Posted on March 18, 2026 by Klesse College Staff
With extensive experience and a passion for supporting educational institutions, Klesse College is excited to welcome Kyle Bryson to the Klesse College community and family. As its new Chief Development Officer, Bryson is focused on developing long-term relationships with alumni, industry leaders, and others who are keen on contributing to the success of our students, unlocking new, exciting opportunities for students while helping to foster Klesse College’s sustained growth. In his free time, Bryson enjoys staying active and spending time with his family.
Read the Q&A with Bryson down below!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I’ve spent my career in higher education advancement since 2011, working alongside visionary leaders, generous donors, and mission-driven teams to help universities reach their full potential. My work centers on building meaningful relationships and connecting philanthropic passion to institutional priorities. I began my journey at my alma mater, Texas A&M University, where both my wife and I are proud former students. I graduated in 2009 and launched my advancement career there soon after. I later continued my work at the University of Texas at Austin and most recently at the University of Georgia, serving in roles that strengthened colleges, supported students, and elevated research initiatives. Each chapter has reinforced my belief in the transformational power of higher education.
Tell us about your new role in Klesse College.
I serve as the Chief Development Officer for the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design at UT San Antonio. Day-to-day, my work centers on building and stewarding relationships with alumni, industry partners, and philanthropic leaders who want to invest in engineering, innovation, and student success. That includes strategic planning with college leadership, meeting with prospective donors, aligning philanthropic interests with institutional priorities, and helping secure financial resources that advance scholarships, faculty excellence, research initiatives, and student success.
What drew you toward UT San Antonio?
UT San Antonio’s momentum is undeniable. The university is bold, innovative, and deeply committed to student access and success. What truly drew me in was the combination of visionary leadership, the rapid growth of the institution, and the opportunity to help shape the future of engineering and integrated design in one of the most dynamic cities in the country. There’s an entrepreneurial energy here that feels both authentic and exciting.
On a personal level, this role also feels like a bit of a homecoming. I grew up in Bandera, Texas, just outside San Antonio, so being back in a region that is both familiar and meaningful to me makes the opportunity even more special.
What do you look forward to most as part of your position and/or time with UT San Antonio?
I look forward to helping accelerate the college’s trajectory, building partnerships that fuel student opportunity and research innovation. Klesse College is positioned to have tremendous impact across Texas and beyond, and being part of that growth story is incredibly motivating. I’m especially excited about connecting donors to initiatives that create lasting, generational change for students.
What is the most rewarding (or challenging) part of your job?
The most rewarding part is seeing a donor’s vision come to life, whether that’s a scholarship supporting a first-generation student or funding that launches construction on a new building. Watching a donor’s passion and their philanthropy translate into real opportunity never gets old.
The most challenging part is balancing urgency with long-term relationship building. Transformational philanthropy requires patience, trust, and thoughtful strategy and doing that well takes time and intentionality.
Do you have a philosophy or life motto?
“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
It’s a line from the poem Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas. The poem reflects on confronting the passage of time with intensity and purpose rather than passivity as it’s written as a message to Thomas’ terminally ill father. I’ve always taken that line as a reminder not to waste a day, to bring energy, gratitude, and intention to the work we do and the opportunities we’re given.
Is there a fun fact or any additional information you would like to share?
Outside of work, my wife Karina and I enjoy staying active and exploring together. We love visiting National Parks whenever we can and have also competed in triathlons, which is a fun way for us to challenge ourselves and spend time outdoors. We’re also the proud parents of two boys, so much of our time is happily spent keeping up with them and enjoying family adventures.
— Klesse College Staff
