For the fourth year in a row, St. Edward’s University is ranked as one of the top 10 best regional universities in the West. The hilltop is No. 8 in the U.S. News and World Report rankings.
AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University is proud to announce that three members of our campus community are receiving recognition for their outstanding work in environmental sustainability.
Ethan Tobias, Dr. Amy Concilio and Dr. Paul Walter were honored at the 2022 Air Central Texas Awards, held on December 14th at the Hilton Austin Airport Hotel.
Ethan Tobias is the recipient of the 2022 Air Aware Student Leadership Award for his role as an intern with the Office of Sustainability at St. Edward’s University. Ethan is also the President of Students for Sustainability, a student organization dedicated to bringing Hilltoppers together for a more environmentally friendly campus.
Dr. Amy Concilio is the recipient of the 2022 Air Central Texas Environmental Education Award for her leadership on air quality and environmental education. Dr. Concilio is an Associate Professor of Environmental Science at St. Edward’s University, where she educates students about climate change and natural resource conservation.
Dr. Paul Walter is the recipient of the 2022 Air Central Texas Researcher Award for his findings on air quality in various communities across the Lone Star State. Dr. Walter used an ozonesonde – a balloon-borne instrument that measures the concentration of ozone at different altitudes – to understand ozone formation in the atmosphere.
About Air Central Texas
Air Central Texas (ACT) is a regional clean air campaign for the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), consisting of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. ACT is coordinated by the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) with support from the Central Texas Clean Air Coalition (CAC).
About St. Edward’s University:
St. Edward’s University is a private, liberal arts university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,600 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 20 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s remains in the list of top 10 Best Regional Universities in the West for the 4th consecutive year.
AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University has received a $120,000 grant from Bank of America to support low-income students from underrepresented backgrounds and enhance educational opportunities for all students.
St. Edward’s will leverage Bank of America’s funding to provide economic mobility and workforce development support to build pathways for low-income students, students of color, first-generation college students, Pell-eligible students, College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) participants, and The Bill Munday School of Business scholars.
“Social mobility is a focal point for St. Edward's strategic plan, and we are honored and grateful for our continued partnership with Bank of America,” said President Montserrat Fuentes. “This funding will support our efforts to prepare the next generation of students for the workforce, responding to the diverse talent needs and demands of the growing Austin and Central Texas region.”
A portion of the funding will support professional development and networking activities for CAMP students including two photo booths to provide professional headshots for students preparing for job interviews. This year marks the 50th anniversary of St. Edward’s CAMP, a proven model for breaking the cycle of generational poverty for the children of Hispanic/Latino farmworkers through college attainment.
Funding will amplify the university’s AACSB-accredited school of business’ mentoring program in which team members from Bank of America’s Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA) employee network are paired with St. Edward’s University undergraduate students.
"Recognized for their commitment to first-generation students, The St. Edward’s University CAMP is uniquely tailored to provide migrant students with global educational experiences to help them achieve their career goals and we’ve seen many leaders in Austin serve as examples of the program’s success,” said David Bader, President of Bank of America Austin. “With a partnership spanning over two decades, Bank of America remains committed to providing critical support to life-changing educational institutions in our region that help to address our workforce gaps, advance racial and ethnic equality and strengthen our economy.”
St. Edward’s University is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority-serving institution. More than 40% of its students are eligible for federal Pell grants. The university’s success with low-income and first-generation students has garnered national recognition.
Top row (L to R): Evan Linneman, AVP, Community Relations Manager, Bank of America; David Bader, Market Executive for Central Texas, Bank of America; Dr. Louise Single, Dean of The Bill Munday School of Business; Carla Molina, SVP, External Communications & Austin Market Executive, Bank of America; Joe DeMedeiros,Vice President Advancement; Meghann Bolton, Director of Foundation Relations
Bottom row (L to R): Madison Wells, Outreach Coordinator, The Bill Munday School of Business; Cielo Bocanegra ‘24; Jessica Gallardo ‘25; Sonia P. Briseño, Director of CAMP
About St. Edward’s University:
St. Edward’s University is a private, liberal arts university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,600 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 20 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s remains in the list of top 10 Best Regional Universities in the West for the 4th consecutive year.
AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University is excited to honor all of our students receiving their degree at this year’s in-person Fall Commencement ceremony on Friday, December 9, 2022.
This is a historic moment for our university, because seven of those students are the first-ever to receive their Doctorate (Ed.D.) of Education of Leadership and Higher Education from the new doctoral program at St. Edward’s University. The program is designed to prepare our students for success in the rapidly-changing world of postsecondary education.
We are also honored to have Emmy Award-winning journalist Marlisa Goldsmith as our commencement speaker. Marlisa is a news anchor for FOX 35 in Orlando, Florida, and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from St. Edward’s University in 2011.
The commencement ceremony will take place from 3pm to 5pm at the St. Edward’s University Recreation and Athletic Center, followed by the Legacy Walk. The commencement ceremony will also be live-streamed on our university’s YouTube channel.
