New role will advance initiatives and partnerships to enhance regional talent pipeline.
Texas A&M University-San Antonio announces the appointment of Rebecca Viagran, former City of San Antonio council representative (District 3), to be its inaugural Director of Workforce Development and Community Partnerships. The role will lead the University’s strategy for advancing initiatives and partnerships to increase educational attainment and enhance the talent pipeline throughout the region and south Bexar County. Viagran’s appointment is the next step in a comprehensive University strategy to create guided pathways to address regional workforce needs and to develop related partnerships within Texas and around the nation.
“Since its creation more than a decade ago, A&M-San Antonio has been at the forefront of creating opportunities that impact the socioeconomic vitality of our region and south Bexar County,” said Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, president of A&M-San Antonio. “Rebecca brings to this role an impressive record and reputation of impactful service and passion for education that has influenced a period of growth for our region. She has been a tireless and visionary public servant, and we’re excited that she’s bringing her talents to A&M-San Antonio. Her past work and the work Rebecca will do here share a common commitment to advancing equity and to transforming lives and the community.”
As Dean of City Council, Viagran also served as the Chair of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee for the City of San Antonio. In this role, she led the city’s work on global economic development while ensuring that San Antonians have access to the education, training, and support services they need to thrive in a 21st-century economy. In addition to building new collaborations in the area of workforce development, Viagran will advance programs and partnerships focused on the development and delivery of certificates, digital badging, specialized programs, and pathways to increase access and career advancement that meet the needs of employers and the diverse needs of employees.
“I am incredibly excited about this opportunity, which I see as a natural continuation of my commitment to public service and advocacy for San Antonio and the region,” said Viagran. “I have been impressed with A&M-San Antonio’s vision, their commitment to building a community where access to education is lived, and the speed to which they are moving.”
During her time representing District 3 and the City of San Antonio, Viagran was instrumental in furthering the development of Brooks, a 1,300-acre mixed-use development located in District 3 that was formed after the closure of Brooks Air Force Base, fostering tremendous economic development and revitalization at Brooks. In 2013, Viagran was named to serve as the City Council’s liaison for the San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination, secured the designation in 2015, and led the effort in creation of a World Heritage Office and Work Plan. She earned a master’s degree in public administration from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Texas State University.
