Laura Quevedo
Student, Master of education in educational administration
Laura Quevedo was born in El Paso but lived most of her life in Cd. Juárez, Mexico. She attended high school in El Paso, crossing the border on foot every day. During her junior and senior years, she was part of the Educational Talent Search (ETS) Program that allowed her to take dual-credit classes at El Paso Community College to advance in her college career at no cost.
Laura is a first-generation student, but thanks to the unfailing support and confidence her parents had in her abilities, she didn't let worries about finances, expectations or other challenges stand in her way.
Her parents were right about her ability to succeed. Laura currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Sciences with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology. As a student, she was a part-time worker with the Center for Community Engagement. As she grew professionally with them, she fell in love with higher education, all the networks that it builds, and most importantly, all the lives that it changes. She stayed at UTEP after graduation, moving up to an Administrative Coordinator position, and was soon recruited the Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success and the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities to serve as their Senior Coordinator.
Laura plans to graduate in Spring 2026.
Why she enrolled in the program:
I enrolled in this program because I realized that the field of higher education is much more expansive than just academics. Higher education is also research and innovation, development, and cross-institutional collaboration to advance a common goal. Therefore, enhancing my leadership skills and knowledge of higher education was imperative to keep up with its continuous evolution. What is also special about this program at UTEP is its focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and their commitment to empower underrepresented students through providing access and excellence in education.
Her experience with online learning:
During my bachelor’s degree, I took a couple of asynchronous classes, and my last two years were mainly during the pandemic, but nothing like UTEP Connect.
I am a very interactive and visual learner, so at first, I will admit that it was hard, especially because it is my first time taking 8-week-long courses. However, as I worked on adapting a new routine, I really appreciated the patience and understanding from all my professors. With this degree, I hope to grow more within my role at the university by applying all the knowledge to my day-to-day activities.
On whether this degree has played a part in her employment:
Yes! As a coordinator for both the UTEP Natalicio Institute and the HSRU Alliance, I have been able to interact, directly and indirectly, with Higher Education Scholars, Provosts, Vice Presidents of Research, HSI Initiatives Directors, and others from different institutions. What I have learned so far on how Higher Education and policies have been shaped has helped me understand little by little their point of view and why they consider certain aspects (such as governmental changes).
On whether she has the support she needs:
Yes, I think that the guidance and flexibility from the professors have cultivated a positive learning experience. They are flexible to meet with the students should we need it and are patient along the way. Personally, some more peer interaction would allow us to build community, stronger relationships and a network within higher education.
What she would say to prospective online students:
If you are amazed by all the work that is done within higher education, this program is for you! Get ready to enormously expand your knowledge and gain a new perspective into education, the workforce, research and much more.
On whether she would enroll in this program again if she had to do things over:
Yes. I believe that with the continuous evolvement and constant advancement within higher education, there will always be new things to learn. All the support that this program provides through the professors encourages us, students, to keep going and brings excitement as we enter a new level of knowledge and capacity that can be applied to almost if not all areas of education.
