Judge NelsonWolff brings expertise to UTSA students

Furthering a commitment to public service and engaging students in the ideals of citizen government, former Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has partnered with UTSA to bring his 50 years of political involvement to students.

Wolff will offer insight from his service as a state representative, state senator, city councilmember, mayor and county judge through lectures and talks. He will also serve as an advisor to the HCAP Dean’s Community Lecture Series, a thought leadership initiative focused on public policy topics including the economy, transportation, health, affordable housing and other areas.

“It does not surprise me at all that Judge Wolff is keenly interested in education and the preparation of future civic leaders,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “Nelson’s career as a public servant is legendary, and how he shares his perspectives, insights and wisdom with those interested in public service will be very special. We are delighted about our collaborations with Nelson in this next phase of his remarkable career.”

“After 50 years in public service, I look forward to working with the students, faculty and the leadership at UTSA, sharing what I have learned in my public career and assisting UTSA as it continues to grow as an outstanding Tier One university,” Wolff said.

Wolff made a stop to an MPA class this semester to give advice to students seeking leadership positions locally or regionally. He discussed in detail several public projects he was directly involved with or that he began during his career, and how he rallied support and worked toward a better San Antonio.

Students noted that Judge Wolff was very candid, answering all of their questions honestly, and had a personable approach. “Wolff’s visit was the most enlightening experience this semester for my students and also for me,” said María Verónica Elías, assistant professor. “I was thrilled that he came to my class and sat with us, talked frankly and provided wisdom and political savvy. I consider him an exemplary public servant who always worked hard for the people of San Antonio and the region.”

Wolff also visited a Pretrial/Specialty Courts class in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “During his tenure as county judge, Judge Wolff saw an emergence of specialty courts,” said Henry Meade, associate professor of practice. Wolff spoke to the reasons why specialty courts have become so popular, and how they are a positive alternative to resolving deep-rooted issues of defendants – especially those who truly want to make changes.

Wolff represented Bexar County in the Texas House of Representatives from 1971 to 1973 and the Texas Senate from 1973 to 1975. He served as a San Antonio city council member from 1987 to 1991 and then as mayor of San Antonio from 1991 to 1995. In 2001, he was appointed to Bexar County’s highestranking office when then-County Judge Cyndi Taylor Krier resigned to accept an appointment as a regent of The University of Texas System. Wolff was subsequently elected to five full terms as county judge.

Wolff’s role at UTSA will also include collaboration with the UTSA Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement on guest speakers and mentors for the university’s student-facing Career-Engaged Learning programs.

“Judge Wolff’s unique combination of experience and knowledge will bring UTSA faculty and students a tremendous resource,” said UTSA Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy. “His contributions will further advance our Classroom to Career initiative and help prepare our students to serve as the business, community and political leaders of tomorrow.”

– Tricia Silva and Amanda Cerreto