OLLU President Abel Chávez to Resign October 16
The San Antonio university president will announce his departure at a staff meeting scheduled for October 16, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in College Applications
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Our Lady of the Lake University President Abel Chávez is expected to announce his resignation at a staff meeting on October 16, 2026. This move follows a period of financial and enrollment challenges for the San Antonio institution.
Why it matters
The leadership change comes as the university navigates a period of significant contraction in student numbers and revenue. University efforts to stabilize its financial future have included recent faculty and program reductions.
Our Lady of the Lake University experienced a $14.7 million loss in tuition and fee revenue between 2021 and 2025. President Abel Chávez saw his compensation increase from an initial $250,933 to $424,809 by spring 2025.
The players
Abel Chávez
He has served as the 10th president of Our Lady of the Lake University since July 2022.
Shobi Sivadasan
She was hired this year as the university's vice president for enrollment and revenue to lead student attraction strategies.
Our Lady of the Lake University
This private university located in San Antonio has faced significant enrollment declines in recent years.
The details
The university conducted a two-year evaluation of program viability before implementing faculty and program cuts in early 2025. To address enrollment trends, the institution also hired Shobi Sivadasan as vice president for enrollment and revenue.
Timeline
Fall 2019: University reported 2,974 total students.
July 15, 2022: Abel Chávez became president of the university.
2021-2025: The school lost $14.7 million in tuition and fee revenue.
Early 2025: University administration cut various programs and faculty members.
October 16, 2026: Chávez is expected to announce his resignation at a staff meeting.
Culture Shift
The resignation of the OLLU president follows the broader national trend of enrollment declines at small private colleges that have forced many institutions to consolidate operations. This institutional turnover reflects a period of significant instability as universities attempt to adapt to changing demographic realities.
The leadership transition may signal upcoming changes to student services or further modifications to academic programs for current and prospective students. Families should monitor university communications regarding potential shifts in recruitment strategy or future tuition adjustments.
The takeaway
Institutional leadership changes often follow extended periods of financial distress and enrollment volatility. Stakeholders should stay informed about university governance updates to understand how new leadership plans to address existing revenue gaps.
Further reading
For more information on regional academic trends, visit the San Antonio College Applications section.
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