by James Walker
Lucio M. Garcia-Huerta, an instructor in Texas Southmost College’s Construction Technology program, was recently recognized for his completion of the Noble Leadership Academy, a professional development program facilitated by Noble Texas Builders in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
A Brownsville native and TSC alumnus, Garcia-Huerta graduated in 2023 with an associate degree in Construction Management. While earning his degree, he worked in the construction industry, gaining valuable field experience that would later support his role as an instructor. When the opportunity arose to participate in the Noble Leadership Academy, he immediately volunteered.
“The main motivation was the desire to keep learning and gathering more information about construction that could help me to better prepare my students and improve my program,” Garcia-Huerta said. “I also wanted to learn about a company that is as fast growing and successful as Noble.”
Designed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce, the academy offers educators and students immersive externship opportunities that provide practical industry experience and strengthen classroom-to-career connections. During his time in the program, Garcia-Huerta visited Noble’s main office in La Feria, where he heard from employees about their roles in the planning and building stages of various projects. Participants also met college and high school interns and toured two active job sites, gaining insight into the operations and challenges of real-world projects.
In addition, the academy featured guest speakers, including representatives from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Will Chesney, a former member of SEAL Team 6, whose remarks inspired participants to think critically about leadership and teamwork.
Garcia-Huerta said the experience sharpened his communication skills, as he met and collaborated with educators from multiple school districts. A problem-solving workshop particularly stood out, providing strategies for identifying the root of challenges and developing effective solutions which he plans to incorporate into his teaching.
“This externship gave me a lot of ideas on how to help my students grow in the construction field,” Garcia-Huerta said. “It helped me find new ways to show them how every aspect of construction is important, like how teamwork helps everyone advance faster and better, and how planning and execution go hand in hand when building a successful future.”
He also noted that the program highlighted the increasing role of technology in construction, offering tools for greater project insight.
Garcia-Huerta fully intends to bring his experiences directly into the classroom, using real-world examples to better prepare students for what to expect in the field. From improving their problem-solving skills to reinforcing the importance of communication and preparation, his goal is to ensure that his students graduate from TSC with the skills and focus necessary to thrive in the construction industry.
Noble TX Leadership Academy
Dr. Emma Miller, Dean of TSC’s Business, Engineering, Architecture and Technology (BEAT) division proudly poses with Lucio Garcia-Huerta as he displays his certificate of completion.
Noble TX Leadership Academy
Participants in the Noble TX Leadership Academy gather for a group photo with their certificates at their recognition ceremony on Tuesaday, July 29, 2025.
