1-on-1 coaching, guided learning and financial
incentives to help first-gen students thrive

UT San Antonio Navigate

What is Navigate?

Navigate is a student success program designed to support first-generation, first-year Roadrunners. Participants connect with a dedicated Success Coach, complete short, practical learning experiences and receive financial incentives tied to engagement milestones. The goal is simple: to help you feel confident, connected and in control of your college journey.

How it works

Coaching

Meet regularly with a Success Coach who helps you set goals, balance school/work/life and access campus resources. Sessions are flexible and tailored to you.

Learning Pathways

Complete brief, interactive activities in three areas — Career and Personal Discovery, Academic Success, and Managing Life — to build skills you can use right away.

Incentives

Earn milestone-based financial incentives for staying engaged (like meeting with your coach or completing pathway activities) and a retention grant when you complete all program requirements (details provided to invited students).

Who is Eligible

  • First-generation, full-time undergraduate students in their first year at UT San Antonio
  • Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (as identified by university data)
  • Invitation-only based on eligibility criteria

What's in it for you

Study Smarter

Set goals and develop strategies for academic success

Life Skills

Learn time and stress management methods, financial literacy skills and more

Belonging and Support

Gain a coach in your corner and build a network on campus

Momentum and Recognition

Earn financial incentives that reward steady engagement

Career Exploration

Evaluate your interests, strengths and values to explore professional pathways

Meet your coaches

You'll be paired with a Success Coach who knows your goals and checks in regularly.

Josh Childress

Josh Childress

Associate Director of Student Success Coaching

About Josh

  • I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2005 and my law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2009.
  • I practiced law for several years and taught law at St. Mary’s University 
  • I bring over a decade of experience in higher education to this position (as a student, professor, and Associate Director of Student Success Coaching).
  • I am forward-focused, non-judgmental, and a problem solver.
  • When I’m not helping students overcome academic obstacles, I enjoy playing with my kids, chatting with my wife, and DIY-ing.
Sofia Rios Miranda

Sofia Rios Miranda

Make an appointment with Sofia

About Sofia

Hi! I'm Sofia, a Student Success Coach at UTSA. Originally from Mexico, I've lived, studied and worked in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. I hold a joint Ph.D. from Monash University and the University of Warwick, where my research focused on Mexican telenovelas (someone had to study all that drama!). Throughout my own education, the support and encouragement I received from faculty and staff made a real difference, and because education has changed my life, I'm grateful to support First-Gen students on their own journey. Outside of work, I love traveling, experiencing different food cultures, taking photos, tap dancing and watching movies and TV. I'm also fluent in Spanish and am happy to connect in either English or Spanish. Looking forward to meeting y'all!

Austin Bonecutter-Knight

Austin Bonecutter-Knight

Make an appointment with Austin

About Austin

I have experience working with diverse university students and English Language Learners from many backgrounds. While working with ATE, I provided student success support through programs like the Teacher Candidate Customized Plan (TCCP), the Teacher Academy Learning Community Summer Institute (TALC-SI), and others. As a student success coach, I strive to assist First-Gen students as they enter into the University so they can reach academic greatness. Outside of work, I love to explore and learn about other languages and cultures as well as niche communities. I play video games and role-playing games, watch movies and shows, and otherwise enjoy stories.

Sabrina Arismendez

About Sabrina

Raised in Kyle, TX, I later moved to San Antonio to attend Our Lady of the Lake University and obtained both my bachelor's in psychology and master's in nonprofit management. I find true fulfillment in assisting students in developing both academically and professionally throughout their educational journey. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and our five pets. You’ll often find me exploring local markets, discovering new favorite spots, watching movies, or rewatching my favorite TV shows.

Alondra Lerma

About Alondra

My name is Alondra Lerma, and we will get to know each other throughout your first year here at UT San Antonio. I am thrilled to be a stepping stone and guide in your stride towards graduation. As a first-gen alum from UT San Antonio, I am excited to help you walk through this first year by providing you with structure, direction, advice, and hope. A fun fact about me is that I am not originally from Texas. I am from the heartland where Dorothy was living with her dog Toto. She lived 20 miles south of me, but that was before the tornado destroyed her home and whirled to a place called Oz. Anyhow, please believe me when I say I cannot wait to witness your growth and see you evolve into versions of yourselves that you never dreamed possible. 

Birds Up,

Alondra

 

Kierra Hoye

About Kierra

Hi Roadrunners! My name is Kierra Hoye, and I am thrilled to be your Student Success Coach! As a first-generation college graduate who attended both Austin College and Baylor University, I have firsthand experience navigating the unique highs and lows of college. Because of this, I am deeply passionate about helping others become the best versions of themselves and achieving their goals both inside and outside the classroom. I can’t wait to work with you and support you every step of the way. Outside of work, I love working out, reading on my Kindle, playing with my daughter, binge watching TV shows, and baking fresh bread and desserts!

FAQs

Navigate is currently an invite-only program. If you received an invitation, follow the instructions in your student email or contact jesse.lopez@utsa.edu.

Coaching sessions are brief and flexible. Learning activities are short and designed to fit your schedule.

Incentives are earned for meeting engagement milestones (like coaching sessions and pathway completion). Invited students will receive details via email.

Yes. Navigate is intentionally designed for first-generation students in their first year who meet eligibility criteria.

No problem! Your coach will help you build a plan that works with your unique schedule.

Contact and Next Steps

Email: jesse.lopez@utsa.edu
Office: MS 1.02.06 
If you received an invitation, check your UT San Antonio student email for instructions.

About the Grant

Navigate is supported by a U.S. Department of Education student success grant, reflecting UT San Antonio's commitment to closing equity gaps and improving student persistence. Program updates and outcomes will be added here beginning in Spring 2026.