UTSA Update - The University of Texas at San Antonio

UTSA President Ricardo Romo announced Jan. 10 the selection of Gage Paine as vice president for student affairs. Formerly a vice president at Trinity University, Paine began her UTSA duties Feb. 1. Romo selected Paine after a nationwide search netted a slate of more than 100 candidates for the position. Paine succeeds Rosalie Ambrosino, who became UTSA's provost and second-highest ranking administrator last spring.

UTSA receives football feasibility study

UTSA officials received a report from a national consulting firm to determine the feasibility of adding NCAA Division I football to the UTSA sports program. The report does not make a final recommendation about adding football. The report is the first step in gathering information concerning costs and infrastructure. A decision will be made after meetings with students, faculty, staff and community members.

UTSA raises $232K in charitable campaign

During the State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) last fall, UTSA faculty and staff members raised more than $232,000 for United Way-affiliated and other nonprofit agencies and charities. UTSA reached a 62 percent employee participation rate, a 7 percent increase over last year. The record participation was achieved after presentations to departments and offices and testimonials on UTSA Today by UTSA community members who benefited from SECC-funded agencies.

UTSA places in top 25 HUB programs

For fiscal year 2006, UTSA ranked in the top 25 Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) programs in the state. This year, UTSA ranked 19th among the top 25 agencies, up from 25th last year. The percent of expenditures was up 2.4 percent from last year. In fiscal year 2006, more than $10.3 million, or 27.73 percent of total eligible UTSA purchases, were expended with HUB vendors, which are minority- and women-owned businesses certified by the state.

UTSA project aims for children to be healthy and ready to learn

The Child and Adolescent Policy Research Institute (CAPRI) at the UTSA Downtown Campus has launched an obesity and diabetes prevention program for young children, thanks to a $275,000 two-year grant from the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio. The project, led by Suzanne Winter, associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development, will target 100 families with preschool-aged children in the Edgewood area of San Antonio.

Professor, students and robots filmed for PBS series

The robotic swarms of Mo Jamshidi, UTSA professor of electrical engineering, and his graduate students will be featured this spring in the 13-episode public TV series, "State of Tomorrow." Designed to assist the military in the war on terror, the robots are equipped with biosensors and global positioning system (GPS) technology to enable them to detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs) or biological and chemical weapons.

Great Conversation! benefit event is Feb. 27

Friends of UTSA are invited to the seventh annual Great Conversation! at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27 at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures. Benefiting the UTSA Honors College, the evening is arranged like a dinner party with conversation on more than 60 diverse and stimulating topics. Tables seat 10 with a conversation leader assigned to each. Leaders are faculty members and community leaders with special expertise. A buffet supper is served and conversation begins with coffee and dessert.

Endowments play vital role at UTSA

Endowment income is an increasingly vital revenue source of many college and university budgets, and that is certainly the case at UTSA. Building the endowment at the University is an institutional priority being led by Vice President for University Advancement Sonia V. Martinez and her development staff. As of Dec. 31, 2006, UTSA had 231 separate endowments with a total market value of $46,650,922. That compares to 86 endowments with a value of $15,205,140 at the end of 1996.

UTSA celebrates Homecoming Feb. 15-17

Join the UTSA community in celebrating Homecoming 2007 with the theme "Tradition - Spirit - Pride." For the full slate of events Feb. 15-17, visit the Homecoming Web site or call (210) 458-4160. Events include:

Jazz in the Plaza, Bill Miller Plaza, Downtown Campus, 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15
Rowdy Rampage (Golf Cart Parade, music and fireworks), 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16
Student Leader Reunion Luncheon, University Center Laurel Room (2.01.28), 1604 Campus, noon, Saturday, Feb. 17, $10, event includes campus tours
Homecoming men's basketball game vs. Texas State Bobcats, 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17

UTSA Diploma Dash 5K run and walk is Feb. 17

As part of the Homecoming celebration, the 23rd annual Diploma Dash 5K Run/Fitness Walk and City Championship Race starts at 9 a.m. Feb. 17 at the Convocation Center. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The event benefits UTSA track and cross country scholarships, and alumni programs and services. Registration is $20 through Wednesday, Feb. 14, and $30 on race day.

COB speaker series presents August A. Busch III

The UTSA College of Business will host the second annual Signature Speaker Series at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 21, featuring August A. Busch III, former chairman of Anheuser-Busch Companies Inc. The event is at the Marriott Rivercenter hotel in downtown San Antonio. Proceeds will benefit COB scholarships and programs. Busch began his career at Anheuser-Busch in 1957 and retired as chairman in December 2006. The company's strong performance is attributed to his expertise, marketing instincts, decisive leadership style and the strong management team he put in place.

UTSA names vice president for student affairs