Lauren Riojas-Fitzpatrick

Lauren Riojas-Fitzpatrick serves as Assistant Professor of Instruction in Academic Introduction & Strategies within UTSA's University College. She joined UTSA in Spring 2018 as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, progressed to Lecturer after earning her MFA, and now coordinates Arts and Humanities sections while contributing to Exploratory sections. During summers, she collaborates with the UTSA LEAD program to support student development.

Her educational journey includes:

• Master of Fine Arts in Painting & Drawing from University of Texas at San Antonio (Thesis: Mending Wall: A Relic of Truth, Terminal 136)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting & Drawing from Texas State University

Riojas-Fitzpatrick specializes in academic transition strategies for first-year students, particularly in Arts and Humanities disciplines. Her non-traditional educational path—spanning over a decade with interruptions due to health challenges—fuels her commitment to creating inclusive pathways for diverse learners. She integrates creative pedagogy from her art background to foster critical thinking and resilience in academic environments.

As Coordinator for Arts and Humanities sections, she designs curricula that bridge disciplinary knowledge with practical academic skills. Her summer collaboration with UTSA LEAD extends this mission through leadership development programming. Though specific grants aren't detailed, her scholarship focus on student success manifests through program coordination and teaching innovation within University College's mission.