UTEP’s Arturo Barrio Named 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholar
Barrio joins network of leaders who will learn from the experiences of four former US presidents
Arturo Barrio, assistant vice president for international relations at The University of Texas at El Paso, has been named one of 57 scholars in the 10th annual class of the Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program. Over the past decade, PLS has brought together more than 500 diverse, established leaders to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson.
The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at addressing a critical challenge or need in a community, profession or organization.
"I am truly excited about this opportunity," Barrio said. "This experience will provide me with tools and insights to create educational opportunities both locally and across borders. I look forward to connecting with leaders from across the country and exploring collaborations to benefit our communities."
In his role at UTEP, Barrio oversees the University’s international initiatives, focusing on building partnerships with Mexico and Latin America. He also coordinates UTEP’s participation in the Archer Fellowship Program, a University of Texas System experiential learning initiative in Washington, D.C. Barrio recently joined UTEP’s faculty in the Leadership Studies Program. Prior to his tenure at UTEP, he held several leadership roles in the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Barrio is also deeply involved with Rotary International, serving as Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zones 26 and 27 and as a member of the Camino Real Rotary Club of El Paso.
As part of the six-month program, Barrio will focus on developing an initiative to offer leadership and motivational seminars for at-risk students. The initiative aims to promote civic engagement and prepare young people to become responsible global citizens who positively impact their communities. Barrio plans to collaborate with community leaders and feature diverse speakers who will share their journeys and leadership insights, emphasizing the skills and qualities that define effective leaders.
“This prestigious recognition highlights Arturo’s unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful international partnerships and creating opportunities for our students to excel as global citizens,” said Andrea Cortinas, UTEP vice president and chief of staff. “We are proud of his dedication to leadership and service, and we are excited to see the impact of his initiative to inspire and empower at-risk students.”
Over the course of the program, scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact.
Scholars have consistently reported remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities and opportunities for impact since the program began in 2015. For example, 96% of Scholars said their confidence in how they lead social change has improved as a result of PLS, and 97% of Scholars reported they are inspired to accomplish more since beginning the program.
The 2025 program will begin on Jan. 29.
About Presidential Leadership Scholars
The Presidential Leadership Scholars program is a partnership among the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. To learn more, visit www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org.
Last Updated on January 27, 2025 at 12:00 AM | Originally published January 27, 2025
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
