In the News

How Austin-area universities are planning for the 2024 Solar Eclipse

The Austin American Statesman interviewed Associate Professor of Physics Paul Walter about an exciting event held at St. Edward’s during the Total Solar Eclipse. Students on the hilltop got to experience a weather balloon launch in addition to viewing the eclipse through a unique telescope.

Con Mi MADRE to honor Councilmember Fuentes, other leaders at 16th Corazón Awards

The Austin-based nonprofit Con Mi MADRE is honoring St. Edward’s University President Dr. Montserrat Fuentes as the recipient of the Corazón Award. KXAN covered the announcement by the nonprofit, which prepares young Latinas to enter college as first-generation students and prepares their mothers to support their college journeys.

President Fuentes, along with the other honorees, will receive their awards on April 12, 2024.

Eclipse transformed into calendars, snack boxes and magazines in St. Edward’s Lab

In celebration of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, KXAN interviewed Associate Professor of Graphic Design Jimmy Luu and his students about their incredible work created with a risograph aligning with this once in a lifetime experience!

2024 Remarkable Women winner for Central Texas revealed

Chelsea Elliott ’12 was named the winner for KXAN’s Remarkable Women contest — part of a nationwide initiative honoring women influencing public policy, social progress and quality of life. As a Central Texas winner, Elliott will travel to Los Angeles to be considered for the national Nexstar Media Group’s Woman of the Year award!

This award recognizes Elliott’s work with her nonprofit half Helen — providing underserved children and adults with low or no-cost eye exams and prescription glasses. Elliott has also advocated to help pass HB 3157, which expands access to preventative screenings in Texas.

Full spectrum business: A thriving workplace begins with higher ed — Table of Experts

Alexis Brown Stokes, dean for The Bill Munday School of Business at St. Edward’s University, sat down with The Austin Business Journal to discuss how higher education is evolving to accommodate future business leaders. Dean Stokes also mentions how St. Edward’s contributes to the thriving success of businesses in Austin.

Jacob’s Well, Barton Springs and other endangered ‘sacred springs’ highlight of kite exhibit

Associate Professor of Psychology Moira Martin spoke with KXAN about her efforts to bring the Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition to the Munday Library. KXAN highlighted how the beautiful kites are representing Central Texas' springs and important issues surrounding water conservation.

After losing eye, Austin woman helps the world see more clearly

Chelsea Elliott ’12 was named a finalist for KXAN’s Remarkable Women contest — part of a nationwide initiative operated by Nexstar Media honoring women influencing public policy, social progress and quality of life.

After graduating from the hilltop, Elliott created half Helen, a local nonprofit providing underserved children and adults with low or no-cost eye exams and prescription glasses. Elliott has also advocated to help pass HB 3157, which expands access to preventative screenings in Texas.

Beer Nerds, Get Thee to the Library!

In January, St. Edward’s University hosted Hillhops: A Celebration of Texas Beer History. Students, faculty, staff and the public were invited to learn about the Texas Craft Brewing scene, browse the archives, attend panels, network with industry pros and taste some brews. Texas Monthly published an article highlighting the Munday Library’s archive as well as the successful Hillhops event that was held.

Austin runner to compete in Olympics marathon trials

David Fuentes '09, the first sole cross country student-athlete to be inducted into the SEU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018, competed in the Olympics marathon trials in Orlando, Florida in early February! KXAN spoke with Fuentes about his training and preparation for the marathon trials.

Transit Forward study shows history of housing inequity in Austin

KVUE conducted a live news report on a new study written by Catherine Ridge '24, a Political Science major, that was published in Transit Forward. The study covers the importance of creating more affordable housing near public transportation, and how racism influenced past zoning decisions in Austin.

How a St. Edward's University graduate hopes to find cure for sister's condition

Haley Ruiz '23 is utilizing her education from St. Edward’s University and experience as a pediatric care nurse to make a difference in the world. Ruiz, a first-generation student, accepted her well-earned Biology degree at December Commencement and plans to become a neurosurgeon to help discover solutions for Craniosynostosis — a birth defect her younger sister is living with. Ruiz shared her story about her academic journey on the hilltop with The Austin American Statesman.

The Glass Ceiling: Myth Of Manifestation? — Table Of Experts

St. Edward’s University President Montserrat Fuentes sat down with The Austin Business Journal and a panel of successful business women to discuss women empowerment and explore the nuances of the glass ceiling.

Study Names Austin ‘Best College Town’ In America

For the third year in a row, WalletHub has named Austin the top college town in the country based on academic, social and economic opportunities for students. KXAN is one of numerous news outlets to share the news on what makes Austin a great place for prospective Hilltoppers.

What’s Behind The Growth In Central Texas Health Care? Here’s What You Need To Know

The Austin American Statesman wrote an article highlighting positive changes in Central Texas health care. In the article, journalists mentioned the new Nursing program at St. Edward’s University as one of the latest programs aiming to improve the nursing field in our area.

What’s The Oldest Tree In Austin?

KUT spoke with BSS Graduate Specialist Lindsey Taucher and St. Edward’s University Arborist Roy Johnson about our beloved Sorin Oak as the station sought to find out “what is the oldest tree in Austin?”

Scrimmage With St. Edward's A Homecoming Of Sorts For Texas Basketball Coach Rodney Terry

The Austin American Statesman spoke with St. Edward’s University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Andre Cook and University of Texas Head Men’s Basketball Coach Rodney Terry about the highly anticipated preseason exhibition match at the Moody Center. Terry, a St. Edward’s graduate, talked about his memorable experience as a student on the hilltop.

