Greetings! My name is Mario Torres, Dean of the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) at UT San Antonio. I have proudly served in this role since 2021.
As a San Antonio native and UTSA alumnus, I am honored to lead this extraordinary college as we take on the most pressing challenges in education and human development. Our efforts in research, teaching, and service continue to shape lives across San Antonio and beyond.
Since its founding, the college has remained committed to transforming lives and improving the quality of life for all individuals. Even as we make noteworthy progress toward our aspirations of becoming a great public research university, our dedication to students has never wavered. We prepare future educators, community leaders, scholars, counselors, clinicians, and research professionals to be job-ready, and have the skills and knowledge to thrive in any setting.
The breadth of our impact across the San Antonio community is extensive, and we are expanding that reach as a top provider of school professionals in the region. Relocating the college to the Downtown Campus, within the university's Buena Vista District, has galvanized our connection to the community and our partners. This vibrant area which we now consider home brings student life, learning, and community engagement together in ways that enrich the student experience and deepen out impact.
Our mission is rooted in preparing future generations of critical thinkers, problem solvers, innovators, disruptors of the status quo, and socially responsible citizens. These values guide our five departments, seven research centers, and numerous community partnerships. The college serves as a national and international model for academic excellence, research, and community service, providing students from all backgrounds with the tools to become transformative leaders and scholars.
We offer a robust portfolio of academic programs, including five undergraduate degrees, 14 master’s degrees, five doctoral degrees, 12 graduate certificates, and three professional certifications. Recent additions include the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, our first interdisciplinary degree, and a graduate certificate in Applied AI in Language Education, reflecting our commitment to innovation and emerging technologies.
Our faculty are central to the strength and reputation of the college. We are a blend of researchers, practitioners, and community-engaged leaders whose work shapes policy, advances research, and supports the well-being of individuals and families across the region. Their dedication to mentorship, teaching, and discovery ensures that our students receive an education grounded in expertise, compassion, and real-world impact. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to retaining exceptional faculty who reflect the communities we serve.
Our Sarabia Family Counseling Center and Department of Counseling exemplify our commitment to serving San Antonio by providing free counseling and psychoeducational services through university clinics and community partnerships. Building on our commitment, the college and San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) partnered to lead four Dual Language Community Lab Schools to advance the preparation of teachers, principals, counselors, school psychologists, and other dedicated to educating bilingual students in our city.
To learn more about our vision for the future, I encourage you to explore the strategic plan of the college. It outlines our goals and strategies aligned with the university’s institutional priorities of becoming a model for student success, a great public research university, and an innovative place to work, learn, and discover.
The future is bright for our college, and our potential is limitless. I look forward to advancing our shared goals and building a more prosperous future for generations of San Antonians and Texans.
