JANUARY 19, 2023 — The UTSA Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement has hired Russell Wagner as its new assistant vice president for alumni engagement.
Wagner will join UTSA from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), where he has served as the executive director of the TAMU-CC National Alumni Association for the past eight years and prior to that as a director of development leading fundraising efforts in the university’s College of Liberal Arts.
Under Wagner’s direction, the Alumni Association saw rapid expansion with a significant increase in programming, chapter development and revenue. In addition, the Association’s Islander Ring Tradition has nearly doubled and is now one of the fastest-growing programs of its kind in Texas, increasing sales by 200% and setting individual sales records for four straight semesters. Wagner’s work has been recognized nationally by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for over a decade for its effectiveness, impact and collaborative style.
“I’m very excited about bringing an alumni professional with Russell’s specific expertise and leadership experience to UTSA. His understanding of strategy creation and implementation along with extraordinary proficiency in operational management are what we need to build a world-class alumni engagement program,” said Karl Miller-Lugo, UTSA vice president for advancement and alumni engagement. “Perhaps most importantly, his staff and colleagues praise his character, work ethic and personality. I know UTSA will benefit from his leadership, and I’m proud to have him join the Roadrunner family.”
In his new role at UTSA, Wagner will serve as the primary liaison for the UTSA Alumni Association Board and will provide bold and visionary leadership in building, maintaining and strengthening alumni engagement. UTSA has more than 145,000 alumni and a dedicated core group of leadership volunteers. He will also play a significant role in leading the Office of Alumni Relations throughout the university’s comprehensive capital campaign, Be Bold: A Campaign for Our Future.
“Throughout the interview process, it was very apparent that everyone at UTSA believes in the mission of the university, which is such a rare but vital quality for a transformational institution and a successful alumni operation,” Wagner said. “Starting with President Eighmy and Mr. Miller-Lugo, it’s clear that university leadership is innovative and dedicated to its students, alumni and the community. And perhaps most important, the alumni I met take great pride in the campus and want it to succeed. I am grateful to UTSA and the Division for the opportunity, and can’t wait to join the nest as a Roadrunner!”
Wagner received his bachelor’s degree in media communication with a minor in Public Relations from TAMU-CC. He holds a M.A. in Public Relations from Kent State University.
He joins the UTSA staff on February 20.
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This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.The 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.
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UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
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