Crystal Velasquez, the registrar at Midland College (MC), recently reflected on her 17-year tenure at the institution. "The most fun part of my job is commencement (aka graduation), and it’s also the busiest!" Velasquez shared. "When students come in our office after the commencement ceremony, and I get to hand them their diplomas, it reminds me why I’m here."
Velasquez emphasized the significance of handing diplomas to first-generation graduates or those balancing work and family with education. "It’s the best feeling in the world," she said. She expressed pride in MC's dedication to community engagement.
Her journey at MC began in 2000 when she joined as a database programmer following her husband Charles, who was already employed there. After a brief hiatus from 2003 while raising young children, she returned in 2010. Velasquez progressed from data analyst to director of Institutional Research before becoming interim registrar in October 2020 and officially taking on the role by February 2021.
"Midland College was my first job out of college," Velasquez noted, reminiscing about her upbringing near El Paso and meeting Charles at Sul Ross State University. Their family's connection to MC is strong; weekends often included picnics on campus when their children were young.
Now married for 25 years, Crystal and Charles have two grown children: Angelina, attending Midland College, and Arin at Texas State University. The family enjoys traveling together, especially to theme parks like Six Flags and Disney World. Arin will participate in the Disney College Program during spring 2025.
Locally, Crystal appreciates shopping at thrift stores and looks forward to events like the Midland Senior Services Texas-Sized Garage Sale each year.
Midland College continues its commitment to workplace quality as one of its strategic pillars. The college aims to provide an environment fostering meaningful work, collaboration grounded in accountability and respect, professional growth opportunities, and a focus on wellness.
For those interested in exploring educational opportunities at MC, the Welcome Center offers comprehensive information.