Two New Assistant Deans Join College to Lead Undergraduate Initiatives
Dean Lynda de la Viña has appointed two new assistant deans to lead undergraduate initiatives in the College of Business . Lisa Montoya will serve as assistant dean for undergraduate studies and senior lecturer in the Department of Economics. Patrick Valdez will lead the college’s professional development programs as assistant dean for undergraduate professional development.
Montoya will direct undergraduate programs for the college, oversee the college’s undergraduate advising office, and spearhead mentoring activities including the college’s award-wining Business Scholars Program.
Montoya holds a doctorate in political science from Washington University in St. Louis, a master’s of public affairs from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s of public affairs from the University of Denver. Montoya’s research interests include economic development policy, healthcare policy and the economic impacts of microlending.
She is also director of the Latino Financial Issues Program which is funded by a grant from the Casey Foundation. The Latino Financial Issues (LFI) Program is a year-long course of study and service-learning to teach students community economic development policy. Students, known as LFI Scholars, interact with city, state and national leaders and work in area high schools to promote financial literacy. The program culminates in a paid summer internship in locations throughout Texas and the U.S. working on wealth and asset building in low-income communities. The LFI Program is a partnership of the UTSA College of Business and ACCION Texas, the largest microbusiness lender in the state.
Valdez will direct the college’s new Center for Student Professional Development. In this role, he will develop external relationships with local, regional and national business leaders in the pursuit of greater career opportunities for business students. He will also advise and assist students in preparing for internship and post-graduation job opportunities by hosting career management workshops and certification programs.
Prior to joining the college, Valdez directed community outreach programs at UTSA and served as the executive director of leadership development for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. With more than seven years of experience working in student development, Valdez also served as assistant director of student life at St. Edward’s University. He holds a master’s in student personnel administration from Columbia University and a bachelor’s in international studies from St. Edward’s University.
The Center for Student Professional Development, located in BB 2.01.08, will complement the college’s current academic programming with enhanced professional development resources and services for students. By combining theory with practice, students will be given access to a well-rounded portfolio of academic, career readiness and leadership training programs. The center will provide a continuum of offerings to students from their freshman through senior years. The center will also provide employers and recruiters with a single point of contact for industry-specific and discipline-specific placement needs directly from the College of Business.
Please send your comments to: wendy.frost@utsa.edu
