UTSA Center for Community and Business Research names director

Thomas Tunstall

By Lynn Gosnell
Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Institute for Economic Development

(Jan. 5, 2012) -- Thomas Tunstall has been appointed director of the Center for Community and Business Research at the UTSA Institute for Economic Development. He comes to the center with many years of experience in economic development, strategic planning, IT management and research for corporate and governmental entities including KPMG Consulting and USAID. Tunstall holds a doctorate in economics and public policy and an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Tunstall's career includes work with small businesses across the United States as well as international business development experience in Azerbaijan, Kenya, Zambia, Guam and Afghanistan. He is the author of "Outsourcing and Management" (2007).

"Dr. Tunstall brings a unique combination of skills as a business consultant, economic development practitioner, Ph.D. economist, public policy expert and communicator to UTSA," said Robert McKinley, UTSA associate vice president for economic development. "We welcome his expertise, which will help our clients accurately present their important roles in the economy and guide formation of key policy objectives."

Tunstall was attracted by UTSA's rapidly growing enrollment and aspirations to become a Tier One research university.

"I believe strongly that the Institute for Economic Development can work with UTSA faculty, students and stakeholders across the board in the South Texas community to advance those Tier One aspirations significantly through innovative research," Tunstall said.

The Center for Community and Business Research provides research and information to economic development agencies, workforce development boards, businesses, associations, city/state/federal governments and other community stakeholders in search of information to make well-founded business and policy decisions. CCBR's capabilities include economic impact analyses, assessments and feasibility studies on topics such as the Eagle Ford Shale, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, targeted industry recruitment and repurposing military bases for commercial use.

The UTSA Institute for Economic Development is dedicated to creating jobs, growing businesses and fostering economic development. Its diverse centers and programs provide professional business advising, technical training, research and strategic planning for entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders. Our programs serve San Antonio and the Texas-Mexico border area as well as regional, national and international stakeholders. With federal, state and local governments, and private businesses, the UTSA Institute for Economic Development fosters economic and community development in support of UTSA's community engagement mission.