UT San Antonio Navigate

About Josh

I earned 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. After practicing law for several years and teaching at St. Mary's Law School, I discovered a passion for higher education and student success.

Throughout my time in higher education, I've experienced it from multiple perspectives: as a student, professor, Student Success Coach, and Associate Director of Student Success Coaching. Those experiences help me meet students where they are and support them as they navigate challenges and work toward their goals. I take a forward-focused, non-judgmental approach to my work and enjoy finding practical solutions to complex problems.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, playing guitar, and tackling DIY projects around the house.

About Sofia

Hi! I'm Sofia, a Student Success Coach at UT San Antonio. 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!

About Austin

I’ve had the opportunity to work with university students and English Language Learners from many different backgrounds, helping students find the resources, strategies, and support they need to move forward. Those experiences taught me that there isn’t one “right” way to navigate college, and sometimes having someone in your corner can make all the difference.

As a Student Success Coach, I enjoy helping First-Gen students adjust to university life, work through challenges, and build the confidence and skills they need to pursue their academic goals.

Outside of work, I’m naturally curious about languages, cultures, and niche communities. I also enjoy video games, role-playing games, movies, shows, and pretty much anything that tells a good story. I look forward to hearing yours and being part of your first year at UT San Antonio.

About Sabrina

Hi, I’m Sabrina, and welcome to UT San Antonio! I’m so excited to get to know you!

I’m originally from Kyle, Texas and moved to San Antonio to attend college at Our Lady of the Lake University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management. I’ve worked in higher education for five years, and while I’ve enjoyed so much of my experience, being a Success Coach has been my absolute favorite! As the first person in my family to earn a college degree, I am incredibly grateful for the people who helped me get to where I am today. I’m passionate about providing that same support and encouragement to my students. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our five pets (three cats and two dogs), exploring new coffee shops, checking out local markets, obsessing over horror movies, and creating content for my YouTube channel!

About Alondra

Hey Roadrunners!

My name is Alondra, and I am grateful you are here! Believe it or not, you are the reason I decided to become a Student Success Coach.

Being the first in your family to navigate uncharted waters takes courage, even when you don't always feel courageous. I know because I have walked in your shoes and made it across the stage twice! There is already enough pressure from society, family, and even ourselves to be successful. I'm here to help lighten some of that weight by sharing in your joy, listening to you, offering guidance, and encouraging you through the challenges that come along the way.

You were invited into Navigate because you are so much more than a title, an experience, or someone else's expectations. I hope this year gives you opportunities to learn more about yourself and discover just how much you're capable of. We'll get to know each other throughout your first year at UT San Antonio as we work through the things that may be getting in the way of your success.

A fun fact about me is that I'm not originally from Texas. I'm from the heartland where Dorothy lived with her dog Toto. She lived about 20 miles south of me, but that was before the tornado destroyed her home and whirled her away 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.

About Kierra

Hi Roadrunners! My name is Kierra Hoye, and I am excited to be your Student Success Coach. Before working in higher education, I worked as a teacher, where I developed a passion for helping others learn, grow, and recognize what they're capable of. As a First-Gen college graduate who attended both Austin College and Baylor University, I understand the challenges that can come with navigating college and finding your place along the way.

Supporting students, especially First-Gen students, is meaningful to me because I know the impact of having someone in your corner. As your coach, you can expect encouragement, accountability, and a judgment-free space where we focus on building confidence and creating small, achievable steps toward your bigger goals. My goal is for every student to leave our conversations feeling supported, empowered, and ready for what's next.

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.

About Kari

Hi! I'm Kari, your Student Success Transfer Advisor for the UT San Antonio Navigate program at Northwest Vista. I'll be here to answer questions, connect you with resources, and support you throughout your transfer journey.

Originally from the St. Louis area, I earned my BA in Communications in my home state. While pursuing my master's degree, I discovered my love for Texas and for helping students succeed. I know transferring to a university can bring a lot of questions and new experiences, and my goal is to help make that transition feel a little easier to navigate. Whether you're figuring out your next step or just aren't sure who to ask, I'm here to help you find the answers and resources you need.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, volunteering at church, and exploring the world around me.

I look forward to supporting your successful transition to UT San Antonio!