Birds Up Podcast

S5E6: Building the Future - Birds Up with UTSA Real Estate's Josh Gerken

Episode Summary

Discover how UT San Antonio is turning bold ideas into lasting spaces. Josh Gerken reveals the plans and purpose behind campuses designed for the future, one that blends sustainability, innovation, and community impact. UT San Antonio's approach to growth goes beyond buildings, it’s about creating an environment where possibility thrives. A proud graduate of UTSA’s Executive MBA program, Josh brings a wealth of real-world experience and a deep connection to the Roadrunner community. His perspective enhances UTSA's approach to planning and development with operational efficiency in addition to leveraging the talents of its own students, offering hands-on learning that contributes directly to the university’s continued growth. He also shares insights into UTSA’s role in San Antonio’s downtown development, illustrating how thoughtful, sustainable asset management can strengthen both the campus and the surrounding community now and for the future.

Episode Notes

In this episode, Josh Gerken, who leads Asset Management at UT San Antonio, shares how the university strategically manages its physical growth to align with long-term academic and institutional priorities. As part of the university's Facilities, Real Estate, Construction & Planning team, Josh oversees space planning and sustainability initiatives.

A proud graduate of UT San Antonio's Executive MBA program, Josh brings a wealth of real-world experience and a deep connection to the Roadrunner community. His perspective enhances the UT San Antonio's approach to planning and development with operational efficiency in addition to leveraging the talents of its own students, offering hands-on learning that contributes directly to the university’s continued growth. He also shares insights into the university's role in San Antonio’s downtown development, illustrating how thoughtful, sustainable asset management can strengthen both the campus and the surrounding community now and for the future.

Tune in as Josh discusses the bold vision guiding UT San Antonio's next chapter of growth and how strategic investments today are shaping a smarter, more connected campus. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the university is reimagining its physical spaces to inspire learning, sustainability, and economic growth. This conversation offers a forward-looking glimpse into how UT San Antonio is building not just for today, but for generations to come.

Show Notes:
UT SAN ANTONIO Alumni
District Planning Report
Blanco Hall
First Gen Fest
Student Success Award Finalist
UTSA Football
UTSA Athletics
UT SAN ANTONIO Alumni Online Store