Celebrating staff graduates across Academic Affairs

Nineteen staff members within Academic Affairs are among the more than 4,800 Roadrunners earning degrees from UTSA this spring and summer—a testament to their commitment to education, perseverance and professional growth. 

"Congratulations to these outstanding staff members on reaching an important milestone in their academic and professional journeys," said Heather Shipley, UTSA provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "Balancing work, family and the pursuit of higher education is an extraordinary accomplishment. Their dedication not only reflects the spirit of what it means to be a Roadrunner but also strengthens our university community. We’re proud to celebrate their success and the many ways they contribute to UTSA’s continued growth and excellence." 

These scholar-staff members represent a wide range of disciplines and support units across UTSA: 

• Rebekah Alegria, communications specialist in the Carolos Alvarez College of Business Student Success Center, earned an M.A. in Communication. 

• Jacqueline Cardenas, a learning experience designer on the Teaching, Learning and Digital Transformation team, earned an M.A. in Learning, Design, and Technology. 

• Allegra Castro, an academic advisor for students in architecture and interior design, earned a Ph.D. in English. 

• Fernando Cordova, a student development specialist in the Honors College, earned a Master in Higher Education Administration. 

• Matthew deGraffenreid, a learning research assistant in the Center for Archaeological Research, earned an M.A. in Anthropology. 

• Kelly Garza, assistant dean for fiscal administration in the College for Health, Community and Policy, is earning a Master in Higher Education Administration. 

• Scott Glavac, associate director of enrollment on the Enrollment Marketing, Communications and Systems team, earned an M.B.A. 

• Kaitlin Grelle, a research data analyst in the Department of Social Work, earned a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

• Crystal Hahn, an academic advisor for students in life and health sciences, earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. 

• Fayth Hunt, an educational specialist in Wellbeing Services, earned an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

• Derek Kubacki, an academic advisor for students in architecture and interior design, earned an M.A. in Global Affairs. 

• Uriel Laguna, an international student and scholar advisor on the Global Initiatives team, earned an M.B.A. 

• Clinton McKenzie, a research science associate in the Center for Archaeological Research, earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology. 

• Nicole Poole, administrative services officer in the Department of History, earned an M.A. in Art History. 

• Justin Streton, a lab services supervisor in the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design, earned an M.S. in Biotechnology. 

• Shaca Sweet, a program coordinator in the Welcome Center, earned a Master of Public Administration. 

• Kailey Villarreal, a program coordinator in the Alvarez College of Business, earned an M.A. in Communication. 

• Kirstin Wilsey, assistant dean for fiscal administration in the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design, is earning a Master in Higher Education Administration. 

• Alexis Zacarias, a business service center specialist for the College for Health, Community and Policy, earned an M.B.A. 

Shipley added: "I’d also like to recognize a member of my senior leadership team, LT Robinson, our senior vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, who recently earned her Ed.D. from Abilene Christian University. Congratulations, Dr. Robinson!" 

Many of these graduates utilized UTSA’s Employee Educational Benefit Program, which awards eligible staff up to 12 semester credit hours of tuition and fee waivers each year. It’s one of the ways UTSA supports lifelong learning and career advancement within its own ranks.