Biography

Dr. Stacy Ybarra Evans is a first-generation Latina educator and a native of San Antonio, Texas. She is currently the Director for the Center of Teaching Excellence at the leading Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) at San Antonio's Our Lady of the Lake University. Stacy has dedicated her career to serving underrepresented students, particularly in the Latino and Mexican community. In addition to her role at the university, she is an adjunct instructor at San Antonio College and works for Catch the Next - Ascender Program, providing support to community college students.

Stacy's passion for education extends beyond her professional work. She has participated in various leadership programs, including Leadership SAISD, City South Leadership Academy, and SAHCC Latina Leadership Institute, which have equipped her with the skills and knowledge to effectively serve and advocate for the community. She was also a Ricardo Salinas Scholarship recipient, which allowed her to attend the Socrates seminar in summer 2022, providing her with an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions on technology, innovation, and leadership.

As a research assistant for the Texas Success Center and Texas Pathways, Stacy has contributed to research projects that aim to improve student success outcomes for underrepresented students, giving her a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the need for targeted support. She has also completed post-graduate workshops at the University of Texas at Austin, Yale University, and the University of Berkeley through Catch the Next.

Stacy holds an Associate's degree from Palo Alto College, a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Texas A&M University - San Antonio, and a doctorate from Capella University. She is a board member for NASPA's Center for Women and completed NASPA's 2016 EscalerasInstitute. Through her professional and personal involvement in education and leadership programs, Stacy remains committed to advocating for educational equity for all students, regardless of their background.