14 Colleges And Universities Are Lauded For Boosting Latino Enrollment And Retention Rates

Excelencia in Education honored St. Edward’s University with the prestigious Seal of Excelencia for its academic success, retention and graduation rates for Latino students. St. Edward’s is the only Catholic university, first private university in Texas and second private university in the U.S. to earn this distinguished three-year certification. NBC News provided coverage for this year’s certificate recipients.

St. Edward's opens pantry to help students with food insecurity

St. Edward’s University recently partnered with the Central Texas Food Bank and the City of Austin to provide a food pantry on campus, known as The Huddle, where students, faculty and staff have access to free food, clothes and additional essentials that meet their needs. KVUE News covered the opening of The Huddle and spoke with Hilltoppers about the significance of this resource.

9 Things I Miss About Living In Austin After Moving To New York 4 Years Ago — And 3 Things I'm Happy I Left Behind

Insider journalist and St. Edward’s University graduate Joey Hadden wrote an article comparing her life in New York City to her previous years in Austin, Texas. Hadden highlights their fondest memories in Austin and their time on the hilltop.

St. Edward’s University ventures into nursing education

Donna Beuk, our founding Director of Nursing, spoke with the Austin Business Journal about our new Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program at St. Edward’s, as well as plans to renovate parts of Fleck Hall into a space for clinical training for nursing students.

Police misconduct cost Austin $73 million over 10 years. Here’s why

The Austin American Statesman interviewed Warren Andresen, professor of Political Science, regarding settlement amounts stemming from Austin police misconduct lawsuits over a decade.

INSIGHT: St. Edward’s University nursing program

In a live in-studio interview with KXAN, Donna Beuk, our founding Director of Nursing, discussed how our new Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program provides working RNs innovative training and experiential education that advances their careers as highly skilled, compassionate nursing professionals.

Partnership between local universities adds more housing for Huston-Tillotson students

Lisa Kirkpatrick, Vice President for Student Affairs, spoke with KXAN about a new partnership between St. Edward’s University and Huston-Tillotson University (HT) that will provide exclusive use of Teresa Hall housing for up to 150 HT students starting in fall 2023.

How to take better phone pictures at concerts, according to a musician

Joey Hadden, Insider reporter, musician and St. Edward’s University graduate, published an article about the best methods for capturing photos during a concert. The Insider article was also shared in Yahoo! News — garnering a lot of attention for Hadden’s skills.

Is Threads still considered a rival to Twitter? Expert weighs in

Tyler Mount, digital strategist and St. Edward’s University 2023 Alumni Achievement Award recipient, spoke with KXAN about the recent launch of Threads — Meta's new text-based social media app.

Ron DeSantis wants to ax an agency that investigated Hunter Biden

Brian Smith, professor of Political Science, shared his expertise and thoughts with NBC News in regards to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis claiming he'd like to abolish multiple federal agencies if he wins the presidency.

Austin and St. Edward’s University with Dr. Montse Fuentes

St. Edward’s University President Montserrat Fuentes is this week’s featured guest on Austin Tech Connect, the official podcast of the Austin Technology Council. In this conversation, President Fuentes discusses the mission of St. Edward’s and how the hilltop plays a vital role in the future of Austin’s ever-evolving tech community.

Delaware Bill Would Ban ‘Gay Panic’ Defense

Carsten Andresen, associate professor of Criminal Justice at St. Edward’s University, spoke with the Washington Blade about a Delaware bill that would ban the controversial ‘gay panic’ defense.

Why You Should Visit Austin’s Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

The San Antonio Express-News published a travel piece highlighting the beauty of the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve and the robust research conducted at the St. Edward’s Wild Basin Creative Research Center.

Tracking Threats, ‘State Of Emergency’ For LGBTQ+ People In U.S.

The Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for members of the LGBTQ+ community in the United State during Pride Month in June. Carsten Andresen, associate professor of Criminal Justice at St. Edward’s University, discussed these growing safety concerns with KXAN.

Austin American Statesman Journalists Go On Strike Demanding Better Wages

Journalists with the Austin American Statesman recently went on strike demanding better wages as Austin’s cost of living continues to rise. Jena Heath, professor of Journalism and Digital Media at St. Edward’s University, shared her thoughts on this matter with KXAN.

Texas AG Ken Paxton Allegations Come To A Head At Capitol

Professor of Political Science Brian Smith spoke with Fox 7 Austin about the ongoing fallout surrounding Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Who Is ‘Moody,’ And Why Is Everything In Austin Named After Them?

It’s a popular name heard throughout Austin: Moody. KUT Radio dives into why so many buildings — including multiple at St. Edward’s University — go by this name, which has become a staple in the Austin community.

Texas Ranks As Worst State For Mental Healthcare

Texas is now ranked as the worst state for mental healthcare, according to a recent Forbes study. St. Edward’s University Director of Counseling Services Molly Wang spoke with KXAN about the resources available for students on the hilltop and shared her input on this concerning topic.

Twins At St. Edward’s University Help Reduce The School’s Carbon Footprint

Ethan Tobias '23 spoke with KXAN about Earth Week 2023 and the university’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability on the hilltop.

Table of Experts: From Campus To The Workplace – Austin Needs Equitable Opportunities To Elevate The Hispanic Community

The Austin Business Journal sat down with a roundtable of experts — including St. Edward’s University President Montserrat Fuentes — to discuss how Austin’s educational systems can improve support for the Hispanic and Latino community.