Admissions Team
One-On-One Support
¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼'s Admissions team is dedicated to helping you through the admissions and financial aid processes. Our representatives serve specific geographical areas so they can give you the personal support and guidance you deserve.
Juan Morales
Director for Admissions
jumorales@tlu.edu
Juan received his bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master's degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Juan is passionate about serving and assisting others, and works to continuously build bridges for students and their families to access and reach their higher education goals. In his spare time, Juan enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and planning the next concert he will be attending.
Elliott Powell
Director for Transfer and Graduate Admissions
epowell@tlu.edu
Elliott received a bachelor’s degree in business management before earning his master’s degree in college counseling and student development. Prior to ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, Elliott served in several roles in student affairs, working with residence life and new student orientation programs. He also worked as a snorkel guide on the island of Maui and prefers to be in water rather than on land.
Elliott works with graduate students and supports transfer recruitment.
Tony Aguirre
Associate Director for Visit Programs
taguirre@tlu.edu
Tony earned a bachelor’s degree in Church Ministries and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership (DSL). He is passionate about leadership studies and forming authentic connections with those he has the opportunity to work alongside. Tony enjoys baseball games, photography, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and spending time with his family.
Tony plans all of our campus visit programs and oversees our student ambassadors (student tour guides).
Kelsey Cruz '18
Associate Director for Transfer Admissions
krcruz@tlu.edu
Kelsey is a proud alumna who earned her bachelor's degree in political science. During her time at ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, she served as an admissions ambassador and student worker in the Admissions office and was a member of the cross country and track teams.
Kelsey enjoys spending time with friends, disc golf, and playing with her dog, Maggie, and her rabbit, Peanut.
Kelsey works with domestic transfer students, as well as students enrolling in the spring semester. She also supports students interested in studying nursing.
Matt Gillette '18
Assistant Director for Admissions
mrgillette@tlu.edu
Matt is a ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼ graduate who earned his bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education and he also holds a master’s degree in sports management from Baylor University. During his time at ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, he served as ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼’s representative on the NCAA Division 3 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and was a member of the men’s basketball team.
Prior to returning to ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, he worked at Baylor University & Stephen F. Austin State University, in the athletics compliance department, monitoring recruiting, eligibility and amateurism for all sport teams. Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Katy, attending athletics events, and playing with his cats, Tinnie & Simba.
Matt works with high school students in Houston and the surrounding area, East Texas, and the Gulf Coast. He is also the Admissions liaison for athletics.
Kennedy Losoya
Admissions Representative
klosoya@tlu.edu
Kennedy received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Schreiner University. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Business Administration and plans to also get her Master’s in Mathematics.
She enjoys reading, knitting, crocheting, and spending time with her dog. Kennedy’s long-term goal is to one day open a restaurant and be a foster parent.
Kennedy works with high school students from Bexar and Wilson Counties.
Mellissia Stewart
Assistant Director for Admissions
mestewart@tlu.edu
Mellissia received a bachelor's degree in Political Science/History from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Master of Education degree from Texas State University. Prior to joining ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, she was a public-school teacher for 17 years.
Mellissia enjoys spending time with her husband Kenny, their daughters Madison '18 and Emily '22, traveling, DIY projects, and hiking with their dogs Cupcake, Ginger, and Chloe.
Mellissia works with high school students from Comal County and students from Austin/Central Texas/Waco.
Alissa Sommers '20
Admissions Representative
absommers@tlu.edu
Alissa is a proud alumna who earned her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. During her time at ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, she served as vice president of the kinesiology club and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Alissa enjoys spending time with her husband Chris, their three boys (Noah, Hunter, and Easton), and dog Penny. She enjoys attending all her kids sporting events, being outdoors, and hiking.
Alissa works with high school students from Guadalupe County, North Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, West Texas, and out-of-state.
Eddie Villarreal '23
Admissions Representative
eavillarreal@tlu.edu
Eddie is a proud Texas Lutheran alumnus who earned his bachelor's degree in biology under ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼’s Molecular Track. During his time at ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, he served as an admissions ambassador and student worker in the Student Health and Wellness Center. He also served as President of Fraternity and Sorority Life, President of Sigma Phi Theta, played viola in the ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼ Bulldog Orchestra, and was part of many other on-campus organizations and student opportunities.
Outside of ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼ Eddie enjoys record shopping, going to concerts, spending time outdoors, and spending time with his friends and family.
Eddie works with high school students from South Texas and Coastal Bend.
Taryn Dougherty '19
School of Music Admissions Representative
tldougherty@tlu.edu
Taryn is a ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼ alumna who earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2019. During her time at ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, she served as president for both the Bulldog Band Association as well as Tau Beta Sigma, National Band Service Sorority. Prior to returning to ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, she worked as a public-school music teacher for three years. Taryn enjoys spending time with her family, DIY crafting, reading, and playing in musical ensembles.
Taryn works with students interested in performing in our School of Music.
Sylvia Ramirez
Visit Coordinator
syramirez@tlu.edu
Sylvia has over 40 years of customer service experience. She is passionate about welcoming visitors and their families, serving up smiles and sharing her passion for ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼. She is typically the first person you meet when you step onto ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼’s campus. Sylvia’s free time is spent with her pets, plants, and playing volleyball.
Sylvia schedules and coordinates our individual campus visits.
Click Here To Schedule A Visit
Mia Ramirez '21
Application Data Analyst
mmramirez@tlu.edu
Mia is a proud 2021 ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼ alumna with bachelor's degrees in both Visual Arts and English. Mia supports the admissions team by processing applications and supporting application documents.
Meet The Admissions Ambassadors
Admissions Ambassadors assist the Office of Admissions with campus tours and visit programs for prospective students and their families.
Our Admissions Ambassadors represent a variety of academic programs, social clubs, and organizations across campus.
They love to talk to visitors, answer questions about ¼«ËÙÁùºÏ²ÊÀúÊ·¿ª½±¼Ç¼, and share their unique experiences.