(May 15, 2019) -- As part of its commitment to fully engage the community and further foster meaningful dialogue related to its Downtown Campus expansion, UTSA has expanded its partnership with the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB), a nationally recognized non-profit organization specializing in research and data-driven strategies to support equitable neighborhood development.
UTSA will work closely with NALCAB to study the issues impacting vulnerable populations near the Downtown Campus and develop a strategy for facilitating ongoing, transparent, two-way conversation with residents and business owners on San Antonio’s historic West Side. UTSA first engaged NALCAB in early 2019 to identify and collaborate with communities having a unique stake in the expansion of its Downtown Campus.
“The expansion of our Downtown Campus provides a tremendous opportunity to bring a world- class education closer to underserved communities in the urban core and to be a catalyst in providing access to employment and prosperity, arts and culture, and quality of life for the next generations of San Antonians,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy.
“At the same time, we recognize the concerns of long-time residents and business owners about real estate trends that have been taking place in our city for more than ten years. We share those concerns and want to use the resources we have available, as a responsible neighbor, to contribute to the preservation of communities around the Downtown Campus,” Eighmy added.
NALCAB, an advocate for Latino communities nationally, is a leading source of research and data on vulnerable populations and has significant insight into San Antonio economic and demographic trends. In 2018, NALCAB conducted research for the City of San Antonio on housing vulnerability and provided technical support to the Mayor’s Housing Policy Task Force, which issued an influential report last August.
“As UTSA expands the Downtown Campus, the university has a responsibility to build and sustain authentic relationships that preserve the economic and cultural integrity of the surrounding communities. NALCAB will undertake research and community-informed planning efforts to identify opportunities to leverage UTSA’s institutional strength in service of the community,” said Noel Andrés Poyo, San Antonio-based executive director of NALCAB.
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Drawing on the university’s and community’s history and legacy, and aligned to UTSA’s strategic vision, the university is undergoing a master planning process that will support future expansion of educational and research programs, make higher education more accessible to the community, and draw world-class faculty to the city to train the next generation of workforce-ready professionals.
NALCAB’s research team has begun a study of vulnerable populations in the neighborhoods around the Downtown Campus, reporting directly to UTSA’s Vice President for University Relations. This newly created position, established recently by President Eighmy, includes federal, state and local Government Relations, Community Relations, University Communications and Marketing, and Presidential Communications and Special Projects. Its mission is to advance the university’s strategic vision through stakeholder and public awareness initiatives and outreach.
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Move In To COLFA is strongly recommended for new students in COLFA. It gives you the chance to learn about the Student Success Center, campus resources and meet new friends!
Academic Classroom: Lecture Hall (MH 2.01.10,) McKinney Humanities BldgWe invite you to join us for Birds Up! Downtown, an exciting welcome back event designed to connect students with the different departments at the Downtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of the departments on campus, gain access to different resources, and collect some giveaways!
Bill Miller PlazaJoin us for an intimate evening of cocktails, conversation, and culinary inspiration with Pati Jinich, Emmy-nominated chef and James Beard Award-winning author. Enjoy light bites and signature drinks in the warm, modern setting of Mezquite as Pati connects with guests over her passion for Mexican cuisine and storytelling.
Mezquite Restaurant in Pullman Market, 221 Newell Ave., San Antonio 78215From inspired courses to thoughtful pairings and a rich sense of community, the Ven a Comer Signature Dinner is a night of shared meals, shared stories, and unforgettable flavor.
Stable Hall (Pear Brewery), 307 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio 78215Come and celebrate this year's homecoming at the Downtown Campus with food, games, giveaways, music, and more. We look forward to seeing your Roadrunner Spirit!
Bill Miller PlazaThe 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, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
