A Special Message from UIW President Thomas M. Evans, PhD

Dear UIW community,

I remain committed to keeping you informed about significant progress we make toward fundraising and advancing our wonderful institution. In keeping with that commitment, I am delighted to share that UIW has received a seven-figure pledge from Christie Cody, an alumna, UIW Trustee and daughter of Dr. Keith Tucker, professor emeritus. The pledge will establish the Christie Tucker Cody Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Dr. Keith Tucker, which will exclusively fund scholarships for students in need.

For decades, Dr. Tucker has been beloved by many across our Incarnate Word family. He is known for his dedication to students’ wellbeing, to their academic preparation and to their development as people of the Word. He served as the director of counseling for more than 42 years and was also an esteemed member of the faculty, teaching courses in psychology, human development and cultural diversity. Beyond even these accomplishments, he established an intern training program in counseling, an outreach effort for international students, career development and orientations for new students, stress management workshops and was a member of the first committee behind one of our most meaningful traditions – the CCVI Spirit Awards. He was also an active volunteer, giving of his time to students, veterans and at-risk populations.

Throughout her childhood and as an Incarnate Word College student herself, Christie spent a lot of time on our campus, perhaps even considering it a second home. She graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and went on to have a successful career in finance. She knows first-hand the transformative impact of an Incarnate Word education and the difference that caring faculty can make in the lives of our students.

We often say that our alumni are the ‘Word in the world,’ meaning that they have the capacity to live the UIW Mission throughout their lives and enact positive change in their communities. As a long-time member of the UIW family, Christie continues to hold our Mission in her heart and, through her generosity and leadership, helps it grow and flourish in others.

I know that I speak on behalf of many in our community when I say that we are deeply grateful to Christie Cody and her father, Dr. Tucker, for their transformative contributions to our students for many years past, present and many years into the future.

Praised be the Incarnate Word!

Sincerely,
 
Thomas M. Evans, PhD
President