Oscar Torres: From first-generation student to UHV enrollment leader

When Oscar Torres enrolled at the University of Houston-Victoria, he wasn’t just starting college – he was stepping into history.

Born and raised in Victoria, Torres was part of the last graduating class of Memorial High School in 2010. Later that year, he began his new chapter, taking a seat as part of the first freshman class at UHV. As a first-generation college student, Torres said he initially doubted whether he could even afford to attend university. During the discussions with his parents regarding choosing a school, Torres said there were several factors they all considered.

The first being the academic program: did UHV offer a business management degree that lined up with his academic interests? Secondly it was affordability. Both he and his parents prioritized the cost-effectiveness and affordability of UHV. As a local student, he was able to avoid the additional expenses of dorms and meal plans. And lastly was the opportunity to be a pioneer. During that time, the university had a marketing campaign called “The First 200,” and Torres wanted to make his mark.

Ultimately, UHV provided him with the opportunity he needed, and in 2010, he became part of the institution’s inaugural freshman class.

“I ended my history in high school being the last graduating class, wouldn’t it be better to be part of a new history?” Torres said. “UHV called me, and here I am fifteen years later.”

Upon hearing the news that he was accepted into UHV, Torres said he remembered his parents feeling ecstatic. Growing up, his father worked three jobs to provide for the family, Torres said. During his time as a student, Torres would also follow suit and worked three jobs, including at his father’s pest control business, Office Depot and H-E-B to support himself while in school.

Crystal Rocha

“Oscar’s journey from one of the first 100 freshman students to associate director of new student experience is a testament to his dedication and passion for UHV,” said Crystal Rocha, UHV director of financial aid. “He truly bleeds UHV colors and is committed to helping future students find their place here. He continues to inspire students by sharing his own success story and guiding them toward their own.”

Despite the demanding schedule, Torres said he found a mentor in Josie Rivera, a UHV advocate and alumna who kept him on track academically and connected him with the university’s tutoring center, a move that led him to a job as a speech and writing tutor, further shaping his future career path.

“Something that always sticks in my mind is that you can’t expect full-time results on a part-time work ethic,” Torres said. “UHV helped me change my family tree, and in my role today, I am blessed with the opportunity to not only share my story, but to share the education opportunities to other prospective students, whether they’re first-generation, third or fourth coming to college. At the end of the day, if you’re ready to prepare yourself for the next level of your life and career, UHV will help you do that.”

After graduating in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Torres continued working at the Student Success Center as a writing tutor. When a recruiter position opened, Torres saw it as an opportunity to combine his passion for UHV and his experience connecting with prospective students. He was hired, and in 2015, Torres began his full-time professional career with UHV. The reason he gravitated toward studying business was because of his father, Torres said. His father started a pest and termite control business in 2007, and Torres said he recognized the diverse career fields that business offered.

“I never thought I’d be working in higher education, but the skills that I learned within the business program, whether it’s customer service, public speaking, budgeting, overseeing business operations, is just invaluable,” Torres said.

Inspired by his colleagues at the time, Torres underwent his master’s program at UHV, graduating with a master’s degree in education with a concentration in adult higher education in spring of 2019.

“They encouraged me, believed in me, and I took that leap of faith and got my master’s degree,” Torres said. “Now, it’s my duty to inspire my colleagues.”

Currently, he serves as an associate director of enrollment management and new student experience, a role he has been working in since 2021. In this role, Torres oversees the Welcome Center operations, manages the admissions counseling team and assists with application submissions and campus tours. He also leads the freshman admissions counselor recruitment team and dual credit program.

“Everything that I learned when I was a student worker helped me get into my role,” Torres said. “And now those experiences have allowed me to share that with our current student workers, but also regular students because we have students coming into the Welcome Center all the time.”

His journey at UHV has not been without its challenges, however. When he transitioned to a full-time role, he had a sense of pride, thinking he knew everything and didn’t need to improve, Torres admitted. However, Torres said he quickly learned the importance of continuous learning and growth, a lesson he now imparts to his colleagues and students. As he continues to lead and inspire the next generation of Jaguars, Torres said he will remain steadfast in that mission, never forgetting how UHV not only changed his life, but his family.

“It’s not right for any of us to be complacent, it’s not right for any of us to think that we do know it all,” Torres said. “Speak less, listen more.”