Grad Spotlight: Alberto Robledo-Madera


Name: Alberto Robledo-Madera

Age: 26

Course of Study (degree being earned): M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration

Hometown: San Antonio

I was born and raised in San Antonio. I like performing music, have joined the San Antonio Community Wind Ensemble (SACWE), and used to be a band director. I look forward to working towards bridging the gap between high school and the futures of each and every student I work with! I chose UTSA because San Antonio is my home!

What was your favorite class and/or who was your favorite professor? Why?

Ouch! Very difficult second half to that question. My favorite course was HSA 5403: Partnerships for College Readiness and Success, as it tied in perfectly with my desire to remain at the K-12 level. I have a tie with Dr. Kaulfus and Dr. Curette as my favorite professors. Both were highly engaging in the delivery of content and very receptive to my cohort’s needs and troubles. They have both made a massive impact on me as a professional.

What would you say is the most important thing you’ve learned over the course of your studies?

To keep myself in mind but to always remember that what we do is for the students we work with and the staff we work with and supervise.

Describe any professional experiences or internship opportunities you have had.

I interned with the UTSA Office of Undergraduate Admissions. I learned about the higher education application and acceptance process, which gave me insight into how to tailor my practice for students that are looking to pursue postsecondary education at a university. I also learned the importance of fostering a strong teamworking environment. My second internship was actually a project-based internship as I was attending my courses full-time while also working full-time for a virtual school district. I learned how to evaluate the implementation of a new program established to assist students and how to improve it to better meet their needs.

How has COVID impacted you, either personally or professionally?

I was already very much a homebody but as they say: "You never know what it is you have until it is gone." The inability to see my extended family truly hampered my emotional health as I became even more of a homebody.

What are your plans for the future and/or your career?

I plan to try to earn a position in college, career, and military readiness at one of the local high schools in San Antonio. There I hope to gain more experience and eventually move up into the district level to broaden my scope of fostering a CCMR environment.

What has brought you inspiration during this time?

E.g., music, books, people, etc. The due diligence of my professors has definitely helped inspire me to keep moving forward and finish this program.

You’ve been given the opportunity to have coffee with any notable figure from your field, alive or dead. Who is it, and what does each of you order?

Dr. Jill Biden. I order water since I do not drink coffee and I do not know what she would order. I honestly do not know anything about coffee!