OLLU Presidential Search
Abel A. Chávez, PhD, the 10th President of Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University’s (OLLU) 10th president will be Abel Antonio Chávez,
PhD, a successful leader with a unique blend of higher education, business, engineering
and global research experience. He will begin his work at OLLU on July 16, 2022,
following eight years at Western Colorado University where he is currently serving
as Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success and previously served as Dean
of Graduate Studies.
Get to Know the President-Elect
Dr. Chávez shares some personal insight into the people who have mentored and guided
him, and the things he does for motivation and relaxation.
Read the Announcement
OLLU's 10th President is no stranger to Texas. In the early 2000s, Dr. Abel A. Chávez
served as a project manager for Anheuser-Busch in Houston and Dow Chemical in Freeport.
He also served an international business residency in Beijing and Singapore before
transition to the higher education field.
Learn More about President-Elect Chávez
An integrative leader and learner, Dr. Chávez has served in multiple roles in and
beyond higher education, allowing him holistic institutional oversight and understanding
of the university operation.
Hear from the Search Committee
“The search for the 10th President of OLLU yielded a strong field of candidates. Dr.
Abel Chávez stood out as the most qualified and best prepared to lead OLLU into an
exciting new era. Dr. Chávez is a proven leader with clear vision and global ambition,
a bilingual educator and businessman with a history of innovation and accomplishment.
He is bold, dynamic and ready to serve.”
-- Search Committee Co-Chairs Steve O’Donnell and Rosalinda Garcia