After leaving the mayor’s office, Ron Nirenberg will return to Trinity University as a professor in practice in the communications department this fall.
The Trinity alumnus served as the general manager of the school’s KFTU FM 91.7 radio station before starting his political career.
Now term-limited after eight years as mayor, Nirenberg will be back on campus using his experience in office to teach a three-hour communications seminar to Trinity students.
“I’m honored to return to Trinity this coming year,” Nirenberg said in a statement. “My time as a student here shaped who I am as a leader, and I’m eager to give back to the institution that helped launch my career.”
Nirenberg has bachelor’s degree in communication from Trinity and a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania.
Trinity, a private university located in the city’s downtown, serves about 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students. The school prides itself on being one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges.
Nirenberg’s political future
Though Nirenberg has been rumored to be considering running another run for office, he’s largely stayed quiet about his plans for the future.
As he leaves office, Nirenberg has an approval rating of 56%, according to the University of Texas in San Antonio’s latest Center for Public Opinion Research poll — higher than both Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai’s and Gov. Greg Abbott’s approval ratings in San Antonio.
He’s vowed to continue seeking opportunities to serve the community, but earlier this year downplayed rumors about a potential Bexar County Judge run in 2026.
“I am not exploring a run for any other office at the moment,” Nirenberg said in January. “There is a lot of work to do in the mayor’s office over the next 150 days, and that work is my only priority.”
The next San Antonio mayor will be sworn in June 17, when Nirenberg is replaced as by the winner of June 7 runoff election between Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos.
Famously a sports lover, Nirenberg leaves behind an ambitious vision for an urban sports and entertainment district known as Project Marvel, as well as plans for a new downtown baseball stadium for the Missions Minor League Baseball team.
During his final State of the City address in April, Nirenberg listed the accomplishments he’s most proud of during his time leading San Antonio, saying that the city is now the kind of place where people want to raise a family and build a life.
He also talked about his efforts in workforce development, crime reduction, economic growth and housing affordability.
Trinity President Vanessa Beasley said the university is pleased to have Nirenberg as a faculty member in a statement.
“As an alumnus who has dedicated his life to public service and leadership, Ron embodies the values of civic engagement and thoughtful communication that we instill in our students,” she said in a statement. “His return to campus will enrich our academic mission and deepen our connection with the community.”
Nirenberg’s first day of his year-long contract at Trinity is Aug. 1.
Andrea Drusch contributed to this report.
