UIW School of Professional Studies hosts Greater San Antonio Chamber Workforce Development Discussion Panel
San Antonio – January 17, 2024 – The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) School of Professional Studies hosted the Greater San Antonio Chamber for their first meeting of the year on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. The meeting consisted of a panel discussion revolving around the importance of workforce development and partnerships within higher education. A common point of conversation highlighted how institutions such as UIW provide innovative education programs that provide unique skills preparing students for the workforce.
Notable UIW leaders, including UIW President Dr. Thomas M. Evans, contributed to this panel discussion. “When the business, government and higher education communities come together, we create the opportunities that help drive San Antonio forward,” says Evans. “I was proud to welcome leaders from all of these sectors to UIW and engage in meaningful discussion about what we do to support critical workforce development and how we can make a greater impact together.”
Dr. Dimitri Tamalis, interim provost of academic affairs was also in attendance. When speaking on the positive impact events like these have on the university, Tamalis says “These council meetings are crucial in forging partnerships and collaborations between business, government, and education to develop a workforce that meets the needs of the greater San Antonio area and beyond. At the same time, this symbiotic relationship improves and expands curricula, provides careers, enhances quality of life, and elevates the status and economic output of this great city.”
Events like this panel discussion help to contribute to the exposure and enhancement of the Triple Helix Executive Leadership for Global Competitiveness Model. This model, created by Dr. Osman Özturgut, emphasizes the importance of the dynamic interactions between academia, industry, and government to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth.
“This collaboration is a win-win for everyone. It results in a skilled and adaptable workforce that can thrive in a rapidly changing job market, boosts the economy by driving innovation and productivity, and provides individuals with opportunities for meaningful and rewarding careers,” says Özturgut. Özturgut serves as the Dean of the School of Professional Studies and Associate Provost of Strategic Outreach and Partnerships for UIW.
For more information on the Triple Helix Model or the UIW School of Professional Studies, contact Victoria Garza at (210) 289-2709 or vigarza@uiwtx.edu.
Photo Caption (L-R): Dr. Kevin Vichcales, UIW Assoc. Provost for Undergraduate and Graduate Education; Dr. Dimitri Tamalis, UIW Interim Provost; Mario Barrera, Chairman of the Board for the Greater San Antonio Chamber; Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW President; Jimena Saenz, Assoc. VP for Workforce Planning and Development at Methodist Healthcare; Michael Ramsey, Executive Director of Workforce Development at City of San Antonio; Katie Ferrier, Vice President of Education and Workforce Development at Greater San Antonio Chamber; Dr. Osman Ozturgut; Dean of the UIW School of Professional Studies
Media Contact
Michael Valdes, Media and Public Relations Manager, Office of Communications & Brand Marketing, (210) 829-6001, (210) 422-4052 or michael.valdes@uiwtx.edu