About 45% of the university’s undergraduate students, and 33% of student-athletes, are first-generation college students.
For these students, the university provides a wide variety of programming, support and resources through the UTSA First-Generation & Transfer Student Center.
In 2019, the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education named UT San Antonio a top university for its programming efforts to create a supportive and empowering campus for first-generation and transfer students.
Other resources for first-gen UT San Antonio students include:
- First-Generation and Transfer Programs
- First to Go and Graduate Program
- First-Gen Scholars
- Student Resource Toolbox
- First-Year Experience
- Make Friends and Belong at UT San Antonio
“It’s very impactful being surrounded by a bunch of first-generation college students and it’s encouraging being in the classroom with them and being able to go through this journey together.” — Taryn Madlock, a junior on the UTSA Softball team in 2026
Starting with the 2025-26 season, the 113 UTSA student-athletes who are first-generation college students began wearing special patches on their uniforms recognizing their accomplishment of being the first in their family to attend college.
Get to know some of the UTSA athletes, coaches and staff who are the first in their families to attend college:
Lisa Campos, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics, says that as a first-gen student, a college campus was “really foreign” to her, and she didn’t know what to expect or how classes were arranged.
Brad Smith, deputy athletics director, says every decision, from choosing a major to finding housing, was new territory for him. “I made mistakes. I asked a lot of questions.”
Kaden Chumbley, assistant athletics communications director, says knowing that there are so many students who are first-gen at UT San Antonio makes it easier to relate to others.
Angela Lawson, stewardship officer, says her experience as a first-generation student helped to develop her valuable trait as a team player.
Israel Vasquez, fan engagement associate, said seeing how hard his family worked inspired him to attend college. “I wanted to be the change. I wanted to be the generation that changed my family’s trajectory.”
Tye Odom, baseball player, offers some advice to others: “Just stick with it. Having the degree makes you more successful in the real world.”
Taryn Madlock, softball player, says athletics can be a gateway for first-generation college students.
Owen Pewee, football player, said that being a first-gen student gives him the opportunity to set the standard for others.
