Our Lady of the Lake University logo

Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1895
Founded
Private university
Type
2,096
Total Students
1,147
Undergrad
949
Graduate
$30M
Endowment
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Abel A. Chávez

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Our Lady of the Lake University

A historic Catholic university in San Antonio, OLLU leads with the oldest social work school in Texas.

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), affectionately known as 'the Lake,' offers a vibrant educational experience rooted in its rich Catholic tradition and sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence since 1895. Located in San Antonio, Texas, OLLU is renowned for being the first institution of higher education in the city to achieve regional accreditation, a testament to its long-standing commitment to academic excellence.

Prospective students will find a welcoming community dedicated to fostering both intellectual growth and social responsibility. OLLU's academic strengths span bachelor's, master's, and two doctoral degree programs, with its esteemed Worden School of Social Service holding the distinction as the oldest social work school in Texas. This commitment to service-oriented education prepares graduates to make a tangible difference in their communities.

Beyond its historic main campus, OLLU has expanded its reach with satellite campuses in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley, providing flexible and accessible degree programs, including innovative Weekend College options. Students can also engage in a spirited campus life, cheering on the Saints, OLLU's athletic teams, as they compete in the NAIA's Red River Athletic Conference. With a student body of 2,096, OLLU offers a personalized yet comprehensive university experience.

While facing challenges like the 2008 fire that impacted its main building, the university community's resilience and dedication led to a swift reconstruction, further solidifying its enduring spirit. Under the leadership of President Abel A. Chávez, OLLU continues its mission to provide a transformative education that balances tradition with modern academic innovation.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence, a private Catholic university in San Antonio.
  • First San Antonio institution of higher education to receive regional accreditation (since 1923).
  • Home to the Worden School of Social Service, the oldest Social Work school in Texas.
  • Offers bachelor's, master's, and two doctoral degree programs.
  • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and approved by the American Association of Universities (1927).
  • Introduced the Weekend College concept in 1978, with satellite campuses in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley.
  • Current student enrollment of 2,096.

Timeline

1895
Construction began; founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence.
1911
First college program (two-year curriculum for women) began.
1919
Curriculum expanded to four years; admitted to Texas Association of Colleges.
1923
Received regional accreditation, becoming the first San Antonio institution of higher education to do so.
1927
Became the third Texas school approved by the American Association of Universities.
1942
Graduate study began as coeducational program.
1969
All university programs became fully coeducational.
1975
Name changed from Our Lady of the Lake College to Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio.
1978
Introduced the Weekend College concept at the San Antonio campus.
2008
A major fire affected the main building; partnership with Rio Grande Valley school districts began.
2011
Main building hosted its first class since the 2008 fire.
2018
Stand-alone Houston campus completed.
2022
Abel A. Chávez began his tenure as the university's 10th president.
🏛️
131 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Our Lady of the Lake University

🏫

Worden School of Social Service

The oldest Social Work school in Texas, offering comprehensive programs dedicated to social justice and community service.

Leadership

Abel A. Chávez
President
Alan Silva
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Our Lady of the Lake University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search