Author: OLLUNewsletter

OLLU Alumnus Dr. D. Anthony Miles Edits New Book Confessions of a PhD: Volume 2

Dr. D. Anthony Miles, OLLU alumnus and managing editor, statistician, and marketing expert, has a new book coming out this month. “Confessions of a PhD: Real Stories from Doctoral Students-Volume 2” is finally out!

The book is published with Routledge Publishing, a subsidiary under Taylor & Frances. Routledge is a British multinational publisher. Routledge specializes in providing academic books, journals and online resources. Taylor & Francis Group is an international publishing company originating in England that publishes books and academic journals. Taylor & Francis Group is one of the top five major book publishers in the world. 

“Confessions of a PhD: Real Stories from Doctoral Students-Volumes 2” will be released on March 20, 2026. This anthology features authentic stories that illuminate the mental and emotional hurdles faced during the PhD process, providing readers with a platform to share and reflect on their experiences. Through a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, this book fosters a sense of community among doctoral candidates, allowing them to realize they are not alone in their struggles.

Dr. Miles is the managing editor(s) and his new editorial board team with Routledge are: Dr. Philip Adu, Dr. Wanda Corner, Dr. Jacqueline Dansby, Dr. Michael Laney, Dr. Rhondra Willis-Brown, Dr. Robin Shedrick and Dr. Nadine Wheat. Each of the editorial board member brings a stellar and robust wealth of expertise to the publication of this book.

Amazon https://a.co/d/04SMXals

Kudos to Dr. Miles and editorial board team  🎉🥳🍾🥂🎊

Confessions of a PhD: Real Stories from Doctoral Students-Volumes 2 – By Anthony Miles

Uber’s Arrival Linked to 10% Boost in Texas Alcohol Sales and 5% Drop in San Antonio Drunk Driving Arrests, Study Finds

A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing finds that the introduction of Uber in Texas markets increased on-premise alcohol sales across the state by 10.1% while reducing daily drunk-driving arrests in Bexar County by about 5%.

The research, conducted by Samantha Galvan, Yongseok Kim, and Richard T. Gretz, suggests that ridesharing services can simultaneously support economic activity in the hospitality sector and improve public safety outcomes. Using statewide alcohol sales data and arrest records from San Antonio, the study highlights how expanded transportation options may reduce impaired driving while enabling safer participation in nightlife and dining economies.

Complete article here

APA President Dr. Wendi Williams to Speak at Our Lady of the Lake University on Leadership, Equity, and the Future of Psychology

Wendi Williams, President of the American Psychological Association, will visit Our Lady of the Lake University for a special campus conversation with students, psychologists, and community members.

Join us for an engaging discussion on the intersection of psychology, leadership, and equity. A nationally recognized psychologist, scholar, and educator, Dr. Williams brings more than two decades of experience exploring leadership, culturally responsive psychological practice, and the inner lives of Black women and girls. Her work integrates liberation psychology and intersectional feminist frameworks to advance transformative leadership and organizational change.

Dr. Williams currently serves as President of the American Psychological Association and has held academic leadership roles at institutions including Fielding Graduate University, Bank Street College of Education, and Mills College School of Education. She is also the editor of several influential books, including Black Women at Work: On Refusal and Recovery.

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices in psychology today and engage in dialogue about leadership, scholarship, and equity-centered practice.

Event Details

Speaker: Wendi Williams, President, American Psychological Association
Host: Our Lady of the Lake University
Date: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Main Building, Room 311
Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided.

Students, faculty, psychologists, and community members across the region are warmly invited to attend this special conversation. Come be part of an inspiring dialogue on the future of psychology, leadership, and equity-centered change.

RSVP information coming soon.

A Conversation with APA President Dr-2Download

Message From the President

Dear OLLU Community,

This week is Catholic Sisters Week, a national celebration recognizing the mission, spirituality, and Gospel witness of women religious orders. For our university, this week is our opportunity to pause with gratitude for the women whose faith, courage, and trust in God’s providence have made Our Lady of the Lake University possible.

More than a century ago, the Sisters of Divine Providence arrived with a clear conviction: that God’s providence is active all around us in the world, and that education equalizes and transforms lives. Guided by that conviction, the Sisters of Divine Providence committed themselves to serving those often overlooked. They have built schools, cared for the sick, stood with the poor, and believed deeply in the dignity and potential of every person. No question.

Our university stands today because of their witness.

Across the country, week after week, Catholic sisters love, teach, accompany, advocate, model human dignity, and strengthen communities. Their ministries have shaped the landscape of our country, and they continue to respond with courage and compassion to the needs of our time.

This year’s theme, “Stories of Hope and Heart,” reminds us that the impact of women religious orders is far-reaching. Their lives and their legacies are testimonies of daily service oriented action. At OLLU, our Sisters’ charism of trust in Divine Providence continues to shape our identity, present and future, as we respond to the needs of our time. We carry forward their work by educating students who will serve the world with competence, compassion, and integrity. We honor their legacy by ensuring education remains a pathway to opportunity, dignity, and hope for our communities.

Catholic Sisters Week invites us to follow in their steps and live the values they model. As such, this week, especially, I invite our campus community to take three simple actions:

First, learn a story.

