Distinguished Citizen Award
Each year, the South Texas Council, Scouting America, recognizes a citizen whose vision, leadership, and service have left a lasting mark on our community. This honor is reserved for those whose personal and professional achievements go beyond success; they embody the values of service, responsibility, and commitment that strengthen the very fabric of South Texas.
In 2026, we are proud to present the 40th annual Distinguished Citizen Award to Dr. Mark Escamilla.
Dr. Escamilla joined Del Mar College as president and chief executive officer in October 2008. Since then, the College has consistently reached new milestones in instructional delivery, academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, administrative performance and collaboration with other educational institutions, businesses and industries.
During Dr. Escamilla’s tenure, Del Mar College has experienced robust enrollment, with peak enrollment at more than 16,500 academic students and 10,000 workforce and continuing education students per year.
The College’s capital improvement programs from 2014 and 2016 encompass nearly $300 million in voter-approved bonds for new campus construction and renovation. The new Oso Creek Campus at Yorktown Boulevard and Rodd Field Road is the College’s first new campus in over 60 years.
In 2021, he was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve on the Texas Commission on Community College Finance. He also serves on the Legislative and Executive committees of the Texas Association of Community Colleges.
A Del Mar College graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Escamilla holds a Ph.D. in educational administration as a distinguished graduate from the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Escamilla and his wife, Jodi, enjoy spending time outdoors with their sons, Benjamin and Lucas.
Click here for the full 2023 DCAD Photo Gallery
For more information contact Marty Sepulveda at martin.sepulveda@scouting.org
