Class notes

1992

Karen Stepherson (Criminology & Criminal Justice) holds a Master of Arts degree in humanities - creative writing from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). She is a Desert Storm veteran and a published author. She was once a special education teacher, but decided to return back to higher education and is currently serving as the academic compliance coordinator for Collin Country Community College District. Stepherson took a couple of life changing trips to Accra, Ghana where she taught English at a local school, and a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina further cultivated her poetic endeavors. She enjoys writing, sporting activities and working with children and youth. Most recently, she has published two poems and one photograph in Forces Literary Magazine and is currently working on a novel.

1994 Jose Galvan (Political Science '92, Criminology & Criminal Justice) was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2015 as a Lieutenant Colonel and flew the AH-64 attack helicopter. His wife and three kids retired out of Fort Hood, Texas and live in Harker Heights, Texas. Galvan’s oldest son, Joseph, graduated from UTSA in 2021 with a BS in mechanical engineering. He and his son both work for Kord Technologies. “I am a Program Manager, assisting the U.S. Army managing a foreign military sales contract facilitating military aviation training for the Royal Netherland Air Force,” Galvan said. “My son works in the research and development sector, assisting Kord with its laser program. Go Roadrunners!”

James Parrack (Criminology & Criminal Justice) retired in June from the US Army after more than 35 years.

Linda Salazar (Sociology, Political Science) began a job as a corporate trainer in 1996 and has enjoyed designing, developing and delivering training that helps employees and their companies achieve their goals. However, she always had it in the back of her mind to do something in politics. Two things held her back—her two children were young and San Antonio is such a big market that it put her off of running for an elected position. “In 2019, two things happened—my children became teenagers and I moved to Helotes,” Salazar said. “Suddenly, I didn't have any excuses. I decided to run for Helotes City Council, Place 2 and won! It's been an honor to serve the citizens and businesses of Helotes. I'll be running for re-election in May.” A week before Salazar won the election, she started a new job with the Omnia Group, a behavioral assessment company. “I'm thankful that I have my sociology and psychology education to help me understand the science behind how the behavioral assessment works, so I can explain it to our clients and help them use the assessment to attract, select and develop their employees.”

2000 Mary Helen Maria Elena Gonzalez (Sociology) took on a new role in January of 2022. She is a Biopharm Rare Disease Account Manager for Calliditas Therapeutics US.

2006

Gilbert V. Castillo, Jr. (Psychology ’01, MS in Psychology) transitioned from US Marine Corps active service in November of 1998, before attending UTSA. Employing the research and analysis skills gained through his MS, he has spent his second career largely in academia. He spent about seven years working for the Alamo Colleges in Institutional Research, and left as the founding IR Director at Northeast Lakeview College. He taught middle school for three years at SAISD, and continued his higher ed career at the University of the Incarnate Word as their director of assessment & accreditation in the HEB School of Business and Administration. He and his family (wife Erika, four-year-old twins, Joaquin and Viviana) have been in Lubbock, TX since January 2021. Castillo is currently the director of assessment and accreditation for the School of Education at Texas Tech University. “As a PROUD alumnus, I continue to be an active supporter of UTSA through various events and contribution themes.” Alec Vasquez (Master of Public Administration) is currently working as a senior business analyst with the City of San Antonio. He served as president of the San Antonio Texas Exes, an alumni chapter for UT Austin, from 2019-2020.

2007

2009 Dina Wilson (Sociology) is enjoying a progressively advanced career and is on several simultaneous work projects. She has also adopted two cats and raised a son she is very proud of.

Ray Baray (Master of Public Administration) is the new chief of staff for the International City/ County Management Association (ICMA). ICMA is based in Washington, DC and is the world's leading association of professional city and county managers and other employees who serve local government. Prior to joining ICMA, Ray served as the chief of staff/assistant city manager for the City of Austin. Andres Lopez (Criminology & Criminal Justice) serves as a K9 unit sergeant for the San Antonio Airport Police. His nephew, Caleb Lewis, is an outside linebacker for UTSA Football.

