Spotlight On: Reynaldo Anaya Valencia, President & Dean, South Texas College of Law Houston

October 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Reynaldo Anaya Valencia, president and dean of South Texas College of Law Houston, shared his focus on securing accreditation and enhancing the school’s curriculum. He highlighted the school’s independence, practice-ready training, and commitment to access. “It’s all about breaking down barriers and giving people pathways into this profession,” Valencia said.

What are your top priorities as you begin your tenure as president and dean?

We recently celebrated our 100th anniversary, so we’re now in our second century of serving this community. One of my top priorities is essential: our accreditation. Our accrediting body is the American Bar Association (ABA), and we have a site visit this year to renew our accreditation. Maintaining that accreditation is critical because most states don’t allow graduates to sit for the bar exam unless they come from an ABA-approved law school.

Beyond that, a top priority is ensuring our curriculum prepares students for the 21st-century practice of law. I graduated from law school in 1990, and so much has changed since then. There’s a new bar exam on the horizon, and our students need to be ready to pass it and succeed. We’re also focused on how we train them to navigate changes like AI and new technologies. For example, some court proceedings have changed. Many family law hearings in Harris County now happen on Zoom, so our students must be prepared for that reality, too.

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Equally important are the soft skills. It’s about knowing the law but also knowing how to sit with a family in crisis, help someone who needs a will drafted at the end of their life, or support survivors of devastating events like the recent Texas floods. We want to produce graduates who are competent, ethical, and truly ready to serve as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described: “as soldiers for justice.”

What sets South Texas College of Law Houston apart?

We’re an independent law school — we don’t have a university infrastructure behind us. That means we stand on our own. Many other law schools rely on broader university systems for support, but we’ve thrived for more than a century as a standalone institution.

Another key differentiator is that we’re a practice-ready school. I went to an elite law school that primarily taught students how to think like lawyers but didn’t teach how to file documents, find the right court, or handle practical issues. Here, our students graduate ready to appear in court and practice law immediately. Judges and employers often tell us they’re impressed with how well our graduates perform right out of school.

We’ve also built programs to meet evolving industry needs. We have robust clinics that serve the local community, a strong advocacy program with more than 140 national championships, and specialized centers like our Transactional Practice Center. We also offer joint degrees and certificate programs to help students gain focused experience in areas that make them more marketable.

How do you view South Texas College of Law’s role in expanding access and equity?

Expanding access and opportunity has always been part of our DNA — it’s not a new goal for us. We’ve historically offered a part-time night program for working students. We offer a full-time day program, and now we’re building out online programs, too. It’s all about breaking down barriers and giving people pathways into this profession.

I’m also honored to be the first Latino and first person of color to hold this office. It’s humbling, and I take seriously the responsibility to continue our legacy as a place that opens doors.

What opportunities for growth do you see in the years ahead?

I’d like to see more of our programs recognized at the same level as our nationally known advocacy program. A rising tide lifts all boats, so the goal is to expand awareness of our excellence across all areas.

Another opportunity is continuing to strengthen our role as a community partner. We want to make sure we’re a good neighbor, serving Houston, Harris County, South Texas, and beyond. We’re also focusing on student wellness. When I went to law school, no one talked about mental health or wellness. Now, we have student wellness initiatives and programs to ensure students are supported. It’s about making the experience more humane, so our graduates go into the profession not just well-trained but well-prepared to thrive.

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