Wheeler named Trustee Emeritus, new Board members sworn in
After 37 years of public service on the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, Dr. Ruede Wheeler has retired and been named a trustee emeritus.
“There are not enough words to describe Ruede’s impact on San Jacinto College, and a simple thank you just doesn’t seem like enough,” said San Jacinto College Board of Trustees Chair Marie Flickinger. “For me, Ruede is not just a trusted colleague on the Board but a friend. From day one, he has been a champion for San Jacinto College students and employees, and he has always had the best interest of everyone at the College at the forefront of every decision. On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I thank Ruede for his nearly four decades of dedicated service to San Jacinto College.”
At the June 5, 2023, regularly scheduled meeting of the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees, the Board approved a resolution that bestowed the title of trustee emeritus upon Wheeler.
During his time on the Board of Trustees, Wheeler served in several officer roles, including chair of the Board of Trustees and chair of both the finance and building committees. He was appointed to the Chancellor search committees in 1995-1996 and again in 2003 and actively participated in the Chancellor succession and transition plan developed in 2007. He was a champion for three bond referendums and has been an advocate for the access, success, and completion of all students enrolled at the College.
Through Wheeler’s leadership, San Jacinto College participated in student success initiatives such as Achieving the Dream and the American Association of Community Colleges Pathways Projects, which transformed the College’s focus and investment in student success. Wheeler is a successful and highly respected businessman and civic leader in the La Porte and Bay Area, where he practiced dentistry for more than 40 years.
“I want to thank Dr. Wheeler for his time on the San Jacinto College Board of Trustees,” added Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “Dr. Wheeler has been instrumental in bringing forward many initiatives that have helped our students save millions of dollars in textbook costs, provided expanded access for students, and opened the door for our faculty and staff to provide a quality education to thousands of students throughout our district. He has also been a staunch supporter of the San Jacinto College Foundation by supporting students through scholarships, and I thank him for his contributions.”
Also at the June 5 meeting, Mrs. Erica Davis Rouse and Dr. Michelle Cantú-Wilson were sworn in to Positions 1 and 2, respectively. Board members canvassed the results of the May 6 election on May 16, allowing for the swearing in to occur on Monday night. The Board also appointed the following members to officer positions:
- Chair – Marie Flickinger
- Vice Chair – John Moon Jr.
- Secretary – Keith Sinor
- Assistant Secretary – Erica Davis Rouse
“I look forward to continuing to work with Mrs. Davis Rouse on the Board of Trustees,” added Hellyer. “With her insight and feedback, the Board has made some great strides over the past six years. And I welcome to the Board Dr. Cantù-Wilson. Her experience with San Jacinto College and her expertise in the education industry is sure to be beneficial to the Board in future decisions.”
To watch a replay of the June 5, 2023, San Jacinto College Board of Trustees meeting, and additional Board meetings, visit the San Jacinto College website.
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. The College is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, serving approximately 41,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA and Aa2 by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s.
For more information about San Jacinto College, visit sanjac.edu.
