Meet Juan Carlos Ayala, a UTRGV Unsung Hero
Text by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa
For nearly eight years, Juan Carlos Ayala has helped keep the Department of Health and Human Performance running smoothly behind the scenes at UTRGV. As an Administrative Assistant II on the Brownsville campus, Ayala supports department operations ranging from student registration assistance and course scheduling to faculty travel coordination and purchasing — helping ensure students, faculty and staff have the resources they need to succeed.
Known for his adaptability and dedication to service, Ayala says no two days are ever the same. Whether assisting students, coordinating departmental needs or tackling unexpected challenges, he plays an important role in supporting the daily operations of the department. Beyond his work at UTRGV, Ayala also takes pride in his personal journey — immigrating from Mexico as a child, overcoming language barriers and later earning his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?
I am the administrative assistant for Dr. Murat Karabulut, chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?
I have worked here since Sept. 1, 2017.
DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY:
My average day starts at 8 a.m., and my responsibilities vary depending on whether we are at the beginning, middle or end of the semester. At any given time, I may be removing registration holds for students, working on current or future course schedules, arranging faculty and student travel, reconciling reimbursements, ordering office supplies and lab equipment through iSHOP, and performing many other duties as assigned.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite part of my job is that it is never boring. Every day brings something different that needs to be done to help keep us moving forward, and there are always new challenges to overcome. I also appreciate having weekends and holidays off to spend time with my family and pursue my hobbies.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY OR STORY ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
I have made too many memories alongside the team I have worked with over the years, as well as the students who worked with me through the work-study program, to choose just one favorite.
TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
I was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States when I was 8 years old. Because I did not know English at the time, I had to repeat the fourth grade. Still, at age 45, I graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
As an Administrative Assistant II, I am rooted in service and support within the UTRGV community. I serve as a key point of contact for students, faculty, staff and visitors, helping connect them with resources and ensuring smooth daily operations.
