Category: Top Stories

Institutional Advancement Releases 2025–2026 OLLU Investment Report

The Office of Institutional Advancement has released the 2025–2026 OLLU Investment Report, a new publication that highlights the transformative impact of philanthropy, student success, and institutional achievements while strengthening connections with alumni, donors, and community partners.

Designed as a strategic stewardship piece, the report highlights how donor investments have transformed the lives of students while advancing the university’s mission of education, service, and social mobility. Through compelling stories, institutional milestones, and measurable outcomes, the publication showcases the accomplishments made possible during the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

The report features key university achievements, including national rankings, student success metrics, innovative academic initiatives such as the Lake Express three-year bachelor’s degree and the No-Cost Master’s Program, the launch of women’s flag football, workforce readiness initiatives, scholarship investments, and transformational gifts that continue to expand opportunities for OLLU students. It also highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to serving first-generation and Hispanic students while creating lasting impact across South Texas.

More than a summary of accomplishments, the OLLU Investment Report demonstrates how every philanthropic investment contributes to student success, strengthens communities, and advances opportunity. It serves as both a reflection on a year of meaningful progress and an invitation for alumni, donors, and friends to continue investing in the future of OLLU.

The 2025–2026 OLLU Investment Report will be shared with alumni, donors, and partners as part of the university’s ongoing commitment to transparency, stewardship, and celebrating the collective impact of the OLLU community.

OLLU Investment Report_FINAL-6.23.26Download

Every Number Counts: Push to Fall 2026 Enrollment Goal

OLLU’s Fall 2026 enrollment has reached 1,386 students as we continue working toward our goal of 1,800. Every new student represents an opportunity to strengthen our university, expand our impact, and fulfill our mission of transforming lives through education.

Achieving this goal is a shared responsibility across the entire OLLU community. Whether you are welcoming prospective students and their families, sharing your OLLU experience, supporting recruitment events, or providing exceptional service to current and future Saints, your efforts make a meaningful difference.

As we move through the enrollment cycle, every conversation, referral, and positive interaction contributes to our momentum. Together, we can continue building on our progress, reaching more students, and creating opportunities for future Saints to join the OLLU family.

Thank you for your continued commitment to OLLU and for helping us move closer to our Fall 2026 enrollment goal.

OLLU Community United in the Push Toward 1,800

OLLU’s Fall 2026 enrollment currently stands at 1,366 toward a goal of 1,800. Reaching that target is a shared priority for the entire OLLU community, and every member has a role to play in helping the university succeed.

Together, through continued outreach, support, and commitment, we can move closer to our goal. Every effort matters, and every contribution helps OLLU thrive.

HACU Fellowship Prepares OLLU Leader for Higher Education Leadership

Dr. Heather Herrera, Director of Retention and Student Success at Our Lady of the Lake University, has been selected as a Fellow in the eighth cohort of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo, a nationally recognized program designed to prepare higher education professionals for senior leadership roles, including college and university presidencies, chancellorships, and CEO positions.

As part of this distinguished honor, Dr. Herrera was awarded a competitive $10,000 Capital One scholarship to cover program fees. The scholarship is awarded through a rigorous selection process that evaluates candidates on their professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and commitment to advancing higher education.

The HACU Leadership Academy brings together emerging leaders from colleges and universities across the nation for a yearlong professional development experience focused on strategic leadership, institutional governance, student success, and the future of higher education. Participants engage in virtual and in-person seminars, collaborate with peers, and gain valuable insight from experienced higher education leaders.

The program includes leadership seminars held in conjunction with HACU’s Annual Conference and National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, culminating in an international seminar that provides participants with a global perspective on leadership and higher education.

Dr. Herrera’s selection reflects her dedication to academic excellence, student success, and leadership development. Through this fellowship, she will further strengthen her ability to serve OLLU and contribute to the advancement of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and higher education nationwide.

Congratulations to Dr. Herrera on this outstanding achievement and recognition of her leadership potential.

Future Innovators Explore STEM at OLLU Summer Camp

On June 3, Our Lady of the Lake University welcomed seventh- and eighth-grade students from Edgewood ISD to campus for a summer STEM camp held in partnership with Startup High.

Seventh- and eighth-grade students from Edgewood ISD explored STEM concepts and college life during a summer camp at OLLU, hosted in partnership with Startup High.

The visit provided students with an opportunity to explore college life while engaging in hands-on learning experiences across multiple disciplines. After a campus tour, students participated in interactive activities led by OLLU faculty and staff, including a VO₂ max demonstration in the Kinesiology Lab, Makerspace projects and hydroponic gardening activities in Metz Hall, and cybersecurity exercises hosted by Computer Information Systems and Security faculty.

Students tested password strength, examined computer hardware, and explored the evolution of technology through a display of legacy computing equipment. Throughout the day, participants engaged with faculty, discovered new areas of interest, and gained insight into potential academic and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

OLLU is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Edgewood ISD and Startup High to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

OLLU Celebrates Juneteenth Through Art, History, and Community

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is hosting a special Juneteenth art exhibition presented by The Art of Four Art Initiative, featuring the work of Black and minority artists whose pieces explore themes of freedom, resilience, culture, and community. The exhibition is on display through June 30, 2026, in the AT&T Foundation Student Commons on the third floor of OLLU’s Main Building and is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the public.

Curated by Maria M. Williams, executive director of The Art of Four Art Initiative and founder of In the Eye of the Beholder Art Gallery, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on history, identity, healing, and artistic expression. Williams said the exhibition was created from the belief that art is memory, resistance, storytelling, and legacy.

