UTSA's Laura Rendon among most powerful, influential Texas women
From left are Dennis Kennedy (CEO-founder of National Diversity Council), Laura Rendon and Angeles Valenciano (president-EVP of National Diversity Council)
From left are Dennis Kennedy (CEO-founder of National Diversity Council), Laura Rendon and Angeles Valenciano (president-EVP of National Diversity Council)
Share this Story(April 18. 2013) -- Laura I. Rendón, UTSA professor of educational leadership and policy studies, was named one of the Most Powerful and Influential Women in Texas by the National Diversity Council. She received the award at the Texas Diversity Council's ninth annual Texas Diversity and Leadership Conference in Dallas.
"I am humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award on behalf of all who work diligently and tirelessly on improving education for underserved student populations," said Rendón.
Rendón is a nationally recognized scholar and researcher in higher education issues concerning access, retention and graduation of low-income, first-generation college students and the transformation of teaching and learning to emphasize wholeness and social justice.
She is co-director of the UTSA Center for Research and Policy in Education in the College of Education and Human Development, which engages in research that informs the education community about critical factors that affect the academic success of key student groups.
Rendón serves on the board of the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, chairs the Student Success Institute of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) and is a member of the Education Leadership Council at the Garrison Institute. She is co-founder and past board chair of the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships and past president of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), the nation's premier scholarly organization focusing on higher education research.
Additionally, Rendón developed the theory of validation, which has been employed as a framework for working with and affirming students of color, many of whom are low-income and the first in their families to attend college. As a leader in the field of college access and achievement, Rendón's research has been featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education and the PBS documentary, "The College Track." Rendón is a frequent speaker at colleges and universities throughout the nation on topics related to improving persistence and completion.
"Laura's professional work has deeply influenced the way higher education institutions understand and serve their increasingly diverse student populations," said Lisa Firmin, UTSA associate provost for faculty and student diversity and recruitment. "She is a tremendous asset to UTSA as we move toward becoming a Tier One institution."
UTSA promotes diversity across its campuses with inclusiveness as one of its core values. In the May 2012 edition of The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education, UTSA was ranked No. 5 in the nation in the number of undergraduate degrees awarded to Hispanic students and No. 12 nationally in the number of master's degrees awarded to Hispanics. Additionally, UTSA was among 27 higher education institutions across the nation honored in 2012 for its commitment to diversity by Minority Access Inc.
This is the third consecutive year that a UTSA administrator has received the honor from the National Diversity Council. Lisa Firmin was selected in 2012 and Lynda de la Viña, UTSA professor of entrepreneurship and technology management and former dean of the College of Business, was selected in 2011.
Events
Led by UTSA Campus Recreation, these in-person group exercise sessions provide survivors a safe space to focus on their bodies' power to foster a sense of agency. Bring your mask and yoga mat and experience a soothing sound bath at sunrise. Students must register online before attending these sessions.
Recreation and Wellness Center, Main CampusCommunication between parents and youth can be difficult and the stress of COVID-19 and virtual learning may have made things worse. This is an opportunity for parents and youth, ages 9-17, to learn and share how to enchance communication.
Virtual EventThe virtial event will feature undergraduate student research and creative endeavors from across the university. Students who have participated in research experiences beginning summer 2020 through Spring 2021 are invited to participate.
Virtual EventBy participating in this training you will feel more prepared to recognize potential harm on a spectrum, decide how you would respond in certain situations and take action to keep our Roadrunner Community safe.
Virtual EventAt UTSA, there are many ways to connect with others, gain relevant career experience, and leave your mark at a world-ranked university. With over 300 student organizations, there’s something for everyone at UTSA. Hear from various UTSA Students Leaders about their life as a Roadrunner and why UTSA is their new home.
Virtual EventThis course is offered by UTSA's Employee Assistance Program EAP Deer Oaks. Every new beginning comes from something else ending, and in our ever changing world, it is essential to develop the ability topositively cope with change. This session provides participants with the insight to understand the nature of change and learn how to effectively deal with both the losses and the gains that change brings to one’s life.
Virtual EventOn April 28, 2021, millions of people across the world will wear jeans with a purpose, support survivors, and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence. To support this movement our donation drive will be items that we will be putting together to make Care Kits. These Care Kits are for students, faculty and staff to get in case of an emergency and they need to leave the situation they're in ASAP and do not have time to pack.
Ximenas Ave Garage
