The Word: UIW Community Newsletter - September 3, 2021

From left to right: Robert Tellone, Avsant managing partner and CEO; Kathy Bottaro, director of Instructional Technology Services; Dr. Darrell Haydon, CFO and vice president for Administrative Services; Dr. Denise Staudt, dean of the Dreeben School of Education; Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW president; Dr. Barbara Aranda-Naranjo, UIW provost; Neil Schroeder, CIO and associate vice president for Information Technology; and David Hoyle, Avsant service director.

As students return to the University of the Incarnate Word for the Fall 2021 semester, hundreds will notice a major change to their learning environment. Over the course of nine weeks during the summer, UIW has transformed 43 classrooms, auditoriums and other learning spaces with new technology to further enhance the learning experience.

With everything from high-definition wireless projectors with high sensitivity microphones, interactive digital displays, cameras, upgraded yet simplified control components and, in some rooms, minor furniture modifications, the changes will support new options in the classroom both in scheduling and participation. For example, students who may have had to miss class can join online within a fully interactive manner. Additionally, these new rooms can be used deliberately for hybrid instruction (in-person and online) or even to expand class sizes with online students where space and seat limitations may have been an issue in the past.

“The room installations were divided into different tiers of equipment and setup,” says Neil Schroeder, UIW chief information officer. “All tiers were designed to support full multi-modal instruction from completely in-person dynamic instruction to a full range of hybrid/hi-flex instruction options with few to many in the classroom and all others simultaneously online.  While the room types provided a basic standard, there was very careful deliberation with deans and faculty to not only identify the ideal rooms but specifically dial in each room's exact setup with faculty feedback.”

In August, Schroeder led a tour for UIW President Dr. Thomas M. Evans, Provost Dr. Barbara Aranda-Naranjo, and CFO and Vice President for Administrative Services Dr. Darrell Haydon demonstrating the facilities and their enhanced capabilities. Members of the Information Technology team assisted, showcasing the technology at work in the classroom. The $1.6 million worth of upgrades is considered the first phase of an investment that will cover all campuses at UIW.

“Even in the face-to-face environment, the highly dynamic active classrooms will provide a much more engaging student-centered experience,” says Schroeder.

Drs. Lucretia M. Fraga and Deepti Kharod, associate professors in the Teacher Education Program at the Dreeben School of Education, co-presented “Using Choice Board with Preservice Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic” at the annual International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference. ISTE is a global community of educators using technology to transform teaching and learning through innovative solutions.

“We were pleased to present this content to an online audience that was made up of K-12 and higher education faculty,” said Fraga.

The presentation covered an action research study focusing on higher education with the idea that approaches such as high-impact practices consider the learning needs of students. They explained how differentiated instruction goes further to address the needs of individual students due to the ample research to support the importance in K-12 settings. However, the research rarely addresses higher education use of choice boards with students.

“Choice boards are widely used in K-12 learning, but not in higher education,” said Kharod. “They are an excellent tool to increase student engagement by letting students choose from a menu of activities. Dr. Fraga and I created an online choice board for undergraduates in two sections of a Learning Theories course in Spring 2020 in response to the pandemic. The choice board allowed for flexibility in how students learned (content and resources) and how they expressed what they knew (assessment).”

Fraga has a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching with an emphasis in Instructional Technology. She has worked in the field of instructional technology for over 20 years. She has provided professional development to students, faculty and staff on how to use technology for instructional purposes. Fraga’s expertise includes pedagogical practices, instructional technology and design, teacher education, and professional development of faculty in higher education.

Kharod’s teaching focuses on early childhood and elementary education. Her research involves young children’s relationships with nature, including the role of play and caring. Kharod serves as co-editor of Early Years, the official journal of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. She also serves as the UIW chapter counselor for Kappa Delta Pi, an international education honor society. Prior to teaching pre-service teachers, Kharod taught elementary students for 10 years in San Antonio.

