Residence Life Staff
Residents living on campus are supervised by the Director of Residence Life, Assistant Director of Residence Life and Housing, Residence Life Coordinator of Operations, two (2) Residence Life Coordinators, thirty nine (39) Resident Assistants, and various work-study desk workers.
- Acting Director of Residence Life and Housing
- Residence Life Coordinator of Operations
- Residence Life Coordinators
- Residence Life Hall Director
- Resident Assistants
- Custodial and Maintenance
Acting Director of Residence Life and Housing
Diane Sanchez ; castaned@uiwtx.edu
Diane was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. She attended High School in Mexico and a semester of College in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. She returned to San Antonio and attended and graduated from St. Mary’s University. Diane began her journey at UIW in the Spring 2003 as the Assistant Director of Operations. In 2007 she received her Masters in Adult Education with a concentration in Organizational Development. Diane enjoys journaling her life experiences and reading books. She will pursue a Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership and her life time goal is to write a book. To contact Diane Sanchez email castaned@uiwtx.edu or call (210) 829-6034
Residence Life Coordinator of Operations
Vanessa Garza ; vagarza@uiwtx.edu
Vanessa feels blessed to be a San Antonio native. She earned a B.A. in Biology from St. Mary’s University and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with her M.Ed. In the two years prior to beginning at UIW, she participated in the Alliance for Catholic Education program and served as a member of Americorps. Her two years of service were spent as a junior high science teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows School in McAllen, Texas. Vanessa is grateful for the experience she had as a teacher, but is excited about the room for growth and professional development in the realm of student affairs. She is now pursuing a new graduate degree in Organizational Development and hopes to eventually work toward a doctoral degree. She aspires to become an event planner in her time away from the office.
Elizabeth Valerio ; gcruz1@uiwtx.edu
Elizabeth Valerio received her undergraduate degree in Nuclear Medicine here at the University of the Incarnate Word. Her experience as a Resident Assistant in college helped make the decision to continue to work for Residence Life at UIW. She enjoys working with the department and most importantly with the students. Liz’s responsibilities include primarily supervising the RA’s (1st year area), handles discipline and roommate conflicts in 1st year area (esp. visitation violations). My goal is to grow as a professional, foster community with the resident assistants and their residents and encourage positivism all around. Liz is very passionate about running, dancing, enjoys movies, and loves outdoor activities.
Julian Gonzalez; jgonza10@uiwtx.edu
Julian M. Gonzalez received his Bachelors degree in Psychology from Incarnate Word. He is currently working on his Master degree in Community Counseling at UTSA. He has had past experience with Residence Life as an RA for Incarnate Word. He currently manages the Upper Classman Residence Halls and the RA’s associated with them. Other responsibilities include mediation/conflict resolution, discipline procedures. “ I have been associated with the University of the Incarnate Word for seven (7) years and I feel privileged to foster a positive environment in our residence halls.”
Chip Eakins; eakins@uiwtx.edu
Chip Eakins received his undergraduate degree in Business with minors in Sociology and Theology from East Texas Baptist University. Chip is from the D/FW metroplex and a Texas native. He fell in love with San Antonio while exploring a vocation to the Priesthood at Assumption Seminary. Chip is currently enrolled here at UIW studying for his Master’s Degree in Communication and Media Arts. “I love San Antonio and UIW for their cultural diversity and the sense of family I personally feel here.” Chip wants to continue working with University students and hopefully pursue his Doctorate. His interests are media communications, radio, television and the internet. He may one day pursue a career in public relations or teaching at the High School or University level. “I personally feel blessed to be here at UIW and look forward to working with the students, faculty and administration to make UIW a truly wonderful experience for all who call UIW home.”
The Resident Assistant is a student staff member that lives on your floor. Your RA can be one of the most helpful and resourceful people you will interact with at UIW and is probably the first person you will meet on the Residence Life team. These individuals have been carefully selected because of their leadership potential, interpersonal skills, positive attitudes, and sense of commitment. As a peer, the RA is a basic source of information and referral, and assists residents in adjusting to campus life, including academic concerns, roommate relationships, homesickness, and other matters. Your RA's overall responbility is to provide leadership and support to you and other members of your community. Get to know your RA and utilize her/his knowledge and skills.
Full-time custodial and maintenance personnel are identified by the uniform they wear. The custodians are responsible for normal cleaning duties in public areas and student bathrooms only. Residents are responsible for cleaning their own room. Custodial staff are not responsible for any interior portion of the Avoca Apartments.
The maintenance staff is responsible for making minor and major repairs in the residence halls. Mantenance problems should be reported to your RA or the Residence Life Office immdiately. Residents should follow up with an RA if no change occurs within a few days, or in case of emergency. Note: Residents should never attempt to make room repairs themseleves.
