Harris County nonprofit honors Lone Star College System chancellor with Community Connector Award

HOUSTON, TX -- In his third year as chancellor of Lone Star College System, Mario K. Castillo, J.D., continues to support programs and services focused on student success. Precinct4Forward recently recognized his leadership with the Community Connector Award at its third annual Blazing Forward Luncheon.

“The Community Connector Award honors leaders whose vision and leadership create pathways, strengthen partnerships and bring people together,” said Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4 commissioner. “Precinct4Forward selected Chancellor Castillo as this year’s honoree for his impact across Harris County.”

Precinct4Forward, the nonprofit arm of Harris County Precinct 4, works to expand opportunities and support communities by investing in people, advancing innovative solutions and building partnerships that help families across the region thrive.

“Precinct4Forward’s efforts to invest in people and support communities across Harris County make this recognition especially meaningful to me,” Castillo said. “This award also reflects the incredible work of Lone Star College System employees who support students through high-quality academic and workforce programs and resources.”

Castillo was named Lone Star College System’s fifth chancellor in August 2023. Since then, the college system has experienced record-setting growth, with more than 97,000 enrollments over the past two semesters. The institution has also focused on improving student success and retention, expanding access through new centers and programs, and enhancing services that address students’ basic needs.

“Through strong leadership and regional partnerships, Chancellor Castillo and Lone Star College System connect people to opportunity while helping build a more resilient Harris County,” Briones said. “Their work on initiatives focused on economic growth, workforce development and disaster resilience has helped position the community for future opportunities.”

Before becoming chancellor, Castillo joined Lone Star College System in 2015 and served in several leadership roles, including chief operating officer and general counsel, as well as interim president of LSC-Kingwood during the 2020-2021 academic year. Read his full biography at LoneStar.edu/Chancellor.