Showcasing Transformation at the Nest

The Homecoming season offers an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) and its place in the hearts and minds of all that choose to call the Nest home.

It is in that spirit that UIW President Dr. Thomas M. Evans delivered his annual President’s Homecoming Address. This year’s theme was "What does it mean to be transformed?”. Evans invited UIW students, alumni, faculty, staff, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) across U.S., Mexico and online locations to join him either in person or online on Tuesday, Oct. 28 to hear how UIW has transformed Cardinals and made a difference in their lives.

 “When we think of Homecoming - home is not just a place,” he said. “Here at UIW, Homecoming is about community.”

Evans referred to the origins of the Incarnate Word community – the CCVI Sisters. Throughout its ongoing story, UIW hopes to live in the legacy of its founders by  transforming others within the broader Incarnate Word system.

Evans showcased how UIW’s reach extends from the Broadway campus, through its five Health Professions schools, international campuses based in Mexico and Europe, virtually through its online programs and even through the Brainpower Connections K-12 partners. Every part of UIW strives to be welcoming, caring and supportive. Evans recognized that this environment couldn’t be created without the people that make up the Incarnate Word family. Especially, the people committed to serving students in the classroom; its faculty.

To showcase the significant roles UIW faculty have, Evans welcomed Laura Cannon, associate professor in the department of History at the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Cannon recalled her first encounter with UIW at the age of 10, when she attended soccer camp. Year after year, Cannon returned to soccer camp, having felt the care that camp leaders had for her and her fellow members. These kind gestures stayed with Cannon throughout childhood, ultimately influencing her decision to attend UIW as an undergraduate student. She recalled many impactful professors she had the privilege of learning from throughout her four years including a Political Science instructor who canceled class to gather supplies for families experiencing loss during the destruction of Hurricane Katrina.

“Those experiences shaped how I see the world,” said Cannon. “They taught me empathy, curiosity and compassion and that education isn't just about learning facts, it's about learning how to be a good person in the world.”

Cannon now embraces the opportunity to teach and inspire her own students who will contribute to the world.

Evans then provided a look at current enrollment across the system and insights into student demographics. Every figure represented a student and their journeys. To highlight that point, the President invited student Jaclyn Moreno to share her story.

Moreno has attended UIW for seven years, she completed her Bachelor of Business Administration in 2023 and Master of Business Administration in 2025 and is currently working towards a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Feik School of Pharmacy. As an active and involved student, she has joined a number of organizations including Student Government Association, American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Honor Society and more. She has also had opportunities to represent UIW locally, regionally and nationally.

“Our Lord Jesus Christ suffering in the persons of a multitude of sick and infirm of every kind seeks relief at your hands,” said Moreno, reciting the words of Bishop Claude Dubuis. “They're pretty powerful words, and quite honestly, they inspired me. They became a constant reminder that every patient I serve, every student I mentor and every community I touch is a transformative time to bring back healing in our community … My journey, my experiences, the relationships that I've built here have truly transformed who I am as a person, as a servant leader, as a lifelong learner and as a future pharmacist who's developing to transform lives, just as UIW has transformed me.”

Evans also gave a look into the development of Founder’s Hall. A clinic, labs, UIW Police headquarters, classrooms and more are expected to be ready for students, faculty and staff by fall 2026.

He then invited to stage Right Rev. Trevor Alexander, DD, a UIW alumnus, adjunct faculty and UIW’s Protestant Chaplain. Alexander recalled how he first came across UIW and how grateful he is to have found community within the University. To him, the institution’s environment and teachings of incarnational theology made him feel the sense of belonged that he was looking for.

“I have the gift of being able to serve students and faculty and staff with the same energy that I received here, with the same passion, with the same care, to help others find their way,” shared Alexander. “We get to do this.”

Across students, faculty and alumni, the transformative impact UIW has had on its community is ongoing. By honoring its roots and embracing innovative beginnings, the
University continues its Mission of educating men and women who will become concerned and enlightened citizens within the global community.

Evans smiled as he looked out upon the many faces that are a part of the Incarnate Word family. “Everyone here in this room has vocation at the University of the Incarnate Word, where no matter how long you are here, to be able to live and work in that Mission and further it, that's a really incredible thing that we get to do.”