Meet Your Admissions Counselor
Admissions Counselors (Freshman, Transfer, Graduate and Doctoral)
Our admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you have about admissions, financial aid, enrollment, degree programs, life at UIW and more. Scroll down to find your personal admissions counselor based on your high school.
Jessica was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and is a product of Catholic school education from kindergarten through high school. In 2003, she moved to San Antonio and began her career working with both high school and college students in education. In December 2015, she graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word with a master’s degree in Organizational Development.
Three random things about Jessica:
- I collect crosses for my cross wall at home.
- My favorite colors are red and black.
- I’m secretly addicted to watching foreign crime series on Netflix.
For me, at UIW, the WORD is Connectivity! There are so many opportunities for students to connect with other people on the UIW campus. In the process, you will develop your own connection to the school which will help you as you work toward your academic goals. I tell students all the time: get to know your professors and administrators, get involved, build those lasting relationships. College will be what you make of it; you’ll get out of it what you put in to it—so put your best foot forward! And if you’re not sure where to start, come see me, and I’ll be glad to help you!
Steven Puente
Associate Director of Freshman Admissions
Phone: (210) 805-2542
Email: srpuente@uiwtx.edu
Steven was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and is a graduate of McCollum High School. In December 2015, he graduated with his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of the Incarnate Word. He is now pursuing his Master of Business Administration.
Three random things about Steven:
- I love watching anime.
- I used to be a DJ!
- I love playing guitar.
For me, at UIW, the WORD is Future! The reason I chose to get my undergraduate degree, specifically from UIW, was to better my future. UIW showed me the dedication they have from the staff and faculty to help me achieve my goals. It’s true: The first key to success starts here, with UIW.
Ali was born and raised in Laredo, Texas, and is a graduate of John B. Alexander High School. Ali graduated from Texas A&M International University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
Three random things about Ali:
- My dog's name is Ben Taylor. Yes, he has a middle name.
- I am a Bad Bunny and Olivia Rodrigo stan.
- I can eat dim sum for every meal! Yummy!
For me, at UIW, the WORD is Opportunity! The opportunities UIW has to offer are endless. You may find opportunities as a student or as a professional in your chosen career once you are a UIW alum. During your undergraduate journey, you will find many opportunities to be a leader, lend a helping hand and/or build a rapport with your professors, peers and administrators.
Freshman Admissions Counselors
Emmanuel De La Cruz
Freshman Admissions Counselor
Phone: (210) 890-8986
Email: efdelacr@uiwtx.edu
Emmanuel is a native to San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Central Catholic High School, and he is a proud alumnus of the University of the Incarnate Word Class of 2020. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Psychology. Emmanuel is currently pursing a Master of Arts in Higher Education.
Three random things about Emmanuel:
- I've played lacrosse for over 11 years.
- I'm a huge DC Comics fan!
- I plan to visit all 63 National Parks in the United States.
For me, at UIW, the WORD is Passion! As an alumnus, I found that my experience as a work-study, student and club-sports athlete helped me establish a passion for UIW. The faculty and staff are ready to help students in any way possible, and our student body creates a positive experience for everyone. From our admissions counselors to our diverse student workers, UIW is eager and ready to show you what makes us unique. Our passion for this university and for what we do will automatically make you feel like you belong in the Nest!
