UIW Director and Student to Serve on the City of San Antonio Higher Education Student Advisory Board
The University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) Director of Accreditation and Quality Improvement, Victoria C. Shipley, was recently appointed as Chair of the City of San Antonio Higher Education Student Advisory Board (HESAB). HESAB “serves to help increase college enrollment, retention of college graduates, and advises the Mayor and City Council on policy matters of interest to students who are enrolled in colleges and universities in San Antonio” (saspeakup.com). She will be one of 11 members who will serve on the board, all currently enrolled in a local college or university: 10 District-appointed student-members appointed by their respective Council members and one student-member appointed by the Mayor of San Antonio.
After submitting a formal application to the HESAB, Shipley was 
honored to receive an official appointment from District 7 Councilwoman, Marina Alderete Gavito, to serve as Chair. She shared that this appointment is deeply personal to her due to her history with UIW.
“I am a firm believer that education is the ultimate ‘gamechanger,’” shared Shipley. “My connection to this community is a family affair, as both of my daughters are proud UIW alumnae. I want to be a visible example of what is possible when you pair a rigorous education with a commitment to service. My goal is to bridge the gap between city policy and the actual student experience, proving that we all have the power to make a difference … We aren't just earning degrees; we are building legacies.”
To her, UIW isn’t just her place of work but also a transformative place where she has actively witnessed the power of the UIW Mission. This opportunity is not only inspirational to her but a profound responsibility, as she strives to prove to every student in San Antonio, especially her UIW family, that they have a seat at the table. As Chair, she hopes to encourage students to reclaim the excitement and value of their education journeys, as it is an effective tool that has the power to change lives and communities.
“UIW invested in my leadership and my education, and I feel a deep sense of duty to invest that energy back into this amazing community,” said Shipley. “I want to ensure San Antonio provides an environment where students don’t just graduate, they thrive, stay and lead.”
UIW will also have additional representation on HESAB, as UIW Communication Arts Major, Eli Cohen, was appointed as Vice Chair. Cohen is a prospective 2028 graduate, who will receive his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication Arts. He looks forward to working in his new role and serving local students who are on their own academic journeys.
“In my role of Vice Chair for The City of San Antonio Higher Education Student Advisory Board, I hope to develop initiatives that increase college enrollment and improve graduate retention rates in San Antonio as well as ensure that my fellow students are informed about available city resources,” expressed Cohen.
Congratulations, Shipley and Cohen!