SPS Student Services Team

Ann Islas is from San Antonio, Texas, and considers UIW home. She is a two-time alumna of The University of the Incarnate Word, earning a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in 2008 and a Master of Adult Education in 2010. Outside of work, she, along with her partner—who is also a UIW alum—are involved in several philanthropic organizations, ensuring she lives the mission of Incarnate Word to be of service to others. She is passionate about lifelong learning and believes it enriches our lives and empowers people to embrace new challenges and perspectives.

Christina Rollison is from San Antonio, Texas, and has been part of the Incarnate Word family since high school, graduating from Incarnate Word High School and then earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography at the Broadway campus in 2015, and finally a Master of Arts in Applied Administration with the School of Professional Studies. She works as an artist outside of the office in a variety of mediums. Christina hopes to provide students support as they pursue their passion and goals.

For me, at UIW, the WORD is Community. I have been part of the Incarnate Word family since high school. When I returned as adult learner to the Broadway campus, I was apprehensive about the type of experience it would be. However, quickly I was again part of a community. Fellow students of all ages, staff, instructors, advisors and so many more filled my time as a student and made the experience amazing. In my role, I hope to share that sense of community with those that I interact with. Community is part of why we welcome all Cardinals to the Nest!

Born and raised in San Antonio, Cynthia is an Incarnate Word High School Alumna Class of ’83. She then graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Administration in 2013 and finally her Master of Arts in Administration in Applied Administration in 2019 from the University of the Incarnate Word. She has worked with students for more than eight years through the Rosenberg School of Optometry and the School of Professional Studies. Cynthia has two sons, Colton, who graduated from UIW in 2016 and is an SAPD officer, and Michael, who is a junior at UIW majoring in Cyber Security. She loves spending time with her family fishing in Rockport. Cynthia believes in not waiting until tomorrow to do what you can do today and that education will open doors for a prosperous future.

For me, at UIW, the WORD is Thrive. When I applied to the School of Professional Studies to pursue my education, I knew it was the right decision for me. During my eight years at UIW, I was able to juggle family life, work life and college life to successfully graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Getting an excellent education is the first step to a successful career. I love being part of the UIW Cardinal Community and helping students achieve their dreams. Here at the School of Professional Studies, we will help you thrive in our Nest and guide you along the way through graduation.

Lorynn Salinas was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. She received her Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Laredo College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Texas A&M International University and is currently completing her Master of Arts degree in Administration at the University of the Incarnate Word. She enjoys working with students and bringing them clarity while on their learning journey.

For me, at UIW, the WORD is Empathy. I believe that the most comforting attribute any academic advisor can attain is empathy. Being an individual who strives for others to do their best, while feeling heard and cared about, really comes into play when advising students. While a student is reaching their goals in their college career, it is important to act as a part of their support system to create a more effective learning environment. Implementing empathy in students gives them a feeling of hope and feeling understood. Doing this for students will create a domino effect and they will pass this empathy on to their fellow peers. This creates a more supportive environment, one student at a time.

Born and raised in Chicago, Kathy has an Associate of Science Degree in Accounting, a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management and Development. She has over 15 years of experience working in higher education. Being a nontraditional student and working with excellent advisors and counselors gave her the love and passion to give back to students the way others gave to her.

For me, at UIW, the WORD is Encouragement. A quote by C.S. Lewis reads, in part, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." That is what I want to do — encourage you to set goals and dream." I have had many naysayers but I have had many more who encouraged me, even when I did not know they were doing it. Making the decision to go to school or go back to school is not one to be taken lightly and it gets hard. However, be encouraged that pushing on is worth it in the end. I will encourage my students till the end, when they receive that degree and proclaim, "I had a goal, I had a dream, and I MADE IT!"

Mark was raised in San Antonio, Texas. As a first-generation student, he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas State University. He found his passion and experience in Higher Education at The University of Texas at San Antonio while completing a Master's in Higher Education Administration. His passion continues to aid first-generation and other non-traditional students to succeed in their higher education journey. In his free time, he enjoys going to soccer games, movies and hanging out with his friends and dog.  

For me, at UIW, the WORD is Service. We are all here on this earth together and we should always help each other whenever we can. As professionals, we serve the students. As humans, we should always give back to our community because it truly takes a village. There are days that we do not have the strength, but service can be a small act of kindness, such as a smile, a hug or a thank you. These acts of kindness have a greater impact than we know. Service is not forced or pressured, but the willingness to give from the heart and want to truly make a difference. If everyone can be of service, our world can truly flourish.