2016

Jayla Williams (Sociology) quit her job in 2017 to start her own business (The Celebrity Suite). As a master hairstylist with multiple years of experience in the beauty industry, she became a salon suite owner. “In doing this, I became a celebrity hairstylist working with major networks like We TV, People TV, BET, Fox, Fox Soul & more!” Williams says. “I have also launched a hair extension company, MillionHeir Hair, that dedicates a portion of profits to financial literacy in African American communities. I'm super excited about where my entrepreneurship journey will take me over the next few years. I'd like to encourage any student, staff, or alumni: you can have whatever you set your mind to. Pray, work hard, network and be patient. YOU GOT THIS!”

2018 Lucero Núñez, (Psychology) is currently working for Action Behavior Centers as an RBT and in grad school working towards her MS in psychology with a specialization in applied behavior analysis to become a board-certified behavior analyst. “I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of my professors at UTSA!! Go Runners!” MaryAnn Rodriguez (Criminology & Criminal Justice, Public Administration) has become a homeowner and a mother since graduating. She has also started a new job in the nonprofit sector. “I am proud to be first-gen and have a lot of love for my alma mater!”

2019

Gabriel Alvarez (Criminology & Criminal Justice, Psychology) graduated from Arizona State University in Spring of 2022 with two degrees: a Master of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration. He was recently accepted into the University of California-Irvine’s doctoral program in criminology, law, & society in the School of Social Ecology. “The UCI program is number two in the nation for graduate education in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and I know that without the faculty from HCAP, I would not be where I am today.”

Cassandra V Galvan (Public Health) pursued an MS in business and graduated in 2020. She has recently started a position with Parallon as a manager in training and hopes to grow within the company as she take on new opportunities.

Mark Ramirez (Psychology) is nearly done with his MS program in clinical mental health counseling. He currently works for Leadership and Volunteer Services at UTSA. He and his wife also recently welcomed their first child, Claire, into the world. 2020

Kelsey Tabor (Psychology) is currently attending graduate school at UTSA, seeking a masters in curriculum and instruction with teacher certification in grades 4-8 ELAR & SS. In August 2021, she had her second son, and her family of four is set to move into her husband’s family’s former home. Tabor started a new full-time job at the end of November 2021 as an assistant teacher at a head start for ages 3-5.

2021

Vanessa Garcia (Master of Public Administration) is moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma for a job as a legal assistant with the Social Security Administration. “I am passionate about public service and serving my country,” she said. “I am excited for this new opportunity.”

Christine Hinojosa (Sociology) was able to walk for commencement in December alongside Iliana Torre, a close friend since middle school! She is currently teaching chemistry in her hometown in the Rio Grande Valley. “I’m glad to be teaching our new generation of doctors, nurses and engineers!” She got engaged to her high school sweetheart Matthew and they bought a Tesla together. Matthew is next to graduate from UTSA.

Paola Montufar (Psychology) began a developmental psychology PhD program at NYU after graduation.

Mark Perez (Master of Public Administration) began the UTSA MBA program after graduation and is set to graduate in 2023. Perez maintains a 4.0 GPA while mentoring for My Brother’s Keeper and serves as a graduate teaching assistant for business ethics and business speech courses. He is considering a Ph.D. program for fall 2023. John Paul Phillips (MS Health and Kinesiology) has been accepted into several Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. He will begin this new journey this summer.

Susie Soliz (Health) is a graduate student in the public administration program. For the past seven years she has been attending school nonstop. As a nontraditional student, she went back to school and got her GED in 2016. In 2019 she received an associate of science, and in August of 2021 she received her bachelors of science in health from UTSA. “I thank God for the support He has given me through my husband,” Soliz says. Soliz is a wife, a mother, grandmother and stepmother and a student, and an alto in her church choir. “Some advice I like to share with others, is never give up on your dreams,” she says. “If you have a vision for something, to serve or want to make a change, take the first step and walk in faith. Never be afraid to move forward in life. My hope is to make a difference and leave a legacy and inspire others, regardless of what happens in life, keep moving forward: learn from your mistakes, and if you fall get back up and try again.”

Morrelia Villarreal (Criminology & Criminal Justice) planned on going into the workforce right after graduation, but is now pursuing a masters in social work. “This was a tough decision to make, but I did it for my son, myself, and for the people I will later serve in my career,” she said.