A Look Back on the Year with Our President
Notable highlights of President Fuentes’ efforts to position St. Edward’s as a destination university for a more just world.
Over the last two years, President Montserrat Fuentes has led St. Edward’s through transformative change, embarking on Strategic Plan 2027 and establishing the groundwork for becoming a destination university for a more just world. Throughout the past year, her commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement was evident whether in the classroom, on campus, in the Austin area or around the country. We invite you to take a look back at some of the highlights from our president’s 2022-2023 academic year on the hilltop.
Championing a Vibrant Hilltop
From welcoming new and returning students back to campus during Welcome Days to cheering on graduating classes during Commencement, Dr. Fuentes championed our university’s spirit of valuing different perspectives, made inclusive connections and celebrated our vibrancy. In the fall, Dr. Fuentes returned to her roots as a professor of mathematics to teach a course in applied statistics.
Serving the Austin Community and Beyond
Dr. Fuentes’ commitment to community service spanned across the Austin region, as evidenced by her active involvement in serving on various organizations' boards, including Ballet Austin and Ascension Texas. In addition, she continued to foster relationships between St. Edward’s and key business and community leaders, as well as with leaders of peer institutions and our esteemed alumni. This was achieved through her participation in panel discussions and speaking engagements, where she addressed important issues relevant to our university’s mission.
Connecting with Hilltoppers Abroad
Our university’s global impact continued to grow with a population representing 46 countries and unique study abroad and international studies programs. In the spring, Dr. Fuentes led her first international trip to Panama City, Panama. During this trip, she — along with representatives from Enrollment Management and University Advancement — engaged with students at La Academia Interamericana de Panamá, Colegio Brader, and Balboa Academy, and visited with college counselors, alumni, donors and other supporters of St. Edward’s University.