Dr. Halimin Herjanto, assistant professor of Marketing, and recent graduate Elizabeth Poole collaborated to research the dissatisfaction of cruise line passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Herjanto and Poole presented their research at the Phuket International Tourism Conference held on June 15, 2021, in Phuket, Thailand. The theme of the conference was "Crisis Management in Tourism and Hospitality: Challenges, Responses, and Recovery Strategies." The conference was hosted by Phuket Rajabhat University (Thailand) and UCSI University (Malaysia). Herjanto and Poole’s research was titled “Customer Dissatisfaction During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cruise Passenger Perspective.” The proceedings of the conference were recently released.

Meagan Garza, Class of 2023 Feik School of Pharmacy student, recently had her article selected for publication in the Summer 2021 edition of The Voice of Veterinary Pharmacy, published by the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists.  The title of the article is “A Collaborative Approach to Complimentary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine.” The article begins on page 6 and is also referenced prominently on the cover of the publication.

Read the publication and Garza's article

University Mission and Ministry, the Interfaith Council and the Student Interfaith Organization are calling our UIW and surrounding community to come together as we remember the events of September 11, 2001 on its 20th anniversary. During the service, prayers will be said for our nation and for the families of those who died. The service will be held virtually via our Mission and Ministry Zoom platform, on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at 5:30 p.m.

Register here

Faith Formation Opportunities - The Bible in a Year Study Groups, Confirmation Classes, and More

University Mission and Ministry invites students, faculty, and staff to form Bible Study groups using the Ascension Press Bible in a Year Podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz. A survey was created to identify when individuals are available to meet and who would like to serve as group facilitators. Once your information is gathered, groups will be matched with same days and times. Please complete the survey here. If you would like to facilitate a group, please indicate so in the survey. A facilitator meeting will be held on Sept. 12, 2021.

In addition to Bible Study, we are offering other opportunities for faith formation such as confirmation classes. For more information, complete the Faith Formation Interest Form here.

Need Prayers?

Our UIW family is always in our prayers. If you have a special intention for which you would like us to pray, please feel free to submit it through our prayer link or via email to ministry@uiwtx.edu.

Join our flock!

If you consider UIW your worshiping community, or simply want to stay connected to Mission and Ministry to receive information about our events, ministries, and other ministry-related news, we invite you to register as part of our University of the Incarnate Word Flocknote network. Flocknote is the best means we have of keeping connected with our UIW family and sharing information quickly. Registration is free and open to students, faculty, staff, administrators, Incarnate Word Sisters, alumni and friends of UIW.

Join Flocknote here

UIW was recently awarded $154,000 for health professions scholarships by the Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio (BHFSA) and Tenet Healthcare Corporation! The funds will benefit students enrolled in health professions programs ranging from undergraduate programs in nursing and nuclear medicine to the doctoral-level professional schools. UIW has a long-standing relationship with the foundation. Since the fall of 2006, the BHFSA has supported more than 300 individual UIW students with over $1.2 million in scholarship funding. Pictured receiving the check at a scholarship reception held on August 20 from left to right are Rick Kimbrough, UIW vice president of External Affairs; Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW president; and Jon Gillespie, UIW director of Foundation, Corporate and Government Relations.

Thank you, BHFSA and Tenet Healthcare! Our special thanks go to Cody Knowlton, president and CEO of the Baptist Health Foundation, and the foundation trustees for supporting UIW’s health professions students over the years.

Dr. Carson Cunningham, head coach of the UIW men’s basketball team, has published Alongside Hamilton, a historical fiction novel which opens with a Rough Rider scene set in San Antonio.

Alongside Hamilton tells the story of two unlikely friends who go to the Spanish-American War for different reasons: Ton out of principle, Rory to rescue his first true love, the Cuban heroine Carmen Castilla. But they go together, and they go as members of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, the most uncommon lot of soldiers America has ever seen. In the process, they come to represent the magnificent potential of America itself.

Learn more about the book

Did you know that since April 2020, our Cardinals have submitted 574 donation impacts totaling 11,773 community service hours in GivePulse?

In an effort to support the immediate needs of our community, the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability continues to partner with San Antonio's Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Charities to provide a variety of donations for those in need. Learn more about how Catholic Charities is supporting families and individuals displaced from Afghanistan.