About St. Edward’s University:
St. Edward’s University is a private, liberal arts university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,600 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 20 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s remains in the list of top 10 Best Regional Universities in the West for the 4th consecutive year.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – St. Edward’s University is celebrating another accolade– this time for our beloved Sorin Oak. The 250-year-old Texas Live Oak has won this year’s Austin Tree of the Year Award in the “Large Tree” category, beating 36 other Central Texas trees in the running for the top title.
Sitting atop a dormant volcano with breathtaking views of downtown Austin, the Sorin Oak is rich in history– withstanding severe weather over the years, as well as a nearby fire at the university’s Main Building back in 1903.
St. Edward’s University would like to thank Arborist Roy Johnson, Office of Sustainability Intern Ethan Tobias ‘23, and the hilltopper community for the care and support of this invaluable campus landmark.
About Austin Tree of the Year Awards
The Austin Tree of the Year Awards, created in 2007, honors outstanding trees across our community. The program currently operates under the supervision of Austin Parks & Recreation and Treefolks, a nonprofit whose members have been planting thousands of trees across Central Texas since 1989.
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private, liberal arts university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,600 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 20 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s remains in the list of top 10 Best Regional Universities in the West for the 4th consecutive year.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – St. Edward’s University is pleased to welcome Dr. Donna Beuk as the Founding Director of Nursing as the university prepares to launch its first-ever nursing programs. Under her leadership, Dr. Beuk will work with faculty to develop programs that will prepare competent and compassionate nurses who will serve Texans and families beyond the Lone Star State and meet workforce needs in the healthcare field.
Dr. Beuk, who began her role on October 31, brings a wealth of experience to our campus community as a longstanding educator, scholar and a practicing nurse of 12 years.
“We are excited that Dr. Beuk is leading the launch of our nursing programs as the first step of our health sciences initiative in Strategic Plan 2027: A Destination University for a More Just World,” said Marianne Ward-Peradoza, Provost of St. Edward’s University.
Dr. Beuk most recently served as Founding Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Human Performance at the University of Texas Permian Basin. Prior to that, she served as the Academic Chair for the School of Nursing at Husson University, as well as Dean of Nursing Education at Pacific College.
Dr. Beuk holds multiple degrees in Nursing from the University of Mobile–including a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science. She also holds a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Leadership from the University of Alabama.
The university expects to launch its first nursing program in August 2023.
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private, liberal arts university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,600 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 20 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s remains in the list of top 10 Best Regional Universities in the West for the 4th consecutive year.
Note: This release was issued on Oct. 31, 2022, by AACSB International
TAMPA, Fla. - AACSB International (AACSB) announces that St. Edward’s University has earned business accreditation for The Bill Munday School of Business. Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide.
“AACSB accreditation recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning,” said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. “We congratulate St. Edward’s University and Interim Dean Louise Single on earning accreditation and applaud the entire The Bill Munday School of Business team—including the administration, faculty, staff, and students—for their roles in earning this respected honor.”
“I am incredibly excited that the academic excellence of our Munday School of Business is recognized with this important accreditation, said Montserrat Fuentes, president of St. Edward’s University. “Thanks to our faculty, staff, and students under the leadership of Provost Ward-Peradoza and Interim Dean Single, for their diligent efforts to continue elevating St. Edward's University.”
Synonymous with the highest standards of quality, AACSB accreditation inspires new ways of thinking within business education globally. As a result, less than 6 percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation. Through today’s ratification, a total of 965 institutions across 60 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation in business. Furthermore, 193 institutions maintain supplemental AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs.
"This is a tremendous achievement for St. Edward's University and for The Bill Munday School of Business,” said Provost Marianne Ward-Peradoza. “This recognition for excellence embodies our legacy of commitment to our students, their success and to positive societal impact in our community.”
AACSB accreditation ensures continuous improvement and provides focus for schools to deliver on their mission, innovate, and drive impact. AACSB-accredited schools have successfully undergone a rigorous review process conducted by their peers in the business education community, ensuring that they have the resources, credentials, and commitment needed to provide students with a first-rate, future-focused business education.
“St. Edward’s University’s commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of their dedication—not only to their students, alumni network, and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole,” said Bryant. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of The Bill Munday School of Business to the network of AACSB-accredited business schools will have a lasting positive impact for their institution, both locally and globally.”
AACSB also announced that Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida; Linnaeus University; Sakarya University; Rajagiri Business School; School of Management, Jinan University; Sunway University; The School of Professional Education and Executive Development (SPEED), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Tianjin University; Universitas Indonesia; and Notre Dame University – Louaize have earned accreditation in business.
About AACSB International
Established in 1916, AACSB International (AACSB) is the world’s largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners, and business to create the next generation of great leaders. With a presence in more than 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation, and amplifies impact in business education. Learn how AACSB is transforming business education for a better society at the AACSB website.
About St. Edward's University
St. Edward’s University is a private, liberal arts university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,600 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate and 9 graduate programs. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students distinctive academics and extensive internships, research and service learning opportunities on a vibrant and inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 20 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022-2023 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s remains in the list of top 10 Best Regional Universities in the West for the 4th consecutive year.
