University of St. Thomas Houston announces the appointment of alumna Dr. Ana-Lisa Gonzalez ‘97, ME.d. ‘00, as dean of the School of Education and Human Services (SEHS). Associate Professor Gonzalez has been serving as interim dean since January 2021.

“I am honored to be appointed to the full deanship,” Gonzalez said. “I am looking forward to continuing to refine all SEHS programs so that all of our students are receiving the most effective and holistic education in the state of Texas. I look forward to continuing to grow our SEHS family and ensure that quality and Catholicity are at the helm of all that we do.”

Gonzales the UST Student

Gonzalez has been a part of the UST community in many capacities since 1993. She began as an undergraduate student in UST’s education program with a desire to become a special education teacher. Once she attained her BA, she immediately started her master of education courses to acquire certification as a principal. Two and one-half years later, she graduated with her M.Ed and became a principal. Then, she pressed on to get her Ph.D in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on learning and development, literacy and motivation.

Gonzales the UST Professor

Armed with her Ph.D., Gonzalez began as a lecturer in the School of Education in 2005. She then became the director of Reading and Catholic Education in 2010. Over the past 11 years, she has played several roles, including the director of Field Experience, director of GRACE, chair of Teaching and Learning, and associate dean of Undergraduate Studies in the SEHS.

As dean, she replaces Dr. Paul Paese, who remains on the faculty.

Gonzalez’s Areas of Expertise

Her areas of expertise include teacher education, service learning, motivation, literacy and learning frameworks.

“With literacy being so near and dear to my heart,” Gonzalez said, “I will continue to teach a couple of the reading education courses to the teacher candidates in the program.

“The SEHS will be launching new programs and refining the current ones for the School of Education and Human Services over the next year.”