Lisa Smith's picture

Lisa
Smith

  • UTRGV ( December-2017 )
  • Edinburg, Texas, USA

About (Summary)

My name is Lisa Gonzales Smith. In 2009 I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BBA in Marketing at The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA). While I’ve worked for many years on campus, I started working in the Office of the Provost in 2012 at the same university now known as The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). I thoroughly enjoy the intricacies of academia administration; I aspire to advance in this field of higher education administration. While my experiences considerably aid in this advancement, further education solidifies my qualifications to progress up the career ladder. Since I received my Bachelors from UTPA, and am employed by UTRGV, obtaining my MBA from the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship at UTRGV will allow me to not only give back to my University, but also to continue building my education in a familiar environment while continuing my full-time employment. The education I will receive at the College will build on the business foundation that I receive daily at work and enable me to apply deeper principals to further my career. While I value organization, and demonstrate initiative and professionalism daily at my full-time job, I want to highlight a unique example of how I demonstrate these qualities. While working at UTPA, I lost 164 pounds with Weight Watchers over 2 ½ years; I attended weekly meetings off campus during my lunch hour. When I was close to achieving my goal weight, I reached out to Jody Nelson (the wife of UTPA’s President) about starting a Weight Watchers at Work program on campus. She was inspired by my journey and initiative and set up a meeting with HR. Six months later, after multiple meetings and emails with HR, our Recreation Center, and the VP for Business Affairs, we obtained funds to support a 50% subsidy for employees and the program was formed in August 2013. Since then, members have lost over 1,500 pounds. It transitioned to UTRGV and recently expanded to Brownsville. Over 20 employees are enrolled in the program each session and they share how this program benefits them. One shared, “I have lost weight, my health has improved, my blood pressure medicine dosage has been reduced, and many more.” Another stated, “As a diabetic, this program has helped me not only with the weight loss but in stabilizing my sugars as well. Our coach Amanda as well as those on program for life serve as our inspirations to continue and not give up.” This shows the impact one idea can have on the lives of others.

Education

The University of Texas-Pan American
Bachelor of Business Administration Marketing
2007 to 2009
National Park Community College
Associate of Arts
2005 to 2007

Your Major

Master of Business Administration

Language Proficiency

English (US)
Advanced
Spanish
Intermediate

Honors and Awards

2007 - 2009 UTPA Dean's List
UTPA Assistance Scholarship Recipient
Federal Pell Grant Recipient
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Recipient
Gateway Scholarship Recipient
UTPA Opportunity Scholarship Recipient
Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society Scholarship Recipient
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Full Tuition Scholarship Recipient

Grad School Interests

I am currently enrolled in the UTRGV Master of Business Administration accelerated online program. While attending the special announcement naming the UTRGV College of Business and Entrepreneurship after Robert C. Vackar, his generous donation gave me the encouragement I needed to apply for graduate school. His confidence in UTRGV and the College inspired me to stop making excuses, and start my MBA journey now.

Intended Job Path

Academic Administration

Job Experience

Executive Assistant to the Provost
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
December, 2015 to January, 2017

Volunteering

Baptized Publisher
Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses
June, 2004 to January, 2017

Hobbies

• Founded UTPA/UTRGV Weight Watchers at Work Program (Employees have lost over 1,500 lbs since August 2013) Lifetime WW Member since August 2013 • Enjoy Attending Various UTRGV Athletic Events
Lisa Smith - UTRGV | HonorSociety.org
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