Featured Speakers
Our featured speakers with their unique perspective, expertise and heart will inspire you. Learn more about our speakers and add their sessions to your schedule today!
Michelle Beasley, M.A.
Manager of Student Disability Services
Michelle's Bio
Michelle Beasley is the manager of the University of the Incarnate Word Student Disability Services (SDS). She has been with the University for twenty-one years. During that time, she earned a BBA in management and an M.A. through the University of the Incarnate Word School of Professional Studies (formerly ADCaP and now known as SPS). As a non-traditional student, she would not have been able to achieve either degree if not for a program such as SPS. Before working with Student Disability Services (SDS), she was an academic advisor at ADCaP. As she transitioned to SDS, her role changed from academic counselor to coordinator to manager.
Michelle’s role ensures that students have full access to the educational opportunities at the University of the Incarnate Word while fulfilling academic requirements. While also ensuring that her office is available for ongoing communication with faculty and students. Throughout her time at the University, she has had the pleasure of supporting students, faculty and staff.
Michelle Beasley can be reached by email at beasley@uiwtx.edu or by phone at (210) 829-3997. Her office is in the Administration Building, Suite 51.
Jessica Martinez-Palacios, M.Ed.
Associate Director of Online Teaching and Learning
Jessica's Bio
Raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Jessica loves to be known as a "Valley Girl.” She graduated from the University of Texas Pan-American with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Then she completed her master's degree with two concentrations: Higher Educational Leadership and Administration and E-Learning Technology and Design from Jones International University.
She joined the University of Texas Pan-American as an Instructional Developer Designer, where she was the lead trainer and designer for various courses and programs. She implemented and taught an Online Certification Course for faculty who were interested in teaching online. She received a Meritorious Service Award for increasing the number of online courses offered at The University of Texas Pan-American.
After moving to San Antonio in 2012, Jessica served at the University of the Incarnate Word (Broadway Campus). She worked with various subject matter experts to create web-augmented, blended/hybrid, flip classrooms and online courses. In addition, she was the lead designer in implementing the first UIW Main Campus Online and Blended Course Template.
Further, at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, she worked as an Instructional Designer, Educational Specialist and eLearning Specialist Program Coordinator. She maintained quality assurance and accessibility standards for the Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) and Master of Public Health (MPH).
Currently, Jessica serves as the Associate Director of Online Teaching and Learning at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Professional Studies. She oversees the quality of all courses and professional development. Also, she serves as an adjunct faculty. She has over twenty years of experience in Adult Education, Online Learning, Leadership, and working with Nonprofits. She is skilled in Curriculum Development, Course Design, Quality Matters, Quality Assurance Standards, Accessibility, Adult Learning Theories, Educational Technology Programs, Assessment Program Standards, and Professional Development. She is married to UIW alumnus Bishop Conrado Palacios, Jr., and they have a daughter named Ella.