Stephen N. Castle, a member of the Midland College Board of Trustees since 2006, has announced his retirement, which went into effective Dec. 17. Castle served as trustee for Place 5 and was an active member of the Midland community.
Castle moved to Midland in first grader and went on to have a career in the oil fields of West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. He has worked for companies including Mobil, Tom Brown Inc., and Hanley Petroleum Inc. Castle chaired the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association, led the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, and founded Cowboys Resources in 1998.
“Steve has been an integral member of the Midland College Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Damon Kennedy, president of Midland College. “Throughout his tenure, Steve’s leadership, insight, and commitment to our mission have greatly contributed to the success of Midland College. His dedication to advancing higher education and supporting community initiatives has made a lasting impact. I am truly grateful for Steve’s service and extend my heartfelt appreciation for his contributions.”
During Castle’s time on the board, Midland College achieved its largest enrollment increase since 2011 and expanded its program offerings to include natural gas compression and automation, as well as behavioral health and health science programs. Additionally, over $1.3 million in scholarships were awarded in fall 2024.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside a lifelong oil patch veteran like Steve, whose insights and expertise have been invaluable to the Board of a college that is dedicated to both supporting the success of the next generation and ensuring the long-term growth and prosperity of the region,” said Steve Kiser, chair of the Midland College Board of Trustees.