Dempsey Rosales Acosta, Interim President, University of St. Thomas

In an interview with Invest:, University of St. Thomas Interim President Dempsey Rosales Acosta pointed to the school’s 30% enrollment growth and surging demand in engineering and nursing as signs of strong momentum. He called Houston “a volcano of opportunity,” highlighting UST’s alignment with the city’s economic and demographic growth.

What makes Greater Houston an ideal location for the University of St. Thomas?

Houston’s rapid demographic and economic growth make it an ideal location for a university right now. This growth isn’t just driven by immigration, but also by a surge in investment opportunities, especially in energy. With leading energy companies based here and shifting strategies in the sector, Houston is becoming a volcano of opportunity.

Add to that the Texas Medical Center — one of the best in the world — and you have tremendous opportunities for students in nursing, medicine, pharmacology, and related fields. Houston is also the perfect place to develop specialized workers — people with solid college education ready to enter high-demand industries.

What’s also fascinating is how fast the city is changing. I see license plates from California, New York, Michigan — people from all over are relocating here. Every available space is being developed, and there’s booming activity in real estate, retail, and especially food services. This ties directly to Houston’s increasing diversity, which we reflect at UST. More than 72% of our students come from diverse backgrounds, and we represent 51 countries. That multicultural presence makes both Houston and our campus incredibly dynamic.

What have been your priorities as interim president?

A major priority has been managing growth. In just three years, we’ve gone from 3,200 to over 4,200 students. That’s a great milestone, but it brings challenges, such as classroom space, housing, dining, and student support. Last year, we welcomed over 650 new undergraduate students, and we’re already projecting more than 600 again this fall. That’s impressive, especially as many institutions face what we call the “demographic cliff,” when the college-age population is expected to decrease.

We’re also expanding our academic offerings and delivery methods. Before COVID, about 90–95% of our instruction was face-to-face. But when the pandemic hit, we transitioned everything online in just two months. It was a tremendous team effort, and now we offer over 40 fully online programs. That shift has allowed us to reach students from across the world, some of whom might not be able to relocate or secure a visa.

At the same time, we’ve held onto our tradition of personalized education. We keep class sizes small, typically capped at around 30, and our student-to-professor ratio is about 13- or 15-to-1. Professors know their students by name. We notice when someone isn’t in class. That connection is core to who we are.

How is UST living out its Catholic identity in today’s educational landscape?

Catholic education isn’t new; it’s central to the Church’s mission. From the Gospel of Matthew, we know Jesus told us to go and make disciples. That begins with education. We’re called to evangelize through learning, forming individuals not just intellectually, but also spiritually and morally.

Education and faith go hand in hand. Faith without action is incomplete. What sets Catholic education apart is that we’re guided by the magisterium, which is the teaching authority of the Church, including the Pope. That helps us teach any discipline — biology, law, engineering — with integrity and for the glory of God.

Ex corde Ecclesiae, the Church’s document on Catholic universities, reminds us that higher education must be in dialogue with every field of knowledge. We don’t limit inquiry; we expand it. Every academic area becomes a space for discovery and service.

What academic areas are seeing the most momentum?

Engineering is exploding, especially in mechanical, electrical, and physics-based programs. These are still relatively new for us, but the interest is strong. We expect to double enrollment next term. That’s especially important for supporting Houston’s energy corridor and industry needs.

Our nursing program is another point of pride. We offer an accelerated bachelor’s in nursing (ABSN), which allows students with prior credentials or pre-med backgrounds to become certified nurses in just one year. This is particularly helpful for international doctors who want to have a change of career and practice in the United States but need a different and faster path. It includes clinicals through hospital partnerships and connects with our mission — we even hold a Mass to bless our nursing students’ hands, recognizing them as instruments of healing for others.

What standout initiatives reflect UST’s community focus?

Three years ago, we launched a fully online, 100% Spanish-language evangelization program, which was the first of its kind. It’s open to everyone, not just clergy or religious leaders. Classes are offered in the evening, from 7 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., to accommodate working students. It’s become a welcoming space for people from various faith backgrounds.

We also have an associate degree in pragmatic studies designed to support neurodiverse students. This program allows them to pursue a bachelor’s degree in their chosen field while receiving the support they need. These initiatives reflect our mission to meet students where they are — academically, spiritually, and socially.

What’s next for the University of St. Thomas?

We want UST to be a place for growth, both spiritually and intellectually. UST is not just a place to study, but a place to encounter God and be transformed.

We’re also committed to excellence. We’ve already doubled enrollment and are expanding programs in nursing, medicine, law, computer science, and more. AI and technology will be central to how we teach in the future, and we aim to be leaders in that space, balancing digital innovation with the human connection that defines our model.

We are completing a successful capital campaign and hope to break ground in October on a new residence hall with over 400 beds. This will give more students the chance to live on campus, participate in clubs, and grow through spiritual life.

As Houston evolves, so does UST. We’re investing in our infrastructure, expanding academic pathways, and deepening partnerships throughout the region. We’re also focused on inclusiveness and equity, ensuring all students feel welcome and supported, including international students, working professionals, and underserved communities.

Houston is changing fast, and we are changing with it. But our mission remains the same: to educate the whole person and be a light in the community.