Student Highlight: Kayla Muzquiz
July 8, 2025
Strategic Marketing & Communications
For Kayla Muzquiz, education has always been about more than earning a degree, it’s been about building a foundation for meaningful change. A former foster youth who moved often throughout San Antonio, Kayla found consistency in an unexpected place: the Alamo Colleges. “No matter where I ended up, there was always an Alamo College nearby,” she said. So when it came time to start her college journey, Palo Alto College on the Southside felt like a natural fit and ultimately, began to feel like home.
After earning her Associate of Arts in Psychology from PAC, Kayla briefly enrolled in a university to continue her studies. However, she soon felt a longing for the sense of community and warmth she had come to appreciate at PAC. That’s when she discovered the college’s newest offering: the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Operations Management (B.A.T.).
“I knew I wanted to start a nonprofit that connects people in need with the resources to meet those needs,” Kayla explained. “But to do that, I needed to understand the business side of things.”
The B.A.T. program provided exactly that. Designed to prepare students for leadership roles across industries, the program blends business fundamentals with real-world applications in operations management. For Kayla, the program's hybrid format with flexible options for online and in-person courses was a perfect match. As an expectant mother with a busy schedule, having the ability to customize her course load was essential.
“It’s rigorous. You have to be engaged and manage your time well. But the professors are so supportive, and they truly want to see you succeed.” Her coursework has already covered everything from human resources and accounting to project management and all skills she’s applying as she develops the business plan for her nonprofit.
As a former work-study in the B.A.T. Department, Kayla had the unique opportunity to engage even more deeply with her professors and peers. “Working with the department gave me a chance to provide feedback, understand more about the resources available, and build connections that have helped me,” she said. She points to 24-hour online tutoring and the encouragement to build relationships with faculty as major assets to student success.
What stands out most about the B.A.T. program, Kayla says, is the diversity of its students and the real-world experience they bring to the table. “Some of my classmates are returning to school after years away. Others are switching careers or trying to move up in their current jobs. The different perspectives make discussions richer and more insightful.”
Now on track to graduate in Fall 2026, Kayla is well on her way to making her vision a reality. Her advice for future B.A.T. students? Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and stay organized. “If you can, try at least one in-person class. It’s a different experience, and it really helps you feel part of the community.”
Looking ahead, Kayla sees limitless potential in operations management. “It’s a field with so many applications. No matter what your goals are, whether you want to run a business, lead a nonprofit, or become a leader in any field, you’ll use these skills.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of opportunity, resilience, and community. Through the B.A.T. program at Palo Alto College, she’s proving that students can build a future that’s not only successful, but deeply rooted in purpose.
To learn more about the B.A.T. program at Palo Alto College, visit alamo.edu/pac/ops-mgmt.
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