Meet Carina Alcantara, a UTRGV Unsung Hero
Text by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa
Carina Alcantara, program coordinator with the UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science on the Edinburg campus, has dedicated 17 years working at UTRGV. From a student development program coordinator to student media advisor, to her current role coordinating events, Alcantara has seen it all through her career.
She says she has countless cherished memories working at UTRGV and has shared an abundance of enjoyable experiences working with her teammates. “UTRGV has enriched my life with both cherished friendships and valuable mentorships that have played a significant role in my personal and professional growth,” she said.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
I’m currently the program coordinator in the College of Engineering & Computer Science within the Dean’s Office.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
I've held my current position for a little over a year, but I have been a part of the university for nearly 17 years.
DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY:
In my role as a program coordinator, my typical day involves a lot of multitasking. I'm often coordinating upcoming events while also preparing for future and unexpected ones, at the same time communicating with faculty, staff, students, and industry professionals.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
One of the aspects I truly enjoy about my job is the opportunity to be involved in memorable events like the Annual College Convocation, where we welcome faculty, staff and students to a new academic year, and the Medal Ceremony for graduates. It's incredibly rewarding to witness the joy of proud parents and be part of these special moments. Additionally, I appreciate the chance to contribute to the overall success of our college's initiatives.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY, OR STORY, ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
I have countless cherished memories, from overseeing Bucky’s Block Party for UTRGV's legacy institution UTPA, participating in the burning of the last UTPA letters, serving as a dance judge at UTPA and UTRGV Madness events, chaperoning a spring break trip to Disney World, attending conferences in Times Square, NY, to coordinating UTRGV Alumni Mixer events, and getting the news that a student you coached for an interview got the job, I've had an abundance of enjoyable experiences during my time here.
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
Unless we are connected on LinkedIn, most people don’t know I’ve worked here for nearly 17 years, I’ve been a student development program coordinator, advisor to student organizations (Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, & Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society to name a few), student media advisor, career advisor, assistant director of Alumni Engagement, and now CoECS Dean’s program coordinator.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
UTRGV has enriched my life with both cherished friendships and valuable mentorships that have played a significant role in my personal and professional growth.
