NetVUE’s podcast Callings is pleased to release its recent interview with Abel Chávez, the tenth president of Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. In this role, he has energized university efforts in fundraising and outreach, developing strong partnerships at the local, state, national, and international levels. An integrative leader and learner, he has served in multiple roles in higher education, including his work as a civil and environmental engineer. Abel is himself a first-generation, first-in-family college graduate, and a son of immigrants. As such, he brings his bilingual skills and bi-cultural heritage to all of his work, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the quality, access, and affordability for all students while serving the needs of families and communities—all with an eye for their economic prosperity.
In this episode, Abel asks us all to consider this question: “What type of ancestor do we want to be?” As the interview with Callings host Erin VanLaningham unfolds, he explores the contours of our vocations as change makers in our careers and in our communities. Drawing from his experience with Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), he discusses how we can best serve first-generation students: inviting them to explore new pathways and experiences so that they can return to their home communities to provide leadership. Abel reminds us that education has an obligation to engage with the challenges and structures in civic life to improve them for the benefit of all. He encourages us to “say yes” and to be committed to ganas—our desires—throughout our lives.
Click hereto listen to the episode featuring Abel Chávez titled “Change Maker.”
Readers interested in exploring further issues related to first-generation students, especially Latino and Latina students and those from immigrant backgrounds, might find these posts by Hannah Schell worth reading: “Counter Storytelling in The Purpose Gap,” “Seeing Constellations Rather than Stars,” and “Familismo, Success, and Service to Others.”
Geoffrey W. Bateman is the editor of Vocation Matters.