Alum Spotlight: Mario Ortega, Multidisciplinary Studies ’24

Chasing Dreams and Adventure

Mario Ortega, Multidisciplinary Studies ’24, is a first-generation college graduate from UTSA Online. After finishing his degree, he moved from his hometown of San Antonio to the Pacific Northwest in search of adventure. Drawing on the skills he learned at UTSA and in his previous role with the City of San Antonio, he landed a job as the City Clerk for the City of Ruston, just 10 minutes from Tacoma, Washington. 

Mario’s journey to UTSA Online was driven by his desire to earn a degree while balancing a full-time job. Initially a chef in Austin, Texas, he later pursued an associate’s degree in biology. His path led him back to San Antonio, where he discovered UTSA Online’s Multidisciplinary Studies program. The program’s flexibility and comprehensive support system made it the perfect fit for Mario. 

Throughout his academic journey, Mario’s network of family, friends, and supervisors encouraged him to stay on track. He shared that his best friend Yen, also a UTSA alum, was a constant source of motivation. Despite the challenges, including balancing demanding work hours with school, he succeeded through determination and the support of his community.  

We caught up with him to talk about his career transition and how UTSA Online changed him personally and professionally.  

Q: You worked for the City of San Antonio during school. Now you’re a City Clerk in Ruston, Washington. Can you share the journey of your transition?

A: After graduating from UTSA, I found myself asking, “What’s next?” I truly loved my time at the City of San Antonio, especially working under two strong, confident leaders who generously shared their knowledge and helped shape my professional growth. However, I eventually reached a point where I wasn’t growing in the role and felt it was time for a new challenge. 

I had always dreamed of moving out of Texas to explore more of the country, and the Pacific Northwest — with its natural beauty, hiking trails, and overall atmosphere — had long been on my radar. Six weeks after graduation, I took a leap of faith and moved to Tacoma. A few months later, I was offered a position as the City Clerk and Treasurer for the City of Ruston. 

Q: What skills did you learn at UTSA Online that you were able to apply for this new role?

A: Operations and project management were two of the most valuable skills I gained at UTSA. I learned how to analyze organizational processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes that enhance overall efficiency. These skills have been instrumental in my current role as City Clerk, where I’ve successfully streamlined procedures and reduced costs for the city. 

Additionally, my experience with various software tools and strong time management has helped me effectively juggle multiple projects and responsibilities. I’ve also had the opportunity to share this knowledge with my team in the City of Ruston, contributing to a more collaborative and efficient work environment.

Q: How did your experience at UTSA Online change you?

A: I majored in Multidisciplinary Studies with focus areas in communication, business, and sociology, but it was the communication component that had the greatest impact on me.  UTSA truly prepared me for real-world situations, particularly when it came to using de-escalation techniques in high-stress interactions.  

The combination of sociology and communication helped me sharpen those interpersonal skills, enabling me to remain calm, empathetic, and effective in difficult conversations. I can confidently say that this experience made me a more well-rounded individual — both professionally and personally. 

Q: What’s next for you?

I’m still exploring Washington and enjoying the peaceful rhythm of life in the Puget Sound. From visits to Pike Place Market in Seattle to walks along the Ruston waterfront, this chapter after graduation has been a beautiful and fulfilling journey. Taking the leap of faith to leave Texas was one of the best decisions I’ve made. While I miss my family and, of course, the food, they’re just a short flight away. 

In my new role, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the City of Ruston. Though it’s a small and relatively new city, its strength and resilience were evident from the moment I interviewed. That “small but mighty” spirit really resonated with me. I love managing city operations in my current role, and the thought of one day becoming a City Manager has definitely crossed my mind. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A: As a closing comment, I would like to say:

To all the Roadrunners just beginning their journey at UTSA, and to those approaching graduation: embrace every moment. Say yes to new experiences, stay open to change, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Trust that everything happens for a reason — your path is unfolding exactly as it should.