The partnership holds special meaning for Williams, whose older brother, Clifton B. Hazlewood Jr., attended OLLU, making the collaboration a tribute to family, education, resilience, and community legacy. As an Afro-Latina, Williams has long championed greater representation and visibility for Black and minority artists through her work as a curator, cultural strategist, and arts advocate.

OLLU President Dr. Abel Chávez said the university is proud to host the exhibition as a reflection of its commitment to civil rights, social justice, and the dignity of every person. The exhibit highlights the enduring impact of Black history and culture while celebrating the transformative power of art in education and community engagement.

The exhibition served as both a cultural and educational experience, inviting visitors to engage with themes of liberation, identity, heritage, and social justice. Through visual storytelling and artistic expression, the exhibit highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that continue to shape our communities.

A special highlight of this year’s exhibition was a visit from students from Lytle on May 20. During their campus visit, students toured OLLU and explored the exhibit, gaining a deeper understanding of Juneteenth’s historical significance while experiencing the University’s commitment to education, diversity, and community engagement.

Teacher Alicia Lacy and Students from Lytle Junior High School visiting the OLLU campus.

The Juneteenth Art Exhibition remains on display through June 30, 2026, in the AT&T Foundation Student Commons on the third floor of OLLU’s Main Building. The exhibit reflects OLLU’s ongoing mission to foster learning, dialogue, and appreciation for the diverse histories and experiences that enrich our society.

From Student to Social Worker: OLLU Alumna Tayara Cropper Makes a Difference Through Compassionate Care

For Tayara Cropper, earning a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University was more than an academic achievement—it was a transformative experience that prepared her to serve others with compassion, cultural understanding, and purpose.

A member of OLLU’s Class of 2023, Cropper earned her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Hispanic Children and Families, a specialized program that continues to influence her work as a renal social worker. The program equipped her with the cultural competence and practical skills needed to effectively support diverse populations, particularly Hispanic patients and families navigating complex healthcare challenges.

“Through this program, I gained the cultural competence and insight needed to effectively serve diverse communities,” Cropper said. “As a renal social worker, I apply this training daily when supporting Hispanic patients and families with respect, understanding, and advocacy.”

OLLU’s rigorous curriculum and supportive faculty helped prepare Cropper for immediate success after graduation. She passed her social work licensing exam on her first attempt and quickly secured employment in her field, a testament to the strong foundation she built during her time at the university.

While pursuing her degree, Cropper also faced economic challenges, but she credits OLLU’s support systems and community for helping her remain focused on her goals. The encouragement and resources she received enabled her to persevere and complete her graduate education.

Today, as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Cropper continues to serve others while preparing for the next step in her professional journey as she works toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Reflecting on her experience, Cropper remains grateful for the education and mentorship she received at OLLU.

“I will always appreciate my time at OLLU for shaping me into the social worker I am today and reinforcing my commitment to service and compassion,” she said.

Through graduates like Cropper, OLLU’s mission of preparing professionals dedicated to service, leadership, and social justice continues to make a meaningful impact in communities across Texas.

United in Purpose: OLLU Moves Closer to Its 1,800 Enrollment Goal

As we continue our Fall 2026 enrollment efforts, we want to recognize the progress we have made together and keep our focus on the goal ahead. Our current enrollment stands at 1,340 students, a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and commitment demonstrated across the OLLU community.

While this milestone is worth celebrating, we remain focused on our Fall 2026 enrollment goal of 1,800 students. With 460 students still needed to reach our target, every conversation, campus visit, referral, and act of support can make a meaningful impact.

Enrollment is a shared responsibility. Whether you are engaging prospective students, supporting current Saints, participating in campus events, or sharing your OLLU experience with others, your efforts help strengthen our community and advance our mission.

As you continue to see the enrollment thermometer displayed across campus, remember that each new student represents an opportunity to transform a life through education. Together, through collaboration, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to student success, we can build the momentum needed to reach our goal and continue growing a thriving OLLU community.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support.

Reminder: Houston Campus Returning to The Woodlands in Summer 2026

Starting this week, July 1.

Our Lady of the Lake University will relocate its Houston-area operations to the Lone Star College – University Center at The Woodlands beginning this summer, returning to the institution’s original Houston-area home. The transition supports OLLU’s commitment to providing an enhanced learning environment while maintaining uninterrupted academic progress for students. OLLU will have fully vacated its current Houston location on June 21, 2026.

What Students Need to Know

Students can expect a seamless transition with no interruption to their degree plans or academic progress. Student support services will remain available throughout the move, and any summer courses affected by the transition may temporarily shift online. Students will receive direct communication regarding any course-specific changes.

The new location offers several advantages, including modern classrooms, expanded academic facilities, improved technology resources, convenient access from major transportation routes, a safe and secure campus environment, abundant dining and retail options, and a vibrant collegiate atmosphere within the Lone Star College University Center.

What Faculty Need to Know

Faculty will play a key role in ensuring instructional continuity and student success during the transition. Some summer courses may temporarily move to online delivery, with program leaders providing details on course-specific adjustments. Faculty may experience temporary operational changes as services and classrooms are established at the new location. Additional information regarding classrooms, campus resources, and operational procedures will be shared as it becomes available.

University leadership remains committed to open communication throughout the process and appreciates the flexibility and partnership of students, faculty, and staff as OLLU begins this exciting new chapter in The Woodlands.