- Brackenridge High School
- Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering
- Brooks Collegiate Academy
- Burbank High School
- CAST Med High School
- CAST STEM High School
- CAST Tech High School
- Cole (Ft Sam) High School
- Cooper Academy
- Del Rio
- Devine
- Eagle Pass
- Edison High School
- El Paso area high schools
- Fox Tech High School
- Frank Madla Early College High School
- Frank Tejeda Academy
- Gateway Christian School
- Harlandale High School
- Harlandale ISD
- Harlandale Stem ECHS Palo Alto
- Healy Murphy High School
- Henry Ford Academy Alameda School for Art Design
- Highlands High School
- IDEA Academy - South Flores
- IDEA Carver College Preparatory
- IDEA Eastside College Prep
- IDEA Monterrey Park College Preparatory
- IDEA Walzem College Preparatory
- Jefferson High School
- Jubilee Academic Center
- Kennedy High School
- Keystone School
- KIPP University Prep High School
- Lanier High School
- Laredo
- Lutheran High School SA
- McCollum High School
- Memorial High School
- Milton B Lee Academy of Science and Engineering
- Natalia High School
- Rick Hawkins Charter (School of Excellence)
- Sam Houston High School
- Somerset High School
- South of San Antonio
- Southside ISD
- Southside of San Antonio
- Southwest Legacy High School
- Southwest of San Antonio
- St. Philips Early College High School
- Stacey High School
- STEM Early College
- Travis Early College
- Young Women's Leadership Academy
Gabriella was born and raised here in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University and is set to graduate in August of 2022.
Three random things about Gabriella:
- I am a big fan of the San Antonio Spurs! Go Spurs Go!
- My favorite drink from Starbucks is a grande salted caramel cold foam cold brew.
- Justin Bieber follows me on Twitter!
For me, here at UIW, the WORD is Serve! Our top priority is to serve our students and our community. I am so thankful to be a part of an institution that does everything they can to provide for and serve their students, faculty and staff. If you ever need anything, we will always do our best to serve you!
Jacob was raised in Carrizo Springs, Texas. He is a graduate of Carrizo Spring High School. After high school, he attended the University of Texas at San Antonio where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 2020.
Three random facts about Jacob:
- I am a video game enthusiast.
- I try to go to multiple concerts a month.
- My dream vacation is Japan.
For me, here at UIW, the WORD is Community! Our top priority is to serve our students and our community. I am so thankful to be a part of an institution that does everything it can to provide for and serve its students, faculty and staff. If you ever need anything, we will always do our best to serve you!
Transfer and Graduate Admissions Counselors
Kristina Orquiz
Transfer and Graduate Counselor
Phone: (210) 805-3557
Email: korquiz@uiwtx.edu
Kristina grew up in the small coastal town of Portland, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduating, she gained experience working in the fields of healthcare and education.
Three random things about Kristina:
- I am a huge fan of music and have been to hundreds of concerts and shows.
- As a former teacher, I love to learn new things. I am currently working on my coding skills!
- I enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors both here in Texas and across the United States.
For me, at UIW, the WORD is Involved! At UIW, you have the opportunity to engage authentically with your major through unique learning experiences and by cultivating valuable relationships with faculty. You can shape your UIW experience by participating in our many student organizations and campus events or by getting involved in the larger UIW community as we strive to advance the common good!
Admissions Staff
Dillon Duke
Assistant Director of Campus Events
Phone: (210) 805-3558
Email: dhduke@uiwtx.edu
Dillon is native to San Antonio, Texas, and is a Class of 2016 graduate from Louis D. Brandeis High School. He graduated from the University of Houston in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication and a minor in Human Resource Management.
Three random things about Dillon:
- I have the coolest office décor in the entire Admissions office.
- I control the music for any Admissions event.
- I used to be in the marching band.
For me, at UIW, the WORD is Balance! UIW possesses the best qualities of both a large and a small university. We provide the wide range of academic majors and opportunities as a large university while fostering the small school learning experience. At the end of the day, your university should be one that challenges you as well as one that you’re proud to call home.
Erica is from Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in History with Teacher Certification. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership with the UIW School of Professional Studies.
Three random things about Erica:
- I love to read! My favorites are romance, rom-com, fantasy and a combination of the three. I also cannot leave my home without my Kindle.
- My favorite snack is a plate of nachos with jalapeños from almost any fruiteria.
- My favorite place to be is on the beach!
For me, at UIW, the WORD is Support! Here at UIW, everyone is supportive and wants to help you succeed in all of your endeavors. Professors, staff and students alike are always willing to lend a helping hand in any way they can. If you are ever in need of support, or you know of someone who does, don’t be afraid to ask for help!