Posted on December 8, 2023 by College of Sciences
#StaffSpotlight
Ilse Rosales Cooper, Program Manager, Department of Mathematics
Please tell us about yourself.
Hi there! I am Ilse Rosales Cooper (also known as my maiden name Ilse Rosales Martinez at UTSA). I am a first-generation college graduate and a proud Latina! I was raised in San Antonio, Texas and born in Mexico in a small city Monclova, Coahuila. I am the youngest of three siblings and have a huge Mexican traditional family. I have been working at UTSA for two years in the College of Sciences, Mathematics Department. I was formerly hired as a Student Development Specialist I, and recently promoted to a Program Manager with the Mathematics Department. I am now married to my husband Jessie, and we have three kids (dogs), a 6-year-old mini schnauzer Timmy (after Tim Duncan), a 12-year-old mix chow chow Belle (after Princess Belle), and a 9-year-old lab/Pitbull mix Dobby (Bobby) (after Harry Potter's Dobby).
What did your journey to UTSA look like?
I am a UTSA alum! I received my bachelors in Communications in the Fall of 2020 (yes, the class who did not have a graduation)! After having such a great time on campus as a student, and getting to know many great faculty and staff who helped me along my journey as a first-gen student, I wanted to return and join the UTSA workforce. I have now been an admin for two years and I love my job. I not only get to help students along their academic journeys and goals, but I also get to do other tasks such as help run the social media channels and website, which is something I enjoy a lot.
How would you describe your role at UTSA in 10 words or less?
This is a tough one to summarize, but I would say, student and faculty support for all undergraduate and graduate programs to help students achieve their academic goals and graduate.
What is your proudest moment with the College of Sciences?
Recently my proudest moment has been seeing more faculty and students involved in College and Departmental events. It shows we are building a strong community!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Seeing that I am making a difference and helping students through difficult/stressful times, and working with the amazing math department admin staff, work studies, chairs and faculty!
What does your ideal Saturday look like?
My ideal Saturday would be sleeping in, waking up to go get a coffee at a new coffee shop, going on a hike or walk with my husband and dogs, then going to dinner at one of our favorite Italian or Mexican restaurants.
— College of Sciences
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