Venesa Matthews

Venesa Garanzuay Matthews, M.A. joined UIWSOM as the Learning Specialist in July 2019. She graduated from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies. She began her professional career over 20 years ago in higher education which took her all the way to New York. Over the years, work and personal life brought her added experience in the non-profit sector and the opportunity to live in Southern California twice.

Some key recent positions have equipped Ms. Matthews to take on her current role. As a student success coach at Our Lady of the Lake University, she supported undergraduate and graduate-level students towards their academic, career and personal goals. Prior to that, she worked extensively in academic and career advising which included students pursuing health professions at both the University of Texas at San Antonio and San Antonio College. During her time at the University of Texas at San Antonio, she also taught courses on academic development and career exploration. While working at San Antonio College, she was a recipient of the 2016 Excellence Award from NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development) and obtained master advisor certification through the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning.

Ms. Matthews is excited to be a part of The University of the Incarnate Word, School of Osteopathic Medicine.

• M.A. in Communication Studies, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas
• B.A. in Sociology, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas