Posted on October 11, 2022 by College of Sciences
#StaffSpotlight
Magda Riveros, Program Coordinator, College of Sciences Office of the Dean
What did your journey to UTSA look like?
After nine years of working in the field of mental health case management, life led me to a career change. In those nine years my work included mental health case management at a children's advocacy center, a domestic violence shelter, and a state psychiatric hospital. I stumbled into higher education and was recruited as a graduate admission counselor and recruiter at my alma mater, Schreiner University, and I fell in love with working in higher education and helping students achieve and attain their goals. I worked at Schreiner University, which is a small private liberal arts university for three and a half years and worked in all phases of graduate student recruitment and admissions as well as all other special populations and their recruitment and admission cycles.
How would you describe your role at UTSA in 10 words or less?
This is a hard one to put in ten words. The first thing that comes to mind is: Behind the scenes work with the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Lopez-Ribot and all of our GARs and Graduate Program Managers. Coordination of the colleges graduate students required documentation for graduation, audits, academic standing process, and admissions. I also serve as the point of contact between the college, The Graduate School, Graduation Coordination, and Strategic Enrollment.
What is your proudest moment with the College of Sciences?
I have two! When I successfully wrapped up my first audit season last fall and when I carried out a graduate student appreciation event this past spring.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy working with the Associate Dean and being able to work with so many different people in the college and also across the university. I also really enjoy being able to assist and help coordinate the solutions to situations that come up with our students and being able to ultimately help our students earn their graduate degree.
What does your ideal Saturday look like?
My ideal Saturday looks like spending a family day with my two sons Nicolas and Andrew and our dog Oliver! Nicolas is a freshman in college and Andrew is a sophomore in high school.
— College of Sciences
