Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW paved new ways for tens of thousands of students to reach their academic dreams. UIW was the first institution to offer higher education for women in central and south Texas, consistently ranks among the top schools for veterans, and ranks No. 1 in the nation among faith-based universities graduating Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees. As pioneers in Catholic higher education, UIW continues to forge new roads for every student to reach their full potential and create positive change in the world.