About the Office of the Provost
At St. Mary’s University, our academic mission is rooted in the Catholic and Marianist tradition of educating the whole person—mind, body and spirit. Guided by this mission, the Office of the Provost is committed to fostering a transformative educational environment where intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership and service to others thrive in equal measure.
Our faculty are distinguished scholars, teachers and mentors who embody a deep commitment to student success and to advancing knowledge that makes a difference in our community. St. Mary’s students are engaged learners and emerging leaders, inspired by a culture of discovery and service.
We take pride in cultivating a culture of research excellence that complements our strong teaching mission. Faculty and students at St. Mary’s are working side by side to explore complex questions, develop innovative solutions and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in their fields.
Points of Pride
300+
Posters presented at Research Showcase
17
Number of touch points undergraduate students have with advisors
80%
Research grants involving students as researchers
Did you know?
St. Mary’s Center for Catholic Studies leads a nationally recognized project studying the impact that Catholic higher education has on graduation. Learn more about the Higher Education Holistic Impact Report.
Schools
Accolades
At St. Mary’s, we’re not driven by accolades, but by our commitment to empowering learners — yet we are proud to be recognized for excellence in academics, student success and meaningful impact across higher education.
- Rattler Rising – 2026 TEXAAN Remarkable New Advising Initiative Award
- St. Mary’s – US News and World Report Best Value #1 in the West
Research
Research is integral to St. Mary’s educational mission and the student experience. Undergraduates are prominent players, working elbow to elbow, and regularly publish with faculty. Our faculty are successful in securing highly competitive grants from the region, public and private funders.
Student Success
At St. Mary’s, Student Success matters. Every student is surrounded by dedicated individuals and resources to be healthy in mind, body and spirit, engaged throughout the education experience, academically challenged and equipped to pursue post-graduate goals.
Career and Professional Development Center
The Career Center supports all students with vocational discernment, resume skill building and job opportunities so that students achieve their post-graduate goals.
Rattler Success Center
The Rattler Success Center provides professional advising, academic tutoring and mentoring and student success coaching. Through the Rattler Rising initiative, student success is strengthened through a two-year adviser–mentor model, expanded support tools and proactive guidance during students’ first two years.
TRiO Programs
St. Mary’s TRiO programs support students from high school through college by promoting access, persistence and academic success. Through McNair Scholars, Student Support Services and Upward Bound, TRiO provides research opportunities, advising, financial assistance and college preparation resources for first-generation, low-income, underrepresented students and students with disabilities.
Meet the Team
Jason Pierce
Provost
210-436-3716 | jpierce7@stmarytx.eduJason Pierce joined St. Mary’s in 2022. A political scientist by training, he brings more than 20 years of experience in Catholic higher education. Jason earned his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. from Southwestern University.
Laura Bagley
Executive Assistant
Giana Gomez
Interim Registrar
Irene Holguin
Director of Sponsored Projects, Academic Research and Compliance (SPARC)
Celine Jacquemin
Special Assistant to the Provost for Partnerships
Aaron Moreno
Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Delia von Muldau
Business Process Analyst
Marina Robles
Executive Coordinator
Carolyn Tubbs
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Brad Whitener
Special Assistant to the Provost on Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)
Contact Us
Provost’s Office
Phone: 210-436-3716
Visit Us
Provost’s Office
St. Louis Hall, First Floor
Room 116
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.