Office of the President

Executive Council

  The Executive Council (President’s Cabinet) is a decision-making body comprised of the University’s vice presidents, select senior administrators and the president of the Faculty Senate*.

The following are the administrative officers of the University of the Incarnate Word who currently serve on the Executive Council.


* This is an elected position that carries a two-year term limit that may be renewed only once based upon re-election as Faculty Senate President.

Dr. Louis J. Agnese, Jr. has been President of the University of the Incarnate Word since 1985.  He holds the Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Pittsburgh; an Ed.S. in Supervision of Counseling Services from Gannon University (PA); a Master of Education in Counseling from Gannon University; and a Bachelor of Art in History and Psychology from St. Mary of the Plains College (KS). 

Sister Kathleen Coughlin, CCVI, is Vice President for Institutional Advancement.  She has been with UIW since 2002.  Sister Coughlin holds a Master in Healthcare Administration from St. Louis University and a Bachelor of Nursing from Incarnate Word College (now UIW).  Her responsibilities include development, grants and overall fundraising for UIW.

Dr. Denise Doyle, Provost, has been with UIW since 1988.  She holds the J.C.D. from St. Paul University (Canada); the Ph.D. in Canon Law from the University of Ottawa (Canada); a J.D.L. (licensing degree) and a Master of Art in Canon Law from St. Paul University; a Bachelor of Art in Canon Law from St. Paul University; and a Bachelor of Art in English Literature from the University of Victoria (Canada).  Dr. Doyle is responsible for all academic and student affairs.

Mr. Douglas B. Endsley, Vice President for Business and Finance, has been with UIW since 1993.  He holds a Master of Business Administration from St. Mary’s University (TX); a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Indiana University.  Mr. Endsley is responsible for the financial stability of the University and the two high schools managed by UIW.

Ms. Cindy Escamilla, General Counsel, has been at UIW since 2006.  She holds the J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Advertising also from the University of Texas at Austin.  Ms. Escamilla is responsible for directing all legal matters that pertain to the University and the two high schools managed by UIW, including facilities, personnel and students.

Mr. Lou Fox, Special Assistant to the President, has been with UIW since 2006.  He has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Public Administration from the University of Missouri.  Mr. Fox, who previously served as City Manager of San Antonio and Lubbock, assists and counsels the President on governmental and business matters as they pertain to UIW, such as infrastructure improvements and the development of extension campuses.  He is also an instructor of management theory and practice in the H-E-B School of Business and Administration.

Dr. David Jurenovich, Vice President for Administration, has been with UIW since 1988.  He holds the Ph.D. in Guidance and Counseling from St. Mary’s University (TX); a Master of Business Administration from Gannon University (PA); a Master of Science in Counseling/College Student Personnel from Gannon University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Gannon College.  Dr. Jurenovich’s responsibilities include admissions, athletics, financial aid, public relations and information technology.

Sister Walter Maher is Vice President for Mission and Ministry for the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas.  Prior to this position, she was a General Councilor for the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.  She has served the University as a librarian and International Student Advisor.  Sister Walter is a graduate of St. Mary’s where she specialized in marriage and family therapy.  She holds an MALS from Dominican University and BA from Incarnate Word College.

Sister Walter is a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio, Texas.  Prior to her appointment to the CHRISTUS Health Board of Directors in 2009, she served for ten years as a Member of the CHRISTUS Health system.  She currently serves on St. Pj’s Board of Directors and serves in advisory capacity for Medical Legal Assistance for Families, MLAF.

Sr. Helena Monahan, Chancellor, has been with the University since 1972. She holds the J.D. degree from the University of Houston, a Ph.D. in English from St. Louis University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Incarnate Word College. As Chancellor, Sister Helena is responsible for the accreditation of all UIW academic programs and for new program development.

Mr. Vincent Rodriguez, Assistant to the President/Communications, has been with UIW since 2000.  He holds the Master of Arts in Journalism (with thesis) from the University of Iowa, where he has completed additional graduate work, and also has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Texas Christian University.  Mr. Rodriguez develops internal and external communications for the Office of the President and also carries out special projects for the President.

Dr. Beth Senne-Duff, President of the Faculty Senate, has been with UIW since 1991.  She holds the Ph.D. in Human Nutrition from Colorado State University; a Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota; and a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Colorado State University.  Dr. Senne-Duff, who is an Associate Professor of Nutrition, serves as the liaison between the faculty and administration.

Dr. Patricia Watkins, Vice President of International Programs, has been with UIW since 1988.  She holds the Ed.D. in Instructional Management from Texas A&M University; a Master in Education from South West Texas State University; and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of St. Thomas (TX).  Dr. Watkins is responsible for international initiatives including reciprocal agreements for education, study abroad programs, the management of UIW campuses in China and Mexico, and also the management of the Sky Room and the International Conference Center.