Posted on March 24, 2023 by College of Sciences
#StaffSpotlight
Debra Leal, Senior Management Analyst, Department of Computer Science
Please tell us about yourself.
I have been at UTSA a little over two years with the Computer Science Department. Prior experiences included working as an Academic Advisor at the University of Incarnate Word and Texas A&M San Antonio, Associate Director of Financial Aid at Alamo Colleges, and working with non-profit agencies to promote college readiness. I have two older children and three grandchildren. I have a very active role in my grandsons' lives and feel blessed to have a strong bond. I enjoy reading and going for walks with my husband downtown. I also enjoy going to festivals and learning about different cultures. I am a life-long learner and have a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Master of Science in Bicultural Studies.
What did your journey to UTSA look like?
My journey to UTSA started as an undergraduate student in the 90s. I am a first-generation college student having dropped out of high school in the 9th grade. I soon received my GED and attended San Antonio College. I transferred to UTSA and completed my bachelor's degree and master's degree. I was the non-traditional college student that took the VIA bus as transportation and relied on the many services the university provided to be successful. I have worked in higher education for over 30 years and worked in the Math/Computer Science Department for 10 years at San Antonio College during my undergrad and early career. Transferring to the Department of Computer Science at UTSA was seamless as I have a passion for working with students, faculty, and research in Computer Science.
How would you describe your role at UTSA in 10 words or less?
Faculty support and providing students opportunities to promote academic success.
What is your proudest moment with the College of Sciences?
My proudest moment with the College of Sciences was assisting with the Academic Program Review and National Research University Fund (NRUF), which resulted in UTSA's recognition as a major research university. These tasks were challenges and opportunities for professional growth. We were deep into the pandemic and I had recently started my position with the department. My outlook was to view the challenges as opportunities to learn and increase my knowledge, which I believe contributed to the department's successful outcomes.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My work in the department consists of assisting faculty and students with the end goal of academic success. I enjoy most the connections I make with students and faculty. I am a reserved people-person and enjoy meeting and getting to know our students.
What does your ideal Saturday look like?
On beautiful mornings, my ideal Saturday is going for walks downtown or the Mission Trails. We then make our way to events and enjoy festivities around the downtown area. Enjoying a nice dinner, watching movies, and spending time with my grandsons are ideal as well, but usually and due to this extreme fluctuation of weather, we have had more Netflix type of Saturdays.
— College of Sciences
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