Jesus Perez III

UTSA alumnus beats language barrier, returns to earn master's

(Oct. 6, 2003)--Jesus Perez III isn't a student you might meet every day. A native of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, he enrolled as an undergraduate at UTSA in the fall of 1998. With Spanish as his first language, he found the course work challenging, but he learned quickly.

Three and a half years after high school counselors tried to convince him to attend technical school, Perez returned to show them his class ring and diploma for a UTSA bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

This fall, the UTSA alumnus returned to enroll in the master of science in justice policy program in the College of Public Policy. With a focus on adminstration, the justice policy program prepares students to identify and solve problems, evaluate policies and manage agencies. Approximately 30 students are enrolled in the program, with five to eight admitted each semester.

Perez says he appreciates the faculty support and the tight-knit group of students in the program who help each other with projects and welcome newcomers.

As a testament to the program's hands-on approach, he has been placed as a consultant with the Children's Advocacy Center of the San Antonio Police Department. Upon graduation, he hopes to work with a federal agency.

The Spring 2004 application deadline for the master's program in justice policy is Nov. 1.

For more information, visit the UTSA College of Public Policy Web site.