About the English Language Center
Learning English at The University of Texas at San Antonio is not simply going to class. It’s an experience.
The welcoming environment at our university is one-of-a-kind. Our campus is located on the north side of San Antonio, a South Texas city that celebrates multiculturalism and diversity.
We think you’ll like it here.
Coming from more than 90 countries, UT San Antonio students are some of the friendliest and brightest. When you make UT San Antonio your home, you won’t just be a student, you’ll be family.
Enjoy a virtual tour and learn more with the UT San Antonio Virtual Experience!
A Welcome From The Vice Provost For Global Initiatives:
As Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, this is what I want for you:
- I want you to feel welcome and safe as you make lifelong friends.
- I want you to learn all you can from our amazing faculty.
- I want you to be successful in whatever career path you choose.
Our faculty and the staff are committed to your success and well-being. From the moment you apply until you graduate, we are here to guide and assist you. We hope you like what you see here and apply. We look forward to meeting you!
LISA J. MONTOYA, PH.D.
VICE PROVOST FOR GLOBAL INITIATIVES
Lisa J. Montoya, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Global Initiatives
Dr. Lisa J. Montoya has been at UT San Antonio since 2005, serving in various roles, most recently as Vice Provost for Global Initiatives. Previously, she served as the COB Associate Dean for undergraduate programs, for professional development, and for international initiatives. She earned her Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis, MPA from Arizona State University, and BA from the University of Denver.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: lisa.montoya@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-7370
Blanca Pokorney
Director
Blanca Pokorney has been in the field of International Education for over a decade. Performing in different roles, Blanca has served as a cultural liaison to the international student population in the San Antonio Metropolitan area. As Director, she leads a team of dedicated professionals who support lifelong learning. Her expertise among many involves program development and management in Higher Education. Blanca received her Masters of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her areas of interest include Diversity and Inclusion, Institutional Management, and Immigration Policy and Law.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: blanca.pokorney@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-6136
Minako Shibazaki
Senior Program Coordinator
Minako has been an instructor for the Academic English Program at UT San Antonio for 25 years. She is also a consultant for the English Language Center and volunteers her time with Japanese and multicultural student organizations. Minako earned her master’s degree in Bicultural-Bilingual Studies at UT San Antonio. Originally from Japan, Minako also lived in Montreal before moving to San Antonio as a teenager.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: minako.shibazaki@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-8177
Leidy Bello
Student Development Specialist
Leidy Bello is originally from Colombia and has been a member of the UT San Antonio community since November 2021 serving in Administrative Operations and the area of Student Services. Her educational background is in Business Administration with an emphasis on accounting. She has ample experience in the management of language programs, serving in the field of education for over 8 years. Leidy is passionate about student success and supporting students from the beginning of their registration process until the culmination of their studies.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: leidy.bellocristancho@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-7677
Karlene Bannister
ESL Specialist
Karlene Bannister has traveled and lived in many countries around the world, including China and Jamaica. She earned her Master’s degree from Georgia State University in Applied Linguistics with a focus on Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Karlene is currently an ESL Specialist with the ELC program, and enjoys interacting with students from countries where she had once resided.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: karlene.bannister@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-8177
Karly Semenov
ESL Specialist
Karly Semenov has returned to teaching at UT San Antonio after spending nearly two decades in the publishing industry as an editor and writer of English Language Training materials. A teacher at heart, Karly enjoys seeing students pick up new vocabulary and figure out grammar structures. The best part of Karly's job is interacting with people from all over the world and helping them to pursue their goals here at UT San Antonio. She is originally from California--with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and a minor in Spanish from the University of California, Davis. She earned her Masters degree at Wheaton College Graduate School in Intercultural Studies and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: karly.semenov@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-8177
Joshua Zapata
ESL Specialist
Joshua is from a very small town called Sinton, TX. He came to UT San Antonio in the Fall of 2018 and completed his bachelor's degree in Modern Language Studies in the Spring of 2022, with a focus in Japanese, East Asian Culture, and Audio Production. He then continued his education and obtained his master's degree in TESOL in the Spring of 2024, with relative work in Technology for Education and Linguistics. He has gained much experience through his program and is now in the classroom as a professor. Joshua is very passionate about language and hopes to bring many different kinds of people together through language!
Email: joshua.zapata@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-7677
Gloria Diaz Franco
Tutor
Gloria is originally from Puebla, Mexico, and speaks English, Spanish, and German. She is currently studying for a master's degree in teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) here at UT San Antonio. She has a bachelor's degree in accounting and an MBA (master's in business administration). She enjoys meeting people, learning about languages and cultures, and helping others. She is currently supporting as a Tutor and Graduate Assistant at the ELC.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: gloria.diaz@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-7677
Maria Orencia
Student Associate
Maria is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at UT San Antonio since Fall 2022. She has previously lived in Japan and Italy before moving to San Antonio in 2016. She is also curious and passionate about learning about the different experiences, cultures, and languages from all over the world.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: maria.orencia@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-7677
Yara Natsheh
Student Associate
Yara was born in Amman, Jordan before moving to San Antonio in 2021. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and will graduate in December 2026. She speaks English and Arabic and she is passionate about supporting international students and fostering cross cultural connections.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: yara.natsheh@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-7677
Jacquelin Cardenas
Student Associate
Jacquelin Cardenas is a junior majoring in Finance and Operations & Supply Management. She enjoys meeting new people and learning about different cultures around the world.
Location: Graduate School and Research Building, Room 2.116
Email: jacquelin.cardenas@utsa.edu
Phone: 210-458-7677
Office Location
Graduate School and Research Building 2.116
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
The University of Texas at San Antonio Academic English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period April 2022 through April 2032 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact the CEA, 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.
Additional information can be found below:
CEA Standard
Complaints Against an Accredited Program
