The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to announce Shirley Caldera as the Interim Regional Executive Director of Graduate Admissions and Retention for the San Antonio, Houston, and Rio Grande Valley (RGV) regions.
Shirley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role, backed by a proven track record in designing and implementing effective educational policies and programs that consistently exceed performance goals. Her strategic leadership in academic planning, budget oversight, and program development has led to measurable improvements in student enrollment, retention, and achievement.
Prior to joining OLLU, Shirley led the operations and strategic execution of eight off-site campuses in Texas, including six in San Antonio, one in Killeen, and one in Corpus Christi. She collaborated with cross-functional teams to organize community-focused fundraising events tailored to adult learners, including Casino Night, Family Picnic Day, Dining with Administration and Faculty, and Mardi Gras Evening. She also oversaw the development and delivery of online, hybrid, and in-person courses, supporting over 150 faculty members and more than 1,500 students to meet academic learning outcomes.
In her interim role, Shirley will lead the development and execution of region-specific plans aimed at achieving graduate admissions goals, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards and accreditation requirements. She will also focus on standardizing admissions procedures and enhancing student support services across all campuses, driving consistency, equity, and operational excellence.
