Dr. Ana-Lisa Gonzalez, dean of the University of St. Thomas School of Education and Human Services (SEHS), has been named one of "Houston's 50 Most Influential Women of 2020-21" by Houston Woman Magazine.  

A celebration dinner, attended by the honorees and their guests, was held on Feb. 24 at the Junior League of Houston. More than 330 guests attended the festivities, and included in the crowd were several past honorees, elected officials and celebrities.

UST Vice President for Academic Affairs Chris Evans was not surprised Gonzalez received this recognition. "This prestigious award is a fitting testament to the great success Dr. Gonzalez has demonstrated at UST and in the Houston community,” he said. “Her dedication to academic excellence, student success, and the mission and values of UST have ushered in a new era of excellence at the School of Education and Human Services. We are so proud of her many achievements!"

Nomination Process for Women of Influence

Each of the honorees was nominated for inclusion on the "50 Women" list by a reader of Houston Woman Magazine and then selected by the publication staff. According to Beverly Denver, publisher of the magazine, "Those selected as Houston's 50 Most Influential Women of 2020-21 have earned an enviable reputation for their expertise in a particular field or arena. They are knowledgeable, credible and trustworthy. The thoughts and actions of these women influence the thoughts and actions of others. It is our distinct pleasure to introduce these remarkable women to our readers and others in our community."

Alumna, Professor, Director, Dean Ana-Lisa Gonzalez

Gonzalez earned her B.S. in Education in 1997 and a M.Ed. in 2000 from University of St. Thomas with a principal certificate. In 2005, she earned a Ph.D in Education Psychology emphasizing learning and development, literacy and motivation from the University of Houston.

Gonzalez's destiny was in education leadership, especially in a Catholic liberal arts setting. Along her trajectory to dean, the UST Professor assumed many roles. In 2005, she fulfilled the role of lecturer. By 2010, Gonzalez was named director of Reading and Catholic Education. Since then, she has performed with excellence in several positions, including director of Field Experience (clinical teaching), director of the Gulf Regional Association for Catholic Education (GRACE), chair of Teaching and Learning Program and associate dean of Undergraduate Studies.

Recognition for her talents and abilities include Alumni of the Year at UST in 2013 and Regional Special Education Teacher of the Year in HISD in 1999. Furthermore, she has been honored by the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Texas Association of Teacher Educators and International Literacy Association.

University of St. Thomas Past Recipients

In past years, the University of St. Thomas-Houston 50 Most Influential Women award recipients included: (former) UST First Lady Marianne Ivany; (former) Dean and Associate Professor of the Cameron School of Business Dr. Beena George; (former) Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of the School of Education and Human Services Dr. Nicole McZeal Walters; (former) Dean and Professor at the Theology Dr. Sandra Magie and Director of the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies Lori Gallagher, J.D.