For more information or to drop off donations, please contact the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability at ccl@uiwtx.edu, (210) 283-6423, or visit us on GivePulse.

Ruby Filoteo, junior graphic design student and editor of UIW's student-run newspaper The Logos, is a recipient of the 2021 Donna Muslin Scholarship. This scholarship was created to provide students a meaningful source of financial support and to encourage students to develop the necessary skills for greater success while in school and post-graduation. Funds are available for undergraduate students at the junior or senior level. Students must be enrolled full-time at UIW as a degree-seeking student to apply. A student must also maintain a GPA of 2.8 – 3.0 or above and submit a short essay that explains how these funds will help the student achieve his or her professional goals.

Donna Muslin Scholarship grants are awarded as reimbursements for eligible activities such as tuition costs, registration in a professional development opportunity and the purchase of professional business attire.

Learn more about the Donna Muslin Scholarship

UIW volleyball’s Macy Sumrall was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week for her performance at the ACU Invitational on Aug. 27 and 28. Sumrall wasted no time carrying over success from her sophomore season for the Cardinals, pushing her team to a 2-1 start after securing two wins over UT Arlington. The junior libero registered 76 digs over 14 sets to help the Cardinals hold their opponents to a .165 hitting percentage. The weekly honor marks the first of Sumrall’s career. UIW jumps back into action hosting the UIW Cardinal Classic Sept. 3-4 where they are set to face St. Thomas (Minn.) and Idaho State on Friday before closing out the weekend against Eastern Washington on Saturday.

Gina Gonzalez, BA ’02, began her career as an educator and is now a self-made small business owner. A UIW Alumni Association Board Member, Gonzalez shares how her experience at Incarnate Word impacted her unique journey.

Find the full story

Football season is here! Join your UIW Alumni and Parent Associations for a Cardinal-style tailgate on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. Our tailgate will begin at 5 p.m. in front of the Ann Barshop Natatorium (tailgate spots 10 - 12). Admission is only $5 per person and includes food and beverage (while supplies last).

Game tickets are not included and can be purchased online here.

UIW alumni receive an $8 discount at checkout using code "Alumni 2021" The discount is valid for stadium sections C and D only.

Purchase your UIW Alumni tailgate tickets

We are celebrating our Cardinal birthdays in a very special way! Your Alumni Association will hold a birthday raffle each month where you will have a chance to win a gift from us. If you have a birthday in September, you can enter the raffle here.

Happy Birthday to all our September Cardinals!

University of the Incarnate Word Athletic Director Richard Duran has announced the promotion of DaShena Stevens to Associate Athletic Director.

Stevens has been at UIW since December of 2020 as the Assistant Athletic Director of Business and Finance. Stevens also served as the sport administrator for UIW's fencing and spirit programs.

"I am so thankful for DaShena's time on the UIW team," Duran said. "The impact she has made, not only in Athletics, but also in establishing relationships with our campus partners, is invaluable. We have become a higher functioning department because of her efforts. This promotion not only recognizes her hard work, but it will allow her to have an even greater impact with the added responsibilities."

In her new role, Stevens will manage athletic financial services, facilities, and game/event operations. She will serve as the department's liaison to the University Human Resources, IT, facilities, and financial services departments.

"I want to thank Richard Duran and the University's leadership for this opportunity," said Stevens. "I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Cardinal family. As I continue to serve our department in this leadership capacity, I look forward to implementing our University's initiatives and improving the department's strategic goals."

Prior to UIW, Stevens spent two years at the University of North Carolina (UNC) where she was the Business Services Coordinator of Athletics. In that position, Stevens assisted in the preparation, administration and monitoring of an annual budget of $110 million. She also audited and processed various forms of payment including travel reimbursements, expense reports, and purchasing card charges for the department via the university's accounting system.

Stevens worked closely with men's and women's basketball, football and other departments in athletics to ensure journal entries were completed and processed accurately. Additionally, she handled the independent contractors process for volleyball, men's soccer, men's basketball and tennis. Stevens also managed the Aramark contract and reconciling revenue commission totaling $1.3 million.

