Under new wings

nder new ings

by Gabriel Cook

The first Latino male president, Dr. Abel Chávez, plans to take OLLU to new heights under his leadership

After serving at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) since 2015, on July 15, 2022, Diane E. Melby, EdD, officially retired as president and passed the torch to her successor, Abel Antonio Chávez, Ph.D., the 10th president of OLLU who officially began his work at the university on July 18, 2022. First-generation student, son of immigrants and bilingual administrator, Dr. Chávez was unanimously elected by the board of trustees as the first Latino president in the 127 years OLLU has been established, marking a significant chapter in the university’s history. Before becoming OLLU’s president, Dr. Chávez served as vice president for enrollment and student success at Western Colorado University. During his time at the university, he enhanced the institution’s portfolio and position through the attentive market and strategic analysis programs. Dr. Chávez has committed himself to serve minority and underserved students by mentoring and supporting student-led initiatives that elevate students, their communities and their educational goals. In his vision for OLLU, Chávez strives to solve the university’s enrollment issue. “I would really like to see growth in the coming semesters,” said Amanda Brown, professor of mass communication production at OLLU. “I want to see more students inside my classes.” According to the OLLU Facts and Figures website, the retention rate for undergraduate students, including new first-year students and transfers in fall 2021, was 72.1 percent for fulltime students. Due to the pandemic, OLLU has seen a high rate of non-enrollment, resulting in a smaller student body inside courses taught by its professors. Thus, Chávez said he has three goals translating into graduation and retention rates. His first goal is to ensure that any student in San Antonio, Texas, and beyond seeking higher education considers OLLU. The second goal is to ensure that whoever accesses the university can complete their credentials. As a third goal, Chávez said OLLU’s faculty and students should help one another become lifelong learners. He wants students to look at OLLU as a partner for continual development. “I look forward to listening and being a partner to absolutely everyone and making sure that OLLU is here another 127 years,” Chávez said.

Photos Credited by OLLU Marketing

As a first-generation student, son of immigrants and bilingual administrator, Dr. Chávez has the experience necessary to support first-generation students who wish to pursue higher education at OLLU to succeed after graduation.

He also plans to sit down with families and students to hear their concerns, so OLLU can be responsive and help in the best way possible.

“I want OLLU to be the premier university, along the region, in Texas, and in the United States,” said Chávez. “I want folks to know us for our first-class, kind, human-centered leadership and the creation of novel, innovative solutions for society.”

Fun Facts About President Chávez

-Top TV Show

Seinfield, El Chavo del Nocho

-Top Movie

The Talented Mr. Ripley

-Top Sports Team

Astros/Colorado Rockies

-Top Books

“I was humbled and honored, with enormous amounts of gratitude, truly beyond words,” said Chávez. “When I found out that I would be the first Latino president of OLLU, I felt a sense of obligation, that with being the first comes an obligation to serve and to be committed to our mission, our values and everything we represent.”