At the start of 2023, the UTSA Division of Advancement and Alumni Engagement hired Russell Wagner as its new Assistant Vice President for Alumni Engagement. Wagner joined UTSA from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), where he has served as the Executive Director of the TAMU-CC National Alumni Association for the past eight years, and prior to that as a Director of Development leading fundraising efforts in the university’s College of Liberal Arts. Under Wagner’s direction, the TAMU-CC Alumni Association saw rapid expansion with a significant increase in programming, chapter development, and revenue. In addition, the Association’s Islander Ring Tradition became one of the fastest-growing programs of its kind in Texas, increasing sales by 200% and setting individual sales records for four straight semesters. Wagner’s work has been recognized nationally by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education for over a decade for its effectiveness, impact and collaborative style. In his new role at UTSA, Wagner serves as the primary liaison for the UTSA Alumni Association Board and provides bold and visionary leadership in building, maintaining and strengthening alumni engagement. UTSA has more than 145,000 alumni and a dedicated core group of leadership volunteers. He will also play a significant role in leading the Office of Alumni Relations throughout the university’s comprehensive capital campaign, Be Bold: A Campaign for Our Future.