Doctoral student named to 40–under-40 Public Health Class

Erika Martinez, a first-year doctoral student in Leadership Studies, has been named to de Beaumont Foundation’s 40-under-40 Public Health Class of 2023.

The de Beaumont Foundation 40-under-40 in Public Health Class is a structured two-year initiative designed to enhance the expertise of industry professionals. Honorees say they have built a network of supportive professionals and peers, which has advanced their careers.

Martinez has spent 13 years with the City of Laredo Health Department, where she serves as an Assistant Director. Martinez oversees the Health Equity and Family Support Divisions assisting children and their families access services and resources for healthcare needs. 

Focusing on several departments such as human resources, workforce development, fiscal management, and operations, Martinez has developed a broad range of expertise in the field. A Mexican Folklorico dancer, she also has performed in Colombia and Panama.

Martinez’s journey in the public health industry fosters community commitment through innovation. Consistently demonstrating dedication, and continuous learning to make impactful contributions, Martinez embodies the values of community service.

Women’s cross country places 12th at Cowboy Jamboree

The OLLU women’s cross country team finished 12th out of 19 teams on Saturday at the Cowboy Jamboree, presented by Oklahoma State University.

Head Coach Patrick Torres commented, “Overall, it was a quality team race. Sanai Robinson had another standout performance. This young group is showing a lot of promise.”

Robinson led the Saints in the 6K, finishing with a time of 24:00 for 59th place.

Men’s cross country finishes 13th at Cowboy Jamboree

The OLLU men’s cross country team finished 13th out of 23 teams on Saturday at the Cowboy Jamboree, presented by Oklahoma State University.

Head Coach Patrick Torres commented, “Our race plan was executed well. I think the team’s maturity is developing, and I’m excited about the upcoming postseason.”

Leading the way in the 8K for OLLU was Vincent Garza with a time of 27:10. 

In The News

Recent media coverage that brought attention to OLLU:

On Sept. 23, a story in the San Antonio Report written by OLLU Mass Communication senior Portland Tidwell:

On Sept. 21, a story on MySanAntonio.com about OLLU being ranked among the nation’s best in graduating disadvantaged students who are awarded Pell Grants:

https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/san-antonio-best-colleges-18378905.php

On Sept. 18, a story in the Daily Texan about alumna Belle Ortiz:

OLLU to host Three Minute Thesis competition in November

OLLU will serve as host for Texas’s first-ever Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) on Nov. 3 and 4, a regional competition that will feature master’s and doctoral-level students from across Texas showcasing a broad range of academic research from different disciplines.

Students will present their research with just one static PowerPoint slide. They are limited to three minutes. A panel of judges will decide on the winners. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

Participating schools include Baylor, Texas Christian University, University of the Incarnate Word, St. Mary’s University, the University of Texas-Dallas, Angelo State, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, St. Edward’s and Sam Houston State.

Five OLLU students have agreed to compete in the event, which is sponsored by H-E-B. OLLU encourages more students to compete. 

If you would like to compete, contact Noel Cortez, Director of the OLLU Graduate Student Center, at nocortez@ollusa.edu

Alumnus releases new book about inspiring stories of doctoral students

Entrepreneur and alumnus D. Anthony Miles (MBA) 2003, PhD, has written a new book, “Confessions of a PhD: Tales of Struggles and Success in the Ivory Tower,” a collection of inspiring stories about people who overcame adversity to earn a doctorate.

This inspirational book invites readers into the lives of 12 individuals as they share their unique stories and the adversities they faced while pursuing their doctorate degrees.

The book shares different messages that encompass moments of laughter as well as heartbreak while showcasing both resilience and determination. These journeys from trials and tribulations to triumph are testimonies of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome life’s challenges.

Dr. Miles has vast experience in the business world and is recognized as an award-winning researcher and statistician and a former adjunct professor at OLLU. He has been featured on ABC, FOX and CNN.

His next work is underway. Readers can expect the release of “Confessions of a PhD: Volume 2” in the near future. 

His current book is available in print and digital formats and can be purchased here:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1143896898

Get midterm ready at ‘Level Up, OLLU!’

The Office of Academic and Student Affairs will host ‘Level Up, OLLU!’ on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. in the Sueltenfuss Library. Level Up focuses on strategies for learning more efficiently and effectively through interactive study sessions. A nacho bar, snacks, and drinks will be open to all participants.

Level Up sessions will offer study hacks for notetaking and review, reading dense texts, boosting your memory, writing a timed essay exam, among other learning strategies. First and second year students will also have an opportunity to meet the Peer Mentors during a Q&A panel.

Pre-register using the QR Code below! Check-in will be on the first floor of the Library in front of the ACE on Wednesday from 6 – 8 p.m. You will receive a game card for collecting stamps that make you eligible for prizes. Prizes will be drawn at the close of the event.

For more information: kkomara@ollusa.edu