies and political science.

Her professional path reflects her lifelong commitment to service. She began her career in the legal department at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and later spent more than 16 years working in the Texas House of Representatives, focusing on education, health care and environmental policy. Today, she continues her dedication to the community through her work with Harris County, where she leads outreach initiatives that connect residents with essential county resources.

As part of the LSCS Board of Trustees, Saldívar helps oversee everything from budget approvals to new degree programs and the hiring of the chancellor. She and her colleagues are proud to have kept property tax rates below average and minimized tuition increases—balancing affordability with quality.

One of the board’s proudest accomplishments is expanding opportunities through LSCS bachelor’s degree programs. Since 2020, the college system has introduced degrees in nursing; cybersecurity; energy, manufacturing and trades management; and emergency management, with an early childhood education and teaching degree now in development. These programs make higher education more affordable and accessible for local students and families.

What inspires Saldívar most are the stories she hears from students and community members about how LSCS has shaped their lives. Beyond academics, she values the college system’s role as a community hub—hosting events, performances, lectures, festivals and lifelong learning classes that bring people together.

Overall, she wants LSCS to be a place where both students and employees thrive.

“When employees leave their homes and come to Lone Star, we want them to enjoy working here and guiding our students,” she said. “And just as important, we want students to enjoy interacting with their professors and their friends. We want to provide the best of the best for our students.”

Engaging directly with students is one of Saldívar’s favorite parts of being a trustee. She enjoys answering their questions, hearing their feedback and encouraging them to stay involved.

“I think it’s important for students to be involved in our monthly board meetings. We talk about student enrollment, activities in our community, how we’re putting taxpayer dollars to use and being conservative in our finances,” Saldívar said. “I really encourage people to attend and participate in the public speaking portion. We want to hear from you. What are we doing well, and where can we improve? We’re elected officials, but we’re here to serve our constituency and our students.”

Saldívar represents LSCS District 6, which includes LSC-University Park and LSC-Houston North Fallbrook. Over the years, she has served as assistant secretary, vice chair and chair of the board. Her current term runs through 2028. Outside LSCS, she has also contributed her time to the Aldine-Greenspoint YMCA Board, the Vecino Health Center Board and Houston ISD’s Hispanic Advisory Committee.