Take time to learn about the life and ministry of a Sister of Divine Providence or another woman religious order whose witness has shaped the Church and the world.

Second, share gratitude.

Reach out and thank a sister whose ministry has touched your life, your family, or your becoming. A simple note of gratitude carries great meaning.

Third, live the charism.

In our classrooms, offices, and campus, recommit to the values that shape our university: trust in God’s providence, service to those in need, and belief in the transformative power of education.

Beyond founding our university, the Sisters of Divine Providence called into being a community dedicated to faith, service, and justice.

Their story continues and endures through each of us.

With prayer and gratitude,

2026 Confetti 5K Run/Walk

Get ready to run, walk, and celebrate at the 2026 Confetti 5K Run/Walk, happening Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 a.m. on the beautiful campus of Our Lady of the Lake University. For more information on this historic race, check out our website below for full race details. Your participation helps shape the future of OLLU students. Every contribution makes a difference, with all proceeds going directly toward student scholarships and expanding opportunities for Saints to succeed.

5K Confetti Run/Walk 2026

Flyer_5KConfettiRun_2026Download

2023 5K Confetti Run

2025 5K Confetti Run

2025 5K Confetti Run

OLLU Celebrates National Employee Appreciation Day

In celebration of National Employee Appreciation Day, the President of Our Lady of the Lake University hosted a special “Tacos with the President” gathering to recognize the incredible dedication of our faculty and staff.

During this time of fellowship and gratitude, the President shared his sincerest thanks for the hard work, passion, and commitment that each employee brings to the university community every day. OLLU’s mission and success are made possible through the talent, service, and care demonstrated by our employees, and this event served as a small token of appreciation for all they do.

Thank you to our outstanding OLLU team for your continued dedication to our students, our mission, and one another.

OLLU Posts Top-Three Finish at Schreiner Shootout

The Our Lady of the Lake University Saints earned a share of third place at the Schreiner Shootout, finishing in a tie in a competitive seven-team field.

The Saints posted a two-round total of 46-over par, opening with a 16-over performance before carding a 30-over round on day two. Their consistent presence near the top half of the standings reflected a balanced lineup and multiple individual finishes inside the top 25.

University of the Southwest Mustangs claimed the team title at 23-over par, shooting rounds of 10-over and 13-over. Concordia Texas Tornados finished second at 30-over, highlighted by a strong 6-over opening round. OLLU tied for third with University of St. Thomas Celts, which rebounded from a 27-over first round to post a 19-over team score in the final round.

Schreiner Mountaineers placed fifth at 49-over, followed closely by McMurry War Hawks at 50-over. Dallas Crusaders rounded out the standings at 57-over.

Individually, OLLU was led by Alex Marshall, who tied for 14th at 11-over par. Victor Pena-Cortes and Niall Langley-Brook each tied for 17th at 12-over, while Juan Limon and Ozil Trey Salinas added top-25 finishes to strengthen the team total. The Saints also received contributions from their individual competitors, who gained valuable tournament experience against a deep regional field.

The tie for third place positions OLLU well as the team continues to build rhythm early in the season. Competing closely with several established programs, the Saints demonstrated depth and the potential to contend as the season progresses.

OLLU Women’s Golf Finishes Runner-Up at Schreiner Shootout

The Our Lady of the Lake University Saints delivered a competitive performance at the Schreiner Shootout, earning a runner-up team finish against a challenging field.

The Saints posted a two-round total of 81-over par, improving by five strokes from the opening round. After carding a 43-over team score on day one, OLLU responded with a 38-over performance in the second round, highlighting the team’s ability to make adjustments and close the tournament with momentum.

Odessa College Wranglers claimed the team title with an impressive 18-over total, shooting consistent rounds of 9-over in both rounds. University of St. Thomas Celts finished third at 120-over, followed by University of the Southwest Mustangs at 124-over. Schreiner Mountaineers placed fifth with a 141-over total, and Dallas Crusaders rounded out the standings at 235-over.

Individually, Samantha Garcia led OLLU with a fifth-place finish at 12-over par, setting the tone for the Saints effort. Kendall Ward showed continued improvement between rounds to finish inside the top 10, while Grayson Weiler and Sophia Young each contributed steady scores that factored into the team total. Samantha Ziegler rounded out the teams performance.

The runner-up finish reflects continued progress for OLLU as the team builds consistency early in the season. The Saints were coming off a big week the previous week as they took first place and look to continue to build the momentum going forward.

OLLU’s Ward earns RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week

Our Lady of the Lake’s (Texas) Kendall Ward‘s outstanding performance has earned her the RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week for the dates of Feb. 23-March 1. This is the second set of the weekly awards.

RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week – Kendall Ward – Our Lady of the Lake

At Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving, Texas, the women of OLLU, led by junior Kendall Ward, captured the team title at the Crusaders Cup. Over 36 holes, OLLU finished at +111, posting rounds of +40 and +71 to secure first place ahead of eight other institutions. Ward earned a runner-up finish at +23, tying for second among a slate of 47 golfers. After an impressive +3 opening round, she battled through a tougher second day (+20) and still held her position among the tournament’s elite.

Ward is a native of Spring, Texas.