Furthering a commitment to public service and engaging students in the ideals of citizen government, former Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff will bring his 50 years of political involvement to The University of Texas at San Antonio community, beginning this spring.
UTSA today announced that Wolff, who retired as county judge on December 31, will join the university in a non-faculty role to share his knowledge of government and politics with students, faculty and researchers across a variety of academic programs.
Wolff will offer insight from his service as a state representative, state senator, city councilmember, mayor and county judge through lectures and talks in the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, the College for Health, Community and Policy, the College of Liberal and Fine Arts and The University of Texas School of Public Health San Antonio.
Wolff will also serve as an advisor to the UTSA College for Health, Community and Policy Dean’s Community Lecture series, a thought leadership initiative focused on public policy topics including the economy, transportation, health, affordable housing and other areas.
“It does not surprise me at all that Judge Wolff is keenly interested in education and the preparation of future civic leaders,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “Nelson’s career as a public servant is legendary, and how he shares his perspectives, insights and wisdom with those interested in public service will be very special. We are delighted about our collaborations with Nelson in this next phase of his remarkable career.”
“After 50 years in public service, I look forward to working with the students, faculty and the leadership at UTSA, sharing what I have learned in my public career and assisting UTSA as it continues to grow as an outstanding Tier One university,” Wolff said.
Wolff represented Bexar County in the Texas House of Representatives from 1971 to 1973 and the Texas Senate from 1973 to 1975. He served as a San Antonio city council member from 1987 to 1991 and then as mayor of San Antonio from 1991 to 1995. In 2001, he was appointed to Bexar County’s highest-ranking office when then-County Judge Cyndi Taylor Krier resigned to accept an appointment as a regent of The University of Texas System. Wolff was subsequently elected to five full terms as county judge.
Wolff’s role at UTSA will also include collaboration with the UTSA Najim Center for Innovation and Career Advancement on guest speakers and mentors for the university’s student-facing Career-Engaged Learning programs.
“Judge Wolff’s unique combination of experience and knowledge will bring UTSA faculty and students a tremendous resource,” said UTSA Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy. “His contributions will further advance our Classroom to Career initiative and help prepare our students to serve as the business, community and political leaders of tomorrow.”
The UTSA spring 2023 semester begins on January 17.
