Incarnate Word High School Appoints Dr. Sylvia R. Reyna as First Female President: IWHS Class of 1974 Alumna Returns to Lead with Vision and Shamrock Pride
For Immediate Release
[SAN ANTONIO] (SEPT. 9, 2024) – In a historic moment for Incarnate Word High School (IWHS), the institution proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Sylvia R. Reyna, Class of 1974, as its first female interim president since transitioning to a president-principal model in January 2023. Dr. Reyna’s distinguished career in educational leadership and her deep connection to her alma mater makes her uniquely qualified to lead the next generation of young women at IWHS.
Dr. Reyna’s return to Incarnate Word High School marks a full-circle moment for both her and the school. “One of my favorite memories was my involvement in the French Club. After three years of participation, I had the honor of becoming president,” Dr. Reyna recalls. “Though we returned with notable wins from statewide competitions every year, the best part of it all was the camaraderie. That club gave me friendships that I still have today.” After graduating from IWHS in 1974, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish from Incarnate Word College. She continued her academic journey with advanced degrees in educational leadership, including a doctorate from Texas A&M University.
Throughout her career, Dr. Reyna has held several prestigious leadership roles, including Chief of School Leadership at Dallas Independent School District, Chief of Administration at Fort Worth ISD, and Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Edgewood ISD in San Antonio. Most recently, she served as a technical advisor for school improvement, working closely with state and federal accountability systems, and as an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Austin, mentoring future education leaders.
With a commitment to empowering young women for the future, Dr. Reyna’s leadership aligns seamlessly with Incarnate Word High School’s long-standing mission of nurturing students from today’s learners to tomorrow’s leaders. “My goal is for every student who walks these halls to leave academically, spiritually, and emotionally prepared to pursue any path they choose and achieve their dreams,” she emphasizes.
In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Reyna has been recognized for her commitment to service, including her induction into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016 and numerous leadership roles within the National PTA and various civic organizations. “We are blessed to have Dr. Reyna's expertise at IWHS,” said Principal Schaefer-Salinas. “Her decades of experience in school improvement, along with being a proud Shamrock alum, are a great combination as we continue to work to offer the highest quality educational experience we provide our students at Incarnate Word.”
As Incarnate Word High School embarks on this next chapter under Dr. Reyna’s leadership, the school continues its tradition of fostering academic excellence and forming students into servant leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens of the world. Dr. Reyna encourages the young women at IWHS, saying, “Never be the quiet voice in the room. Speak with confidence, because you have the power to make a difference.”
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About Incarnate Word High School (IWHS)
Incarnate Word High School is a Roman Catholic all-female private high school in San Antonio, Texas. Established in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, IWHS has served as a home of learning, spiritual growth, and traditions for generations of young women from every walk of life. As an extension of the CCVI ministries, Incarnate Word High School strives to spread its educational vision by focusing on academic excellence through a college preparatory model that includes a modular schedule with on-level Honors, 15 Advancement Placement courses, and Dual Credit Courses. Through faith-based curriculum, self-discovery, and self-directed learning, IWHS prepares young women for jobs that may not currently exist, using technology that is still being invented, to solve problems that have yet to be discovered. For more information, visit incarnatewordhs.org.
