McAllen May 15, 2019: During the April 6, 2017 SCS board meeting, the trustees unanimously created a special recognition for a community leader who epitomized Christian leadership. The Board named this honor the Pillar of Light Award.
This award recognizes someone who embodies the example Jesus gave his followers in Matthew 5:14-16, which reads, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Stark College & Seminary recognized Kevin and Carmen Pagan as local leaders who possess this kind of character, generosity, and service that brings glory to our Father in Heaven and benefits the public good.
Kevin was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas along with his three brothers and his sister. He graduated from Arkansas State University and attended SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas. During his law school days, one of Kevin’s brothers was serving as a missionary in Mexico, and Kevin became familiar with McAllen during that time. Upon graduating from law school, Kevin accepted a job with a local law firm and has lived in McAllen ever since. He has worked for the City of McAllen for 25 years and currently serves as City Attorney.
Carmen Maldonado Pagan was born a first generation US citizen and spent her early years in Detroit, Michigan. Her family made their way to the Valley where Carmen received her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Pan American University both leading to her certification as a Speech Pathologist.
Carmen opened a pediatric rehabilitation clinic with two partners known as Milestones. The clinic employs 70 people and serves hundreds of children, most with severe and profound medical needs. Carmen is a highly sought after speech pathologist and instructor and has served on numerous boards and committees. Additionally, she was appointed by two Texas governors to serve in the Texas Commission for Women.
Currently, Kevin and Carmen are actively involved at BT.Church in McAllen. They are the proud parents of two children Alec and Katie, who have many accomplishments of their own. They are all integral parts of the South Texas community.
In addition to their service to the community and local church, they also were a leading catalyst and inspiration for the McAllen campus. Kevin has served as a trustee for SCS for many years and as city attorney, Kevin works on the Mayor’s executive cabinet. One day the former mayor Richard Cortez was dreaming about McAllen having a Law School, Medical School, and a Seminary. With that information in hand, it is noteworthy Kevin did not leave the meeting and call his attorney friends or law school administrators–instead, he called his pastor, an SCS graduate. With that call, the story of our McAllen campus begins.
The Pagans give all glory to God and grateful to have served God throughout their life. Mr. Pagan noted, “It is only because of God’s sovereign grace that we are here tonight.”SCS was honored to present them with the 2019 Pillar of Light Award. We thank them for their faithful service to God and this community. May they continue to shine the light of Jesus in South Texas so that others might see their good works and glorify our father in heaven.