Bucking Mutual Exclusivity? Examining Paradoxical Goals of Prestige and Access at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

• In Event: 31.042 - Prestige, Rank, and Admissions

Abstract

Recent research (e.g. O'Meara, 2007) suggests growing interest in striving institutions. Of interest have been the ways striving can fundamentally change a mission, particularly a commitment to historically underrepresented populations (Gonzales, 2013). In this way, the extant literature implies that goals of prestige and access are mutually exclusive. In this paper, we question the idea of mutual exclusivity through a historical case study of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Using Smith and Lewis’ (2009) paradox lens, we consider how UTSA simultaneously attempted to balance prestige and access since its inception. In so doing, we suppose the possibility of overarching institutional goals that exist in paradoxical synergy rather than in competition.

Authors

• Erin Doran, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Nicole Alia Salis Reyes, The University of Texas - San Antonio