For nearly six decades, attorney and civic leader Jane Macon has been breaking barriers, opening doors, and helping shape San Antonio into the vibrant city it is today. As Texas A&M University–San Antonio’s 2025 Dream Maker honoree, Macon is being recognized not only for her pioneering career in law and public service but also for her tireless advocacy for education and community advancement.
A native of Kingsville, Texas, Macon’s parents were both educators, with her mother working as an educational consultant in several foreign countries, including Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Spain.
“Education is in my DNA,” shared Macon.
That foundation, combined with intelligence, drive, and an extensive network of relationships, helped Macon play a critical role in shaping San Antonio’s civic and legal landscape—and in helping make A&M–San Antonio a reality.
Macon’s involvement with A&M–San Antonio began not long after she made history in 1977 as San Antonio’s first female city attorney. During her six-year tenure, she earned a reputation as a trusted and effective leader who could navigate both legal and political circles to get things done.
At the same time, momentum was building for the creation of a public university on San Antonio’s South Side—a vision championed by State Senator Frank L. Madla Jr., a longtime advocate for educational access.
Macon soon became one of the key figures in that movement. Using her civic and professional connections, she helped forge partnerships that brought the idea closer to reality. Her close friendship with Rosemary Kowalski, a beloved San Antonio business and philanthropic leader, proved especially instrumental.
Macon recalls driving through undeveloped South Side land in a pickup truck with Kowalski and representatives from the A&M System, scouting for the perfect university site. When the group came upon a picturesque mesquite tree, she and Kowalski agreed it was the ideal spot. Shortly after, the Verano Land Group donated 694 acres—the land that would become the permanent home of Texas A&M University–San Antonio.
“Eventually, part of that land became the beautiful A&M–San Antonio campus that it is today, providing higher education opportunities for thousands of students,” Macon said. “It was a wonderful experience. We all worked together to make that happen.”
Helping establish A&M–San Antonio is just one of many accomplishments in Macon’s remarkable career – a career rooted in education and determination, inspired by experiences that shaped her into the dream maker she is today.
Growing up in Kingsville, she spent time at her father’s hardware store, where local lawyers often gathered to discuss cases. She was fascinated by how they helped people navigate complicated legal matters. That early curiosity deepened in high school when she participated in a mock trial as a defense attorney. She won the case—and discovered her calling.
After earning a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, Macon began her career with the Office of Economic Opportunity in Atlanta, where she promoted education and business development in rural communities. But her heart remained in South Texas. In 1972, she returned home to join the San Antonio City Attorney’s Office.
Five years later, she shattered another glass ceiling as the city’s first female city attorney during a pivotal time in San Antonio’s growth and transformation. She helped shape major urban projects that revitalized downtown, including the legal groundwork for what would become the Shops at Rivercenter as well as the University of Texas at San Antonio Downtown Campus.
After leaving the City Attorney’s Office in 1983, Macon became a partner at Fulbright & Jaworski, and in 2013, she joined Bracewell LLP, specializing in energy, infrastructure, finance, and technology law.
Beyond her professional success, Macon has been deeply involved in civic and philanthropic work. She has served with organizations such as the International Women’s Forum, Women Lawyers of Texas, and the National Women’s Political Caucus, and has supported nonprofits including Family Violence Prevention Services and the World Affairs Council of San Antonio.
Today, Macon divides her time between San Antonio and her ranch near Blanco, where she breeds miniature horses, a passion she’s pursued for decades. Known for her colorful Western hats and enduring spirit, she continues to embody qualities like leadership, compassion, and a commitment to public service. She also still relishes the role she played in A&M-San Antonio’s evolution.
“A&M–San Antonio is changing lives every day, and that’s the greatest legacy of all,” Macon said. “It stands as proof that when people work together for a common dream, remarkable things can happen. My greatest hope is that there will never be a child on the South Side without an opportunity. The doors are open—and as long as we rise to the occasion, we can overcome any obstacle.”
The 17th Annual Dream Maker Scholarship Celebration will be held on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum. Proceeds will benefit scholarships for A&M–San Antonio students.