Meet The Graduation Coach Staff

Daniel Aguilar
Educational Specialist II - Graduation Coach
daniel.aguilar@utb.edu
Ph. (956) 882-8279

Daniel Aguilar has served as one of our Graduation Coaches since February 2012.  Daniel monitors and mentors students to ensure they are on the path towards timely graduation.  Before coming to The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC) he has taught 3rd through 8th grades in elementary and middle schools.  He has also taught English as a second language at UTB/TSC’s Language Institute, Doña Ana Community College (Las Cruces, NM) and at The Center for Intensive Training in English (CITE) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces, NM.

Daniel received his B.A. in Elementary Education from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM.  He completed his Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from NMSU and is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Educational Technologies from UTB.

While he enjoys reading, basketball, and video games (especially zombie games), this picture shows Daniel missing a return serve in Ping-Pong (which doesn’t occur often, according to Daniel).

Sandra Moreno
Educational Specialist III
sandra.moreno@utb.edu
Ph. (956) 882-8292

Sandra Moreno joined the UTB & TSC team in August 2010.  As the Educational Specialist III, Sandra actively mentors several students enrolled in STING classes and is often out and about presenting study strategy workshops.  She has also implemented a Sophomore Initiative in which she guides sophomores to ensure they are on track to graduation.  Sandra assists as a Graduation Coach for the 2010 cohort.

Sandra received her B.A. and M.S in Psychology from Texas A& M – Kingsville where she started working in Higher Education at the age of eighteen.

This Educational Specialist is always looking for a new destination to travel to during her spare time away from UTB and TSC.

Michael Aldape
Student Development Specialist II
michael.aldape1@utb.edu
Ph. (956) 882-8292

Michael E. Aldape is the newest member of the Student Success Center staff, joining the Center in December 2012 as a Student Development Specialist. Michael has been an employee of the University since 2008, working first with the Office of the President, followed by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Facilities and Planning.

As a Student Development Specialist, Michael’s main responsibility is to mentor students–specifically student athletes–ensuring they are on-track for a timely graduation. Furthermore, Michael is responsible for providing all students with opportunities for learning, personal and professional development, and the tools they will need to be successful during and after college.

Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History-Social Studies Education from UTB and TSC in May 2011. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in History from UT Brownsville. Michael’s dream is to make a career in higher education, serving the students of Brownsville, the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and beyond.

In his spare time (the little that he has), Michael can usually be found volunteering at church, cooking, reading, watching an awesome black and white movie, and enjoying life with his family and friends.