Originally from South Texas, Tony’s path brought him to New York, where he discovered in Marist a shared dedication to engaging and serving diverse communities. Since joining the faculty in 2006, he has worked to inspire future public service leaders.

Deep connections, diverse cultures

Tony's appreciation for diversity began in his border town childhood, where Mexican and American cultures flourished together. Now he finds that same spirit amplified in New York.

• Early inspiration: "As a child, one of my earliest experiences was engaging with different cultures coming through South Texas during immigration," he said. "My mother worked in healthcare, treating refugees' feet worn from thousands of miles of walking. I was there playing with the children, learning about their journeys."
• A perfect fit in New York: "Here, it's not just two cultures meeting—it's the vibrancy of hundreds of different cultures coming together, celebrating their diversity, customs, traditions, and food."

From the classroom to the real world

As a professor in the Master of Public Administration program, Tony sees the powerful intersection of classroom learning and practical application.

• “Our students bring real-world challenges to the classroom, and together we work to find innovative solutions,” he said. “They work in healthcare, emergency services, and nonprofit organizations, and learn a great deal about administration and collaboration across fields.”
• Ideas in action: "One of the great benefits of our capstone course is seeing how students' innovative projects get adopted into the real world workforce," Tony noted. "These projects get implemented and funded, becoming critical change components in public sector organizations."

Building community

Informed by his own research and teaching collaborations in academia and beyond, he believes in creating an environment where every voice contributes to collective learning.

• Diversity drives innovation: "A classroom with diverse students, whether from different sectors of government or various cultural backgrounds, creates more effective and engaged conversations. These various perspectives help us find the best solutions."
• The importance of supportive environments: "At the beginning of every course, I encourage students to share their upcoming events or programs," he said. "Whether it's a game or a community project, their classmates can support each other beyond our academic discussions."

Spirit of service shines through

Tony finds Marist's positive energy contagious, from supportive faculty collaborations to student enthusiasm.

• Mission aligned: "I was attracted to Marist because it has a mission of doing good," he said. "We see it through our students' community projects and our faculty's service to academia and local communities.
• Peak moments: "The most exciting day for me every year is graduation. It's like I'm graduating again every year, watching students celebrate with their families against the backdrop of the Hudson River."

Growth never stops

In public administration and in life, the importance of constant adaptation and learning is central to his outlook for his students, and his approach to teaching.

• A constantly shifting world: "Just because something worked five years ago doesn't mean it's going to work now," he said. "Communities change, adapt, grow, and move. Organizations must meet those evolving needs."
• "At Marist, we're not just teaching administration," Tony concluded. "We're fostering leaders who understand the importance of engaging with and learning from diverse communities—leaders who can adapt, innovate, and serve with understanding and effectiveness."

A world of exploration

Beyond the classroom, his commitment to understanding different perspectives contextualizes Tony’s approach to family life, collaboration with colleagues, and engagement with the world around him.

• Ancient wonders: "I'm drawn to immense structures created by generations before us," he said. "From Chichen Itza to the pyramids of Giza to Stonehenge, these places that have withstood time fascinate me."
• Unexpected interests: Even his family trips to Comic Con reflect his appreciation for diverse communities. "It's part academic in nature—you're learning from experts and hearing about the latest trends. Plus, it's about being comfortable in different circumstances and learning to enjoy new experiences, which is something I strongly believe in for life, research, and teaching at Marist."

 

 

Inspired to do More

In our "Inspired to do More" series students, faculty, staff, and alumni share their unique Marist journeys. In Marist's "and, not or" spirit, these members of our community have embraced diverse opportunities, excelling in academics, activities, leadership, and service. Each story highlights how Marist's values inspire them to pursue excellence, connect with others, and make a meaningful impact.