BIO
Mike Villarreal, a San Antonio native and the first in his family to earn a college degree, is a testament to the transformative power of education. His journey from the first day of school to becoming a champion for educational reform is marked by both challenges and inspiring turning points.
Elementary school introduced him to a tracking system that labeled students as “A,” “B,” or “C” students, supposedly reflecting their academic capabilities. Labeled a “C” student for presumed slower learners, Mike faced an early obstacle. Restricted to classes with this group, he requested but was denied a chance to join an advanced math class. An awareness of the injustice of tracking fueled an early determination to defy labels.
High school brought a pivotal positive influence when math teacher Donna DeLire offered the encouragement and challenge he needed to excel. This support cemented Mike’s belief in himself and the untapped potential within every student, waiting to be unlocked by nurturing and supportive education environments.
Mike's academic journey, initially hampered by low expectations, saw a remarkable turnaround. With strong test scores, he gained admission to Texas A&M College Station, followed by a master’s degree from Harvard University and a Ph.D. from UT Austin.
A Nail-Biting Start in Texas Politics
1999
In 1999, the political landscape of Texas saw an enthusiastic Villarreal launch his campaign for the Texas House of Representatives. With grassroots momentum fueled by ardent family and community support, the election outcome was dramatic – he clinched victory by just a single vote. This electrifying start set the tone for what would be a transformative 15-year tenure in the Texas House of Representatives.
A photo of me on the campaign trail for my first legislative campaign in 1999.
A photo of me on the campaign trail for my first legislative campaign in 1999.
In the tumultuous realm of Texas politics, where partisanship often clouds judgment, he didn't just preach bipartisanship; he wielded it as a tactical weapon with much success. Villarreal was instrumental in passing over 100 pieces of legislation, mostly targeting education and human development, but also famously reforming the beer industry. He also worked on tax reform, eyeing a more equitable system to bolster public investments in education.
In a state with an overwhelming Republican majority, many Democrats found themselves relegated to the sidelines. Not Villarreal. With a robust academic foundation from Texas A&M and Harvard, he amended House rules to mandate a closer examination by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) on the ramifications of the House appropriations bill. This wasn't just another report. Villarreal's spotlight illuminated the LBB’s concerning projections: a potential decline of 335,000 jobs, a $19 billion dip in the gross state product, and a staggering $17.2 billion reduction in personal income. Overnight, these figures became the talk of the town. Taxation was another arena where Villarreal showcased his tenacity. Opposing attempts from ideologues to curb local government finances, he countered measures that sought to cap property tax appraisals in ways that harmed his working-class district. His investigative pursuits also unveiled the overlooked high-cost gas exemption for natural gas producers, spotlighting a troubling revelation: a revenue loss of $7.4 billion that could have bridged public education's funding chasm at that time. But what truly distinguished Villarreal wasn't mere strategy or academic prowess but a relentless dedication to facts. To him, combing through intricate legislative details wasn’t drudgery; it was imperative and ensured that flawed policies didn't escape scrutiny. Dr. Mike Villarreal left a political legacy that transcended party lines to seek common ground, prioritizing the needs of everyday people over political dogma.
Click the link below to see a comprehensive list of the legislation that I authored and joint authored.
Click below to visit a Texas Monthly article recognizing my policy-wonk, nonpartisan approach to leadership in 2005.
Click the link below to read a Texas Monthly article recognizing my policy-wonk, nonpartisan approach to leadership in 2011.
Click the link below to see a comprehensive list of the legislation that I authored and joint authored.
Texas Legislature
2000-2015
The Mayoral Campaign: Close Yet So Far
2015
In 2015, Villarreal set his sights on San Antonio's mayoral seat. His campaign was fueled by a robust vision of economic and workforce development. However, in an unusual three-way mayoral race, he missed the run-off by a sliver - less than two percentage points.
Click the link below to read an article about my 2015 campaign.
Learn more about my vision for advancing education in San Antonio. Click the link below to read more.
Click the link below to read an article about my 2015 campaign.
2018-2022
Shaping Research at the Urban Education Institute
In 2018 he shifted his work into a university setting as the founding director of UTSA's Urban Education Institute (UEI). Under his guidance, the institute pioneered research on Pre-K 4 SA, the San Antonio Education Partnership Scholarship, and the scholarship programs of the San Antonio Area Foundation.
The global pandemic presented a unique challenge, and Villarreal's team rose to the occasion. Engaging UTSA students, they embarked on an expansive community survey drive, culminating in over 20,000 phone calls to determine what was working for students and teachers during this unprecedented shutdown. Their findings proved instrumental for local school districts and colleges, navigating the uncharted waters of pandemic-induced education shifts.
(Click any image to explore Mike's research at UEI)
(Click the image to explore an early prototype of the POET app)
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
2022-2024
In 2022, Villarreal was invited to found the Texas Insights Accelerator at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. As Associate Commissioner of Higher Education, he developed cutting-edge, user-friendly data tools designed to help students prepare for college and their future careers. We completed his work at the Coordinating Board after launching the agency's first labor market data tool created to help colleges align their offerings with their labor markets needs.
New Ventures
2023-present
A lifelong entrepreneur, Villarreal has co-founded two SaaS businesses. Most recently, he has joined CML Insight, a technology firm that helps organizations in multiple sectors improve their outcomes using predictive and causal AI/machine learning methods. For example, in education, they help school leaders transform their administrative data into insights about what works to improve student outcomes. They also offer services that help water and energy utilities increase conservation.
A Life Dedicated to Education
For those tracking the evolution of education in San Antonio, Dr. Mike Villarreal's name stands out not just as a policymaker or an academic but as a fervent champion for progress and the power of learning as a way to transform the community he loves.