Minita Ramirez

Dr. Maria Minerva (Minita) Ramirez, President of Laredo College, is a distinguished leader in education with a career spanning public and private sectors from pre-kindergarten to graduate studies. She is dedicated to improving recruitment, retention, and graduation rates for underserved students in South Texas and Northern Mexico. Her focus is on creating seamless transitions and support systems from high school to College which help students navigate educational opportunities and achieve their goals.

With 41 years of experience in education and 25 of those in higher education, Dr. Ramirez has led initiatives that have notably increased student enrollment and retention. As the first female president in the college’s 77-year history, she is deeply committed to addressing local educational and job training needs. Under her leadership, Laredo College is expanding workforce programs and strengthening partnerships with four-year institutions and community organizations.

Dr. Ramirez oversees the Historic Fort McIntosh, a site of historical significance where U.S. Army soldiers once guarded the Texas border. She views this role as an honor and remains dedicated to preserving the site while supporting veterans, a core mission of Laredo College since its establishment in 1947.

Her extensive leadership experience includes roles on various local, state, and national social and charity boards. She has also served on the Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees.
Previously, Dr. Ramirez was Vice President of Student Success at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), leading enrollment management and student life programming. Her career began in education as a middle and high school teacher and technology grant director, and she has published research on ""Hispanic Migration to Higher Education.""

Dr. Ramirez holds a B.S. in Secondary Education from TAMIU, an M.S. in School Administration from TAMU-Kingsville, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Capella University. She is also involved in managing her family ranch and is proud of her son Ruben and husband, District Court Judge David E. Garcia.