Meet Jesus Buitron, a UTRGV Unsung Hero
Text by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa
Jesus Buitron, outreach manager for UTRGV Undergraduate Recruitment Department on the Edinburg Campus, helps guide students upon entering UTRGV. Whether that’s helping them with admissions, financial aid, or even a scholarship process, Buitron serves as a liaison between a student’s transition from high school to higher education.
Having worked at UTRGV for more than 12 years, Buitron says that his favorite part of the job continues to be witnessing the excitement from students upon learning they’ve been accepted into UTRGV. “As a first-generation college graduate, who once felt lost in the process, it brings me joy to make the journey easier for our future students,” he said.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
My role is to train our undergraduate recruitment team to guide students through the UTRGV admissions, financial aid, and scholarship processes. Additionally, I serve as a liaison between local high school counselors and UTRGV.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
I’ve worked at UTRGV for over 12 years in various roles.
DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY:
My day-to-day at UTRGV is very dynamic and never the same. One day, I might be providing guidance to students on their UTRGV application or orientation registration. The next day, I could be presenting to parents at one of our preview days or assisting families who stop by our Visitor’s Center. My workdays are never the same and at times are unpredictable.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is witnessing the excitement in students’ faces when they find out they are admitted to UTRGV or were awarded a scholarship to help them pay for their education. As a first-generation college graduate, who once felt lost in the process, it brings me joy to make the journey easier for our future students.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY, OR STORY, ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
One of my favorite memories from my time as a student at legacy institution UTPA (now UTRGV) is when I had the honor of having dinner with Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple. His story about how the original iPhone design came about taught me the importance of looking at things from a completely different point of view. It was an opportunity I will always treasure.
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I’m an adrenaline junkie and foodie. Whether it’s skydiving, controlled free-falling off buildings, or eating snails, I’m always ready for a thrill. I go on travel adventures around the world with my friends and will choose mountains over oceans any day.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
My relationship with the UTRGV community is deeply meaningful to me. As a proud first-generation alumnus, I have created strong ties with current students and fellow alumni. Additionally, I have built valuable connections with faculty, staff, and professionals in the field. Whether it’s through mentoring students, participating in alumni events, or contributing to the university’s initiatives, I am committed to the UTRGV community to ensure its continued success.
