Megan Wise de Valdez stands next to Wise de Valdez Park signage
When VIDA San Antonio put out a call for new park names on social media in 2023, multiple respondents suggested “Wise de Valdez Park” in honor of Megan Wise de Valdez, a biology professor and the Chair of Natural Sciences at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
Gretchen Howell, Southstar’s Chief Operating Officer, said that several park names were considered that honored the heritage, flora, fauna, and vibrancy of the area. However, the glowing input from Wise de Valdez’s students and peers made it clear what kind of impact her teaching and research had on them.
“We are thrilled to recognize Megan Wise de Valdez’s many contributions as we commemorate this park. She is a great example of the wide impact educators have, not just in the classroom but in the community.”
-Gretchen Howell, Southstar COO
Building a biology program from the ground up
Megan Wise de Valdez and A&M-San Antonio student
Valdez joined Texas A&M-San Antonio as the university’s first biology faculty member in 2010, knowing she’d have to build the program from the ground up. Starting with only four microscopes to share between 50 students, she helped grow the program into what it is today.
An accomplished researcher, Wise de Valdez has undertaken several research projects through the university—including working with the City of San Antonio’s Metropolitan Health District to study the city’s mosquito population.
She’s also served as the faculty advisor for the university’s biology club and created opportunities for students to assist in field research, providing valuable experience for aspiring scientists. In 2022, her passion and dedication as an educator, mentor, and researcher led to her being the first Texas A&M-San Antonio faculty member to receive the prestigious Piper Professor award.
Megan Wise de Valdez stands in front of the “It Takes All Kinds” sculpture by Wanderlust Ironworks
VIDA, Texas A&M-San Antonio community gathers
In March 2025, Valdez and her family gathered with Texas A&M-San Antonio faculty and the VIDA community to celebrate the new community space being named after her.
“This park stands for everything I believe in and for all the people who have believed in me—my family, students, and colleagues who have supported me along the way.”
-Megan Wise de Valdez
The naming of Wise de Valdez park turns the park into a symbol for the connection between VIDA and Texas A&M-San Antonio, as well as the emphasis on nature in the community’s planning. VIDA was designed to connect residents to public parks, the university, the upcoming University Health facilities, and future retail sites via the Madla Greenway Trail.
University leaders from Texas A&M-San Antonio expressed excitement for Texas A&M-San Antonio and VIDA to continue growing alongside each other, working as partners to support the Southside community’s holistic growth.
“VIDA is the dream turned reality,” said Dr. Ochoa, President of A&M-San Antonio. “It was always promised that the A&M-San Antonio campus would bring regional vibrancy, and VIDA is the partner that made good on the promise.”