Center of Teaching Excellence & Learning

CTEL Lead Faculty

The faculty listed below have been selected to spearhead the Center of Teaching Excellence & Learning program along with the Dean of Academic Innovation & Technology.

Maria de Lourdes Gutierrez Biography

Prakash Mansinghani Biography

Michelle Perez Biography

Linda Ramirez Biography

Education: Linda R. Ramirez is the product of the Laredo public school system. After graduation from Nixon High School in 1992, she earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Laredo Community College. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration from Texas A&M International University in 1996 and 2000, respectively.

Teaching Experience/Related Work Experience: Ms. Ramirez worked as a Customer Service Representative for the Social Security Administration and TAMIU’S NAFTA Office of International Trade. In 1998 she took a teaching position at United South High Schools Business Department, where she taught a variety of classes, including Keyboarding, Business Information Management I, Business Information Management II, and Digital Imaging. In 2014 she was independently selected by a Texas State Judge to fill the vacant position of Webb County Commissioner, Precinct 1, and served as the temporary County Commissioner for six months. She holds certifications in Business Education, the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, Intuit QuickBooks, and Office Management. She was awarded tenure in March 2021.

Courses Taught at Laredo College: As a professor in the business department, she is qualified to teach Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Human Relations, and Applied Accounting. BMGT 1301 Supervision; 1305 Communications in Management; 1327 Principles of Management; 1341 Business Ethics; 2303 Problem Solving and Decision Making; 2266 Practicum in Business Management. BUSG 1341 Small Business Finance; 2309 Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship. HRPO 1311 Human Relations; 2301 Human Resource Management. MRKG 1301 Customer Relationship Management; 1311 Principles of Management. BUSI 1301 Business Principles ACNT 1411 QuickBooks for Accounting. POFI 1449 Excel for Accounting.

Committees and Other Duties: At Laredo College, she has served as a Faculty Senate Officer (Secretary) and currently serves on the Faculty Senate Elections Committee and the Faculty Awards Committee. Other ongoing committee assignments include the Curriculum Committee, Pathways Team, Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), and BAS degree in Organizational Leadership Development Team. Ms. Ramirez was recently selected to serve on the 2021-2022 Budget committee and the Center of Teaching Excellence and Learning. She also serves on several advisory committees for the Business Department, United Independent School District, and WEAVE Management for Institutional Effectiveness.

Awards: In 2017, Ms. Ramirez was selected as Laredo College Most Outstanding Educator of the Year. She was the 2018-2019 Faculty Fellow Representative for Laredo College and a 2020 NISOD Award Recipient.

Dr. Orlando Patricio Biography

Education: MS (Mathematics & Applied Statistics), Texas A&M International University, 2019; Post Graduate Certificate in Physics Education Research (New Faculty Experience Program), American Association of Physics Teachers, 2017; Post Graduate Certificate in Science (Nanotechnology), Texas A&M University, College Station, 2006; PhD (Physics Education), University of the Philippines, 2000; MA (Physics), University in the Philippines, 1994

Teaching Experience/Related Work Experience: Professor of Physics, Laredo College, Laredo, TX, 2013 – present; Assessment Coordinator, Department of Natural Sciences, Laredo College, Laredo, TX, 2019 – present; Adjunct Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Texas A & M International University, Laredo, TX, 2013 – present; Adjunct Faculty of Astronomy, Texas A & M International University, Laredo, TX, 2013 – 2015; Faculty Peer Mentor, Department of Natural Sciences, Laredo College, Laredo, TX, 2020 – 2021; Adjunct Physics Instructor, Laredo College, Laredo, TX, 2010 – 2013; Adjunct Mathematics Instructor, Laredo College, Laredo, TX, 2008; Science Pathfinder & Department Chair, UISD High School, Laredo, TX, 2011 – 2013; UIL Mathematics Coach, UISD High School, Laredo, TX, 2007 – 2011; AP Physics Teacher, UISD High School, Laredo, TX, 2003 – 2011; Pre-AP Physics Teacher, UISD High School, Laredo, TX, 2002 – 2011; Graduate College Secretary, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Philippines, 2000 – 2002; Graduate College Research Coordinator, MMSU, Philippines, 2000 – 2002; Assistant Professor of Physics & Mathematics, MMSU, Philippines, 1998 – 2003; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Physics & Mathematics, AMA Computer University, 2000 – 2002; Science & Mathematics Department Chair, MMSU, Philippines, 1992 – 1996; Instructor of Physics & Mathematics, MMSU, Philippines, 1991 – 1997; Mathematics and Physics Olympiad Coach, MMSU, Philippines, 1991 – 1996.

Courses Taught at LCC: PHYS 1101 – College Physics I Lab PHYS 1301 – College Physics I; PHYS 1102 – College Physics II Lab; PHYS 1302 – College Physics II; PHYS 1405 – Elementary Physics I (Lecture and Lab); PHYS 1115 – Physical Science I Lab; PHYS 1315 – Physical Science I; PHYS 2125 – University Physics I Lab; PHYS 2325 – University Physics I; PHYS 2126 – University Physics II Lab; PHYS 2326 – University Physics II.