Stevens holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from St. John's University, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2012. She earned a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from North Carolina Central in December 2020. Stevens has a daughter, Aria Burrell.

University of the Incarnate Word defensive backs coach Darren Garrigan said he believes the UIW secondary is poised to take a step forward this fall. The combination of experienced returners, transfers and freshmen has Garrigan excited for his group to get back on the field. Garrigan has set high expectations for his group knowing they will face explosive offenses in the Southland Conference this season.

"The DBs this year will be better because they have a better understanding of the game, better feel, and the key is more confidence within themselves," Garrigan said.

The Cardinal secondary features young defenders who saw plenty of action in the spring season. That knowledge has helped UIW prepare for the upcoming season.

Sophomore safety Elliot Davison gained valuable experience as a freshman in the spring, cementing himself as a starter in the secondary. He recorded 31 total tackles and got his first career interception against Lamar on March 6 in a 42-20 UIW victory. Garrigan highlighted Davison's flexibility and how he has grown from his freshman season.

"[He's] playing so much faster mentally this year than the spring where he was an all-conference as a freshman," Garrigan said. "He will strike you when he tackles and can cover like a corner."

Davison earned preseason second team all-conference honors for the fall. The 6-0, 162 lb. sophomore can strengthen his game this season, according to Garrigan.

Junior Brandon Richard made an impact at all levels of the Cardinal defense during the spring season, leading the defensive backs with 37 total tackles. He also intercepted one pass against Northwestern State on April 10. Garrigan praised Richard for his ball skills and coverage ability.

Garrigan highlighted graduate transfer Rashon Davis as a defender ready to contribute right away. Davis, a 6-0, 175 lb transfer from Austin Peay State University, played in 10 games for the Governors in 2019 before making his way to San Antonio.

"[He's] one of the smartest players I have ever coached," Garrigan said. "He picked up the defense quickly, understands concepts and is already the leader in the secondary."

Sophomore Kylan Thomas saw increased action at the end of the spring season, and Garrigan said he believes Thomas's role will continue to expand this fall.

"Kylan emerged late in the spring season. He had a great camp and is pushing to be a starter," Garrigan said. "Each day he continues to get better."

Garrigan also pointed to junior Tiji Paul as a camp standout who could get involved in the secondary rotation. Paul, a transfer from Kilgore College, will add depth in the secondary for the Cardinals.

Garrigan concluded, "As a DB Unit we take pride in playing fast, smart and physical. We have a deep unit with different DBs bringing unique skill sets to the table. We have a great mix of players that have been in the system for a few years, new freshmen, and new transfers. We are excited to see them communicate together on the field."

Purchasing season tickets is the best way to experience UIW Football. Season tickets start at $115. Single game tickets are also available for purchase. Fans can upgrade their game-day experience by adding a Cardinals Club membership.

Fans interested in buying new season tickets or single game tickets can do so by visiting Cardinals Ticket Central or by calling (210) 805-3000.

On Thursday, Sept. 9 beginning at 5:30 p.m., UIW Athletics will host a pep rally at Raising Cane's on Austin Highway ahead of UIW football's home opener against Prairie View! Come on out in your UIW gear to support Cardinal Athletics, enjoy some delicious food, meet Red the Cardinal and more!

Let's show everyone that this is #CardinalCity!

All UIW students, alumni, parents, friends and fans are welcome to attend. Follow UIW Athletics on social media @UIWAthletics for updates on additional pep rallies and all the fun and goodies you can expect there!

See you soon, Cardinal fans!

The University of the Incarnate Word continues to monitor the local, regional and state-wide progression of COVID-19 to inform decisions about safe campus operations. Updated COVID-19 guidance will continue to be shared in the coming weeks. Below you will find links to make an appointment for a COVID-19 test on one of UIW's campuses. Please note that both testing sites will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 6.

Schedule a COVID-19 test on the Broadway campus (students and employees ONLY)

Schedule a COVID-19 test at the UIWSOM campus (open to general public)