Turning Full Circle

Rocha Credits UT Tyler for Personal, Professional Success

A native of Brazil, Rodrigo Rocha graduated from the Soules College of Business in May 2020 and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in management. His passions – soccer and education –  led him to UT Tyler. 

While a student at Louisiana Tech University, he volunteered to coach soccer and had the opportunity to travel with the team in 2017 to the Rose City. That trip was his first memory of Tyler and sealed his decision to become a forever Patriot. 

“Coming back to Ruston, I started doing my research about Tyler and its resources available for the community,” said Rocha, who came in 2016 to the United States to pursue advanced educational opportunities. “I was impressed by the city and by UT Tyler, so I decided to transfer to UT Tyler in the fall of 2017. UT Tyler has this different environment that cheers for students’ success. The Soules College of Business has its own diversity, creating a more global culture and greater opportunities for students.”

Rocha said UT Tyler has greatly impacted his life, noting how the Soules College of Business prepared him for career success both inside and outside the classroom. As a UT Tyler student, Rocha became a student worker for the college and served as vice president of collaboration for the UT Tyler AMA student chapter. He also served as president of the Soules Ambassadors, a group of selected Soules students who represent the school on and off campus through volunteerism and community service within Tyler.

“I can say that I’m a professional prepared to lead diverse groups and use decision-making that can have a huge impact on the social and the economic levels within  any company,” Rocha said. “Each one of my professors made a strong influence on my personal and professional growth during my student trajectory. They helped increase my knowledge and skills, changing forever my perspective of life.”

Rocha enjoyed his time at the University so much, he jumped at the opportunity to become a staff member.

He now works at UT Tyler as an administrative assistant for the University Academy – a position he’s held since August 2020. In his current role, he collaboratively develops management processes related to UA’s three campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine. He enjoys giving back to the University that has given him so much.

“Being hired as a full-time employee by the UT Tyler University Academy is the one of biggest blessings of my life. The work environment is great, and I’m super happy to start making my contribution to the institution that has done so much for me over the last three years,” Rocha said. “It’s also great because of the close connections that I have developed with people during my student years at the University.”

Rocha’s ultimate educational goal is to pursue a doctorate degree. As a former teacher and coach in his native land, he understands the importance of being kept abreast of the latest educational trends.

“As education is an important business, I want to be ready for my next responsibility. UT Tyler has retained great former students from the Soules College of Business who continue to give back and successfully  collaborate for the institution’s growth. I hope to be on this list,” he said.

Rocha encourages UT Tyler students to make the most of their time at the University and not be afraid to ask for help.

“As we will never be completely ready for the next task, it is always important to ask for help. And for future desired accomplishments, it’s important to do what you really like today. Enjoy your days as a student, because this period of life passes so fast,” he said. 

When he’s not working, Rocha can be seen enjoying the outdoors or volunteering on campus. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and teaching soccer to their young daughter.

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