Admissions Team
One-On-One Support
TLU's Admissions team is dedicated to helping you through the admissions and financial aid processes. Our representatives serve specific geographical areas so they can give you the personal support and guidance you deserve.
Juan Morales
Director for Admissions
jumorales@tlu.edu
Juan received his bachelor's degree in communication from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master's degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Juan is passionate about serving and assisting others, and works to continuously build bridges for students and their families to access and reach their higher education goals. In his spare time, Juan enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and planning the next concert he will be attending.
Elliott Powell
Director for Transfer and Graduate Admissions
epowell@tlu.edu
Elliott received a bachelor’s degree in business management before earning his master’s degree in college counseling and student development. Prior to TLU, Elliott served in several roles in student affairs, working with residence life and new student orientation programs. He also worked as a snorkel guide on the island of Maui and prefers to be in water rather than on land.
Elliott works with graduate students and supports transfer recruitment.
Tony Aguirre
Associate Director for Visit Programs
taguirre@tlu.edu
Tony earned a bachelor’s degree in Church Ministries and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership (DSL). He is passionate about leadership studies and forming authentic connections with those he has the opportunity to work alongside. Tony enjoys baseball games, photography, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and spending time with his family.
Tony plans all of our campus visit programs and oversees our student ambassadors (student tour guides).
Kelsey Cruz '18
Associate Director for Transfer Admissions
krcruz@tlu.edu
Kelsey is a proud alumna who earned her bachelor's degree in political science. During her time at TLU, she served as an admissions ambassador and student worker in the Admissions office and was a member of the cross country and track teams.
Kelsey enjoys spending time with friends, disc golf, and playing with her dog, Maggie, and her rabbit, Peanut.
Kelsey works with domestic transfer students, as well as students enrolling in the spring semester. She also supports students interested in studying nursing.
Kennedy Losoya
Admissions Representative
klosoya@tlu.edu
Kennedy received a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Schreiner University. She is currently working towards her Master’s in Business Administration and plans to also get her Master’s in Mathematics.
She enjoys reading, knitting, crocheting, and spending time with her dog. Kennedy’s long-term goal is to one day open a restaurant and be a foster parent.
Kennedy works with high school students from Bexar and Wilson Counties.
Mellissia Stewart
Assistant Director for Admissions
mestewart@tlu.edu
Mellissia received a bachelor's degree in Political Science/History from the University of the Incarnate Word and a Master of Education degree from Texas State University. Prior to joining TLU, she was a public-school teacher for 17 years.
Mellissia enjoys spending time with her husband Kenny, their daughters Madison '18 and Emily '22, traveling, DIY projects, and hiking with their dogs Cupcake, Ginger, and Chloe.
Mellissia works with high school students from Comal County and students from Austin/Central Texas/Waco.
Eddie Villarreal '23
Admissions Representative
eavillarreal@tlu.edu
Eddie is a proud Texas Lutheran alumnus who earned his bachelor's degree in biology under TLU’s Molecular Track. During his time at TLU, he served as an admissions ambassador and student worker in the Student Health and Wellness Center. He also served as President of Fraternity and Sorority Life, President of Sigma Phi Theta, played viola in the TLU Bulldog Orchestra, and was part of many other on-campus organizations and student opportunities.
Outside of TLU Eddie enjoys record shopping, going to concerts, spending time outdoors, and spending time with his friends and family.
Eddie works with high school students from South Texas and Coastal Bend.
Taryn Dougherty '19
School of Music Admissions Representative
tldougherty@tlu.edu
Taryn is a TLU alumna who earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2019. During her time at Texas Lutheran University, she served as president for both the Bulldog Band Association as well as Tau Beta Sigma, National Band Service Sorority. Prior to returning to TLU, she worked as a public-school music teacher for three years. Taryn enjoys spending time with her family, DIY crafting, reading, and playing in musical ensembles.
Taryn works with students interested in performing in our School of Music.
Sylvia Ramirez
Visit Coordinator
syramirez@tlu.edu
Sylvia has over 40 years of customer service experience. She is passionate about welcoming visitors and their families, serving up smiles and sharing her passion for TLU. She is typically the first person you meet when you step onto TLU’s campus. Sylvia’s free time is spent with her pets, plants, and playing volleyball.
Sylvia schedules and coordinates our individual campus visits.
Click Here To Schedule A Visit
Mia Ramirez '21
Application Data Analyst
mmramirez@tlu.edu
Mia is a proud 2021 TLU alumna with bachelor's degrees in both Visual Arts and English. Mia supports the admissions team by processing applications and supporting application documents.
Meet The Admissions Ambassadors
Admissions Ambassadors assist the Office of Admissions with campus tours and visit programs for prospective students and their families.
Our Admissions Ambassadors represent a variety of academic programs, social clubs, and organizations across campus.
They love to talk to visitors, answer questions about TLU, and share their unique experiences.