Message from the Vice President for Student Affairs and Administration
Welcome back, Hilltoppers!
As we kick off the Spring 2026 semester, I want to extend a warm "welcome home" to you and a special greeting to those joining our St. Edward’s University community for the first time.
The start of a new semester is a unique moment—a chance to reset, refocus, and re-engage with the goals that brought you to the hilltop. Whether you spent the winter break resting, traveling, or working, I hope you have returned with a renewed sense of purpose.
Your success is our priority! At St. Edward’s, our mission is to educate both the mind and the heart. We are dedicated to ensuring you have the resources, support, and environment necessary to thrive. From recreation and Hilltopper Athletics, student involvement and leadership opportunities to our health and wellness services, residential student experience, faith and service traditions, we are here to walk alongside you.
The spring semester is always a vibrant time on campus with lots to look forward to. I encourage you to:
- Get Involved: Explore new student organizations and leadership opportunities.
- Stay Balanced: Utilize the Fitness Center and RecWell programs, Campus Ministry and Health Counseling Center to maintain your physical, spiritual and mental health.
- Engage Locally: Take advantage of our location in Austin for internships, service projects, and community engagement.
- Connect: Build relationships with your professors, staff, and fellow students. These connections are the foundation of the Holy Cross education.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and dynamic campus culture. We are constantly working to improve campus facilities and student services to better serve your needs. If you see me around campus, please don’t hesitate to stop and say hello—I always value hearing directly from you about your experience.
Let’s make this semester one of growth, discovery, and hilltop pride. Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling Spring 2026. Toppers Up!
Warmly,
Lisa L. Kirkpatrick, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Administration (VPSAA)
Opportunities to Connect
Spring 2026
- 1/9 Spring Orientation and Welcome Events
- 1/21 Spring LiveWell SEU Involvement Fair 11am-2pm
- 1/24 Student Government Association Retreat 10am
- 1/27 Battle of the Saints, Women's Basketball 5pm, Men's Basketball 7pm
- 3/20-3/22 Battle of the Saints, Baseball 12pm each day
- 3/28 Big Event 9am
- 3/30 St Andre Market 6pm
- 4/10 Hillfest 7pm
- 4/30 University Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards 3:30-5:30pm
- 5/2 Battle of the Saints, Softball 12pm
- Athletics Home Games - Women's and Men's Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Women's and Men's Track, STUNT, & Battle of the Saints competition!
- Weekly SGA Senate Meetings on Wednesdays, 7pm, St. Andre Multipurpose Room
- VPSAA and SGA Collaboration Meetings
- VPSAA and Student Belonging and Inclusive Excellence Leadership Circle
- Student Experience Advisory Board Meetings
Monthly Staff Council Meetings on Wednesdays, St. Andre Multipurpose Room
1/7 11am-12:30pm
2/4 11am-12:30pm
3/4 11am-12:30pm
Faculty Gatherings with VPSAA and Colleagues, Main Building G19
2/19 11am-Noon
3/27 11am-Noon
4/16 1-2pm
Meet Student Affairs Leaders
Lisa Kirkpatrick, Ph.D.
Vice President
Residence Life
Tom Sullivan, Ed.D.
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
Dean of Students Office
Steven Pinkenburg
Dean
Student Involvement
Carey Mays
Director
Student Belonging and Inclusive Excellence
Lionel Lopez
Assistant Director
Health and Counseling
Andrea Cervantes, LCSW-S
Director, Counseling Services
Athletics
Jim Sarra, Ed.D.
Director
RecWell
Clint Jones
Director (including Wellness Services)