San Antonio Workforce Initiative

Charge

The San Antonio Workforce Initiative will promote continuing education and professional development programs for adult learners to support the city’s growing need for a skilled workforce. In addition, it will advance UTSA’s capacity to meet the educational needs of San Antonio employers through customized degree and certificate programs in various disciplines.

View the Initiative Brief

The San Antonio Workforce Initiative Task Force, under the leadership of Lisa Blazer, (former) Senior Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation, completed a report in January 2019 outlining a framework for UTSA to support the city’s growing need for a skilled workforce.

UTSA’s implementation of the task force’s recommendations resulted in an administrative realignment and the creation of Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE). Since its inception in early 2020, under the new leadership of Melissa Vito, Vice Provost for Academic Innovation, and Melissa K. Mahan, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation, PaCE has refined its mission and operational processes, hired critical personnel, established a community feedback network and continues to deepen relationships with area employers and civic partners. PaCE played a vital role in reskilling and upskilling local workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and now manages a diverse portfolio of courses and certificate programs, including community art education classes.

Having operationalized the Task Force’s recommendations, UTSA maintains a deep commitment to develop and deliver targeted continuing and professional education programs that match the university’s unique resources with the needs of lifelong learners. Through PaCE, UTSA will continue to modify and expand its offerings to meet the changing needs of residents, workers, and employers.

Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE)

Destination Two: Great Public Research University

Destination Three: Exemplar for Strategic Growth and Innovative Excellence