Provost's Message
Read message in English or Spanish.
Eva M. Fernández, PhD, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Greetings, and welcome to the University of the Incarnate Word!
Ours is a community committed to the transformational power of education, and I invite you to participate fully in realizing our empowering mission of educating men and women to become concerned and enlightened global citizens.
As UIW’s Chief Academic Officer, I work closely with academic leadership, deans, and faculty, to ensure the effective delivery of the more than 150 academic degrees and programs we offer, programs that cultivate the development of the whole person and advance life-long learning. Our learning environments are designed to foster intellectual curiosity and a sense of belonging; our research discoveries contribute to advancing truth, knowledge, and the common good; and our engagement with the community supports thoughtful innovation and care of the environment while promoting social justice.
On a personal note, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of education in my own life. It started with a fascination with language from a young age, deepened when I became bilingual after my family moved from Spain to the United States. My college experience opened my eyes to the many ways knowledge can be made, including to study language, and convinced me to continue my education by pursuing a doctoral degree. Education has provided me with enriching opportunities for personal growth and discovery. But perhaps more importantly, education has afforded me access to roles where I help advance such opportunities for others. The gift of learning continues to enrich my life every day. It’s a gift that I’m eager to share broadly.
How can learning (which can be so much fun!) be this impactful? Learning is deeply personal and at the same time transformational, intellectually challenging yet emotionally rewarding, rooted in ancient traditions yet constantly evolving toward the future. Ultimately, learning is key for promoting social mobility, education being our single most effective tool to empower people to lift themselves and their families.
Join me in reflecting on how education has shaped your own journey and on how together we can advance UIW’s mission. Praised be the Incarnate Word.