As a graduate of both The University of Texas at San Antonio and UT Health Science Center San Antonio, Laura Beth Garcia ’06, ’11, says she has experienced the best of both institutions.
Now serving as president of the university’s alumni association, Garcia is helping guide alumni into a historic new chapter as the two universities join to become one. On Sept. 1, the organization will become the UT San Antonio Alumni Association and offer benefits to all graduates of UTSA and UT Health San Antonio legacy institutions.
At UTSA, Garcia embraced every opportunity to get involved. Encouraged by her sister to “just take a leap,” she said she applied to serve as an orientation leader, an experience she describes as the start of everything that followed.
“It was such an amazing time in my life,” Garcia said. “You build these incredible bonds. That role gave me my voice. It gave me my confidence. Orientation leadership is truly what led me down the path of student involvement and ultimately shaped my entire career.”
“With dedicated programs, shared experiences and possibly new affinity groups within the Alumni Association, there will be a place for everyone. I am excited to see what the future holds for us.” — Laura Beth Garcia
She also served on the Campus Activities Board as Spirit and Traditions chair, helping organize the first on-campus tailgate in Spring 2006, and introducing the now-iconic Bird’s Up foam hand that remains a game day tradition.
“These experiences just fed my soul,” she said. “The organizations, the students, my mentors, they gave me so much. I am forever grateful for the confidence and community I gained at UTSA.”
Physician Assistant program
After completing her undergraduate degree, Garcia turned her focus to medicine and was admitted into the highly competitive physician assistant program at the Health Science Center, one of only 30 students selected from more than 1,200 applicants. The rigorous three-year program demanded long hours and complete dedication, but Garcia remembers it as a deeply rewarding chapter of her life.
“It was a challenging program, but my class became like a family, always cheering each other on and committed to our shared success,” Garcia said. “We put in long hours and gained invaluable experience thanks to our dedicated faculty, staff and preceptors. I have made incredible memories that will be long cherished.”
Garcia’s training led her to spend 10 years working in pain management before she transitioned into neurosurgery, and she now works with renowned San Antonio surgeons Dr. Donald Atkins, Dr. Donald Hilton and Dr. Om James Neeley. The role has been humbling and rewarding, she said, pushing her to continue learning every day.
‘A place for everyone’
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Garcia’s passion for alumni engagement has never wavered. For her, staying connected to UTSA is about giving back the same support she once received.
As a proud alumna of both UTSA and the Health Science Center, Garcia brings a unique perspective to the integration of the two universities into UT San Antonio. She sees the transition as an opportunity to create something even stronger, both for current students and for alumni who span both institutions.
“We want all students to have a cohesive and consistent experience that blends the cultures of both universities,” Garcia said. “With dedicated programs, shared experiences and possibly new affinity groups within the Alumni Association, there will be a place for everyone. I am excited to see what the future holds for us.”
The integration is about honoring the strengths of both institutions, she said, while forging a unified community that can better serve students and alumni. Garcia believes alumni will be at the heart of this transition, bringing their pride and loyalty forward into the new identity.
She said she loves both her alma maters. “I am thrilled to be part of this moment where we can bring our communities together and build a shared future. This is a historic time, and I am honored to help represent alumni as we take this next step forward.”
