Nikki Long is earning a degree in economics.
(Oct. 18, 2017) -- Meet Nikki Long. This UTSA scholar-athlete has excelled in the classroom and on the UTSA Women’s Golf Team. Now she’s preparing to take the knowledge and skills she’s learned as a Roadrunner to law school.
Long grew up in San Antonio, where she began playing golf in the seventh grade. She continued playing at Johnson High School and, with dedicated practice, sharpened her skills.
“I realized my sophomore year of high school that I had a chance to earn a scholarship,” Long said. “So I worked really hard and here I am.”
Long received several scholarship offers before choosing to stay in her hometown to attend UTSA.
“I wanted to go to a university where I could excel academically and athletically. UTSA offered a top-tier education and the opportunity to play golf,” Long said.
In high school, Long took dual credit courses, so when the economics major arrived at UTSA in Fall 2014, she dove straight into her business classes.
Her hard work paid off. Guided by her mentors, she was named a Distinguished Business Student last year, representing the top 1.5 percent of UTSA business students. She was also named the 2016-2017 Conference USA Women’s Golf Scholar Athlete of the Year.
“I took three classes with Dr. Kenneth Weiher,” she said. “His passion for economics made me want to learn more and more.”
She also received academic support through UTSA Athletics.
“One of the greatest things I always tell people about UTSA is no matter what aspect of your education or athletic career, there are people who are here to help,” Long said. “My academic advisors, Colin Howlett and Beth Noteware, have been instrumental in helping me understand how to be successful.”
Now, the UTSA senior wants to build a career to help others.
"I want to pursue law because ultimately I feel compassion when I see people who are exploited or treated unfairly when there are laws that should protect them,” Long said. “I want to be the one who helps bring justice to their misfortune."
Long says representing UTSA on the golf course has been priceless.
“Being part of a team is really special,” Long said. “Going to tournaments and saying I’m fighting for UTSA is what drives me to come to practice every day and to get better. It’s been an incredible experience.”
Long has also made time to get involved on campus. She’s the president of the Student-Athletic Advisory Committee and president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at UTSA. She’s also a member of the UTSA chapter of Omicrom Delta Epsilon, an international honors society in economics.
“This group really helped prepare me for a professional environment – how to look the part, dress the part, be on time,” Long said. “It was just one more opportunity UTSA afforded me.”
With a 3.97 GPA and just one B at UTSA, the golfer is confident that her economics degree will be an asset in law school, due to the philosophical nature of economics and the business background that is required of attorneys.
As she looks forward to applying to law schools and to graduating in the spring, she says she will always value her time at UTSA.
“UTSA is quickly rising to be one of the best universities in Texas and the nation,” Long said. “The opportunities here to excel are endless. There are so many people here who want to help you. If you want to succeed, you will succeed at UTSA.”
Do you know a Roadrunner who is achieving great things? Email us at social@utsa.edu so that we may consider your suggestion for our next installment of Meet a Roadrunner.
Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Come experience a Hispanic Market with us!
Rowdy StatueWe will be reading For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez. We will meet on Zoom to discuss the book. The book is free for students who request it, please email multicultural@utsa.edu to request the book and/or to join the Book Club and receive messages and information about this and future readings and discussions.
Virtual EventCome and practice your Spanish in a friendly and engaging environment! You will also learn about Hispanic cultures with us as we play games, watch videos, sing, and participate in many other language and cultural activities! All levels are welcome! ¡Nos vemos!
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusIn partnership with UTSA Libraries and the Consulado General de México en San Antonio, Carriqui will host Ven a Tomar, where guests will sample mezcal, cocktails and unique bites to celebrate UTSA's Mexican Cookbook Collection.
Carriqui, 239 E Grayson St San Antonio, TX 78215The UTSA Orchestra will be performing Rapsodia Mexicana, a captivating concert celebrating Mexican music and the confluence of cultures in South Texas. Joined by organist Colin Campbell (Texas A&M International University) and UTSA's Mariachi Los Paisanos, watch as the orchestra brings to life the essence of Hispanic culture through their powerful performances.
UTSA Recital Hall, Main CampusA fun night for UTSA students to relax and play loteria. Student Success Centers will also have recourses for students to learn more about programs and services.
Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28,) Main CampusCome play a game of Loteria sponsored by the UTSA College of Education and Human Development (COEHD), UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA) and UTSA Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to ending generations of discrimination and inequity. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.