Committees and Other Duties: (1) Member – Laredo College General Education Committee, Fall 2015 - present (2) Member – Campus Assembly Student Learning & Engagement Team, Fall 2015 – Spring 2020 (3) Member – LCC Kickstarter Program (NSF Arizona), Fall 2015 – Spring 2017 (4) Member – Advisory Council LC/TAMIU Building Scholars, Fall 2015 – Spring 2020 (5) Member – IPASS Tutoring Services, Fall 2013 – Spring 2020 (6) Member – Natural Sciences Department Hiring Committee, Fall 2013 – present (7) Member – Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor, Fall 2015 – Spring 2020 (8) Lead – Natural Sciences Department (Physics & Engineering), Fall 2013 – present (9) Faculty Mentor – Online Teaching, Natural Sciences Department, Fall 2020 – Spring 2021 (10) Member – Articulation of Engineering Courses for LC/TAMIU and LC/TAMUK, Fall 2013 – Fall 2014 (11) Member – Laredo College Funfest (Department of Natural Sciences), Spring 2014 – present.

Awards & Accolades: Scholar of the Year (2000), Researcher of the Year (2001), HEB Excellence in Education Award (2005), Who's Who Among America's Teachers and Educators (2007), Texas State Finalist to the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST, 2009), Applauso Teacher (2012), Minnie Steven Piper Professor Nominee (2016), Higher Education School Bell Award (2017), NISOD Teaching Excellence Award (2018), Minnie Steven Piper Professor Nominee (2021).

Ana Lu Ramirez Biography

Erica De Leon Biography

Education:

Erica De Leon is a dedicated professor at Laredo College, with over 10 years’ experience in education and 20 years’ experience in the area of health, wellness and the medical field and over. She currently holds a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (B.E.S.S) degree with a major in Athletic Training (Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration) from Texas State University – San Marcos and a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from The University of Texas at San Antonio Graduate School, where she graduated at the top of her class.

Mrs. De Leon is a dedicated educator and advocate for health and wellness, with a diverse array of certifications and a passion for promoting physical and mental well-being, she has made significant contributions to both her students at Laredo College and the community.

Driven by a desire for continuous learning and growth, Mrs. De Leon is pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Learning and Organizational Change from Baylor University. She aspires to expand her expertise in Kinesiology and Wellness to better serve her students and the community.

Teaching Experience/Related Work Experience:

Mrs. De Leon's professional accomplishments in and out of the classroom reflect her commitment to excellence in academics. As a member of the Honors Program Faculty and the Gen Ed Committee at Laredo College, she contributes to the development of curriculum standards that promote student success. As a full-time Professor in the Kinesiology Department, she teaches a variety of both academic courses and wellness activity classes at both the Fort McIntosh Campus and South Campus. In addition to her work with the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning (CTEL), she also plays an active role on several other committees including Interview and Hiring for both the Kinesiology and the Instructional Technology departments. She currently holds the Kinesiology Departmental Faculty Senator position in the Faculty Senate.

As a Certified Mental Health First Aid Provider, and a Certification in the Ask About Suicide to Save A Life Training, Mrs. De Leon is equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse disorders. Her commitment to crisis intervention extends to her roles as an American Red Cross Certified Instructor for CPR, First Aid, Basic Life Support, and Infant/Child/Adult CPR/AED, ensuring the safety and well-being of those around her.

In addition to her expertise in emergency response, Mrs. De Leon is a certified Zumba Instructor, infusing her passion for fitness and dance into her teaching approach. Her commitment to holistic wellness extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her involvement in community outreach programs and her dedication to promoting healthy living among her students.

Courses Taught at Laredo College:

KINE 1304 – Personal Community Health

KINE 1301 – Foundations of Kinesiology

KINE 1346 – Drug Use & Abuse

KINE 1113/1114 – Weight Training I/II

KINE 1130 – Indoor Cycling I

KINE 1146/2146 – Body Sculpting I/II

Zumba/Aerobics Wellness Classes

Committees and Other Duties:

Outside of professional career, Mrs. De Leon is actively involved in volunteer work, supporting organizations such as San Martin de Porres Catholic Church, the Walk to End Alzheimer's, and the American Cancer Society. Her commitment to the environment and promoting a healthy lifestyle extends to her personal life, where she actively participates in initiatives to combat climate change and promote sustainability.

Awards:

With her unwavering dedication to education, health, and community service, Erica De Leon is a true asset to Laredo College and The Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning. Her awards include: Employee Recognition Award – 5 Year Service Award – August 2024 and Employee Recognition Award – Division of Academic Affairs and Faculty Senate- Gen Ed Committee – May 2023.