Posted on April 7, 2025 by Amanda Cerreto
Two students in the UTSA Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, Dee Torres and Juan C. Gonzalez, have been selected for the prestigious Graduate Archer Fellowship program. Of the three UTSA students selected, Torres and Gonzalez proudly represent the UTSA College for Health, Community and Policy (HCAP), showcasing the strength and excellence of the college.
The Archer Program, established in 2010 by The University of Texas System, brings graduate and medical students interested in policy and politics to Washington, D.C. to learn about the federal government and public service.
While both fellows have different backgrounds and paths that led them to UTSA, they have several similarities – the most significant, perhaps, is that they changed the course of their studies so they could work to create change on a larger scale.
Gonzalez was working with the San Antonio Food Bank when he first applied to the MPA program in UTSA’s College for Health, Community and Policy. During his four years at the food bank, he noticed many clients returning repeatedly, with little improvement in their financial situations.
“I began to think there was probably more that could be done to help people get to a better spot in life,” he said. “I wanted to go back to school to find feasible solutions, and to go into organizations that tackle these problems head on.”
Torres earned their undergraduate degree in business, after coming out of nursing. While studying business, they realized just how much more there was to learn about in business, policy and more. When they learned about the MPA program, especially about the high-quality professors and students, they knew that it had to be their next move.
“It's been completely rewarding,” Torres said. “I've learned a lot about public administration, a lot about policies and health care, Veterans Affairs, education – all over the map.”
Gonzalez and Torres initially doubted they were qualified for the program. However, with support from their professors and encouragement from their peers, they took a chance and excelled in their interviews.
“Juan is a very intelligent and engaged student who enriches class discussions with insightful contributions always,” said Tansu Demir, associate professor of public administration. “His curiosity, leadership, and passion for public service make him a valuable part of the classroom. I am confident he will be a great Archer Fellow and he will be a great reflection on our program after he graduates.”
“This is such an amazing opportunity to learn how major organizations tackle potential issues people are facing, whether it’s through advocacy or lobbying,” Gonzalez said. “How do government agencies really go through the process of determining what needs to be and what shouldn’t be revised yearly?”
In addition to coursework, internships and networking, Archer Fellows participate in a specialized working group in one of four topic areas: General Policy, Education Policy, Health and Healthcare Policy or National Security and Global Affairs Policy. These working groups enable Fellows to connect with policy leaders in their field through policy round tables and tailored academic research projects.
Torres and Gonzalez don’t have their group assignments or internships yet, but both have presented papers with potential research areas for their time in Washington, D.C. Gonzalez’s paper proposes an economic development policy to help create a funding source for public spaces. When it comes to places for an internship, he will look for organizations that tackle economic development into poverty-stricken areas.
“We see this poverty not just in rural environments, but also in urban areas as well,” Gonzalez said. “Opportunity is not evenly distributed, so working for an organization that tackles this disparity is something that I’m interested in.”
Torres’ interests are a bit more widespread, allowing them to pick and choose from several focus group opportunities. Their two main interests are education policy and healthcare policy.
“Coming from nursing, I'm still interested in healthcare, but I also grew up homeschooled, so I'm interested in education policy as well,” they said. “I am really excited about the opportunities that they're going to offer, because I am going to learn so much.”
“Dee’s academic path in public administration and nonprofit management at UTSA reflects their commitment to understanding complex systems and their desire to effect meaningful change within the community,” said Maria Veronica Elias, associate professor of public administration. “Dee’s ability to motivate others and coordinate large-scale events, aimed at boosting voter engagement, highlights their leadership skills and passion for advocacy.”
Both Torres and Gonzalez credit their professors for the opportunity they are about to embark on. Without their encouragement, they would never have thought to apply.
“We all got here because of someone else, but we also got here because we applied to it, and put in the work,” Torres said.
Gonzalez agreed with that sentiment, and encouraged other students to apply to the program, even if they don’t feel quite up to it. “I didn't expect to get admitted into this program the first try, and if I surprised myself, you can, too,” he said. “You just have to give it a shot.”
The Archer Fellowship begins in late May and wraps up in August. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit the Archer Fellowship website.
— Amanda Cerreto
