A distinguished administrator, faculty member and thought leader in the world of higher education for more than two decades.
Dr. Montserrat ‘Montse’ Fuentes began her role as president of St. Edward’s University in July 2021. Her historic inauguration as the first Hispanic president of St. Edward’s was held in February 2022. Since then President Fuentes has pursued numerous efforts to position St. Edward’s as a destination university for a more just world to accomplish our Strategic Plan 2027.
Dr. Fuentes’ career trajectory demonstrates the hallmarks of a profession in pursuit of excellence and service to others. Beyond her academic achievements, she has championed the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion through work that has helped women, minorities and disadvantaged students reach their full potential.
President Fuentes’ Career Highlights
Dr. Fuentes’ career trajectory demonstrates the hallmarks of a profession in pursuit of excellence and service to others. Beyond her academic achievements, she has championed the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion through work that has helped women, minorities and disadvantaged students reach their full potential.
Career Highlights and Achievements
- PhD in Statistics from the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Executive Vice President and Provost, University of Iowa
- Dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Department Head of the Department of Statistics at North Carolina State University
- Goodnight Distinguished Professor of Statistics at North Carolina State University
- Visiting Scientist or researcher at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Lucent Technologies and AT&T Bell Labs
- North Carolina State’s Equity of Women award, for major contributions to the equity and wellbeing of women (2013)
- Director of STATMOS (2011–2016), an NSF funded center created to promote multi-institutional and interdisciplinary research and training at the interface of Statistics, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, with 200 members and 21 affiliated institutions
- Research grants from the National Science Foundation, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Editor for the Journal of the American Statistical Association, Applications and Case Studies, (JASA-ACS), among other scientific publications
- Medal of Distinguished Achievement by the American Statistical Association, Environmental Statistics Section for major statistical methodology contributions, leadership and mentoring roles (2017)
- National Academy of Sciences, participant in math, air quality and STEM committees
Awards
- Recognized for impact in the Austin community, reflected in the “Corazon Award” from Con Mi Madre
- President named “Power Player” from Austin Business Journal
- President named “Change Maker” from the Austin Woman Magazine
Board Service
2024–Present Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Trustee
2024–Present Council of Independent Colleges Board of Directors
2023–Present Ascension Seton Board
2023–Present Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas Advisory Board
2022–Present National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) Committee on Student Aid
2022–Present Austin Community Foundation Board of Governors
2022–2024 Frost Bank Advisory Board
2021–Present Catholic Cemetery Association of Austin
2021–Present The Austin Symphony Honorary Advisory Council
2021–Present Austin Area Research Organization (AARO)
2021–Present Assumption Cemetery Board of Directors (Chair)
2021–2024 Ballet Austin Board of Directors
2010–2011 US EPA. Science Advisory Board, Trichloroethylene (TCE) Panel
2009–2015 National Children Study. iSMOC committee
2007 Department of Justice. (U.S. v. American Electric Power)
Expert Witness and Consultant
2006–2007 US EPA. Ethylene Oxide Review Panel
2005–2009 NIH. Member of the Biostatistical Methods and Research Design(BMRD) Study Section
2004–2009 US EPA. Science Advisory Board Integrated Human Exposure Committee (second term)
Podcasts and Op-Eds
“Austin and St. Edward’s University with Dr. Montse Fuentes”
Podcast: Austin Technology Council (Spotify)
“Leaders on Leadership: Montserrat Fuentes”
Podcast: Academic Search (Podbean)
“Women and Minority Leaders in Education”
Podcast: Leading Out The Woods (Apple/Spotify)
The Plexuss Presidential Podcast Series with Montse Fuentes
Podcast: Plexuss (Apple/Spotify)
The Tale of Two Presidents
Podcast: Varying Viewpoints with Dr. Melva Wallace, Rutgers University (SoundCloud)
It's Time to Double Pell Because All Students Deserve a Transformative Education
Op-Ed: Diverse Education
Intentionality is Key in First-generation Student Success
Op-Ed: Diverse Education
First-Generation College Students Succeed With Targeted Support, Not Luck
Op Ed: Austin American-Statesman