Vidal Hernandez
Name: Vidal Hernandez Jr.
Age: 36
Major: Master of Science in Business Analytics
Class: Graduate student (second master’s)
College: Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Brownsville, TX
High School: Harlingen High School South
Why UTRGV?
I graduated from UTRGV in 2021 with a master’s in mathematics and chose to pursue the MSBA program here because of the university’s growing reputation and strong connection to the Rio Grande Valley. As a single father of two beautiful kids and a full-time employee, I find UTRGV’s affordability and proximity to home make it ideal for balancing work, family, and academic life, allowing me to meet with professors and peers easily. After carefully comparing coursework, degree plans, and costs with other institutions, UTRGV emerged as the clear choice. Its commitment to providing high-quality education at an affordable price aligns perfectly with my goals for personal and professional growth.
What made you decide on your current major?
The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program is a natural extension of my master’s degree in mathematics. As a former teacher and now a mathematics curriculum manager at IDEA Public Schools, I’ve always been drawn to applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems. My experience teaching statistics sparked an interest in data science and analytics. In my current role, I analyze student achievement data and realized the importance of producing actionable insights that help drive informed decisions. The MSBA program offers the perfect opportunity to deepen my skills in data analysis, visualization, and storytelling, allowing me to create meaningful, data-backed narratives that will have a direct impact on our organization’s key stakeholders.
What do you hope to achieve beyond completion of your major?
Beyond completing my Master of Science in Business Analytics, I hope to be a role model for my children, showing them the value of perseverance and dedication. Life can present many challenges, but I want them to see that regardless of the odds, it’s important to pursue your dreams and passions. Professionally, I aim to leverage my enhanced skills in data analytics to drive impactful decision-making within education, particularly in helping improve student outcomes. I also plan to take on leadership roles where I can guide others in making data-driven choices that benefit communities. My journey through this program is not only about advancing my career but also about inspiring my children to believe in themselves and their potential, no matter the obstacles they face.
What do you like most about UTRGV?
What I like most about UTRGV is its commitment to growth and to providing world-class education to students across the Rio Grande Valley. The university has expanded its programs and offers significant tuition assistance to those who qualify, making higher education accessible to many. UTRGV truly serves the people, and that’s what drew me to this university.
What does being a Vaquero mean to you?
Being a Vaquero represents the culture and history of underrepresented individuals working to break socioeconomic barriers through access to high-quality education. It’s about resilience, perseverance, and striving for a better future.
What opportunities has UTRGV helped you find throughout your community?
UTRGV has given me the opportunity to collaborate with intelligent and creative individuals, allowing me to learn new techniques, diverse perspectives, and best practices in project management.
What advice do you have for fellow students pursuing their degrees?
Think of pursuing a degree as building a strong foundation with three key pillars: perseverance, discipline, and adaptability. Perseverance helps you push through challenges, discipline keeps you on track with your studies, and adaptability allows you to navigate unexpected obstacles. Together, these qualities will support your journey to success.