Victor Lopez Honored with Prestigious NAGAP Chapter Leader Award for Excellence in Graduate Enrollment Management
WACO, TEXAS – April 28, 2025 – Victor Lopez, a respected higher education leader and advocate for graduate education, has been named the recipient of the NAGAP Chapter Leader Award, presented by NAGAP, the Leader in Graduate Enrollment Management.
The NAGAP Chapter Leader Award is presented to a current or past chapter board member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the success of their chapter, strengthened community connections, and enhanced communication between chapter members and NAGAP leadership. Honorees are recognized for exemplary service to the graduate education community. Lopez will receive complimentary registration to a Professional Development Institute of his choice as part of this distinction in the upcoming year.
Since joining Baylor University in December 2020, Lopez has served as Assistant Director for Professional Education and Extended Learning Initiatives, where he has played a pivotal role in developing innovative programs designed to expand access and support student success. His passion for professional development and student-centered education has positioned him as a rising leader in higher education administration.
Currently serving as President of the Texas Association of Graduate Admission Professionals (TxGAP), a regional chapter of NAGAP, Lopez has progressively contributed to the organization's growth, previously holding the roles of Professional Development and Strategic Initiatives Chair and Vice President before assuming his current leadership position. Under his dynamic leadership as President, Victor Lopez has spearheaded transformational initiatives that have significantly elevated the organization's impact and reach. Notably, he has overseen the expansion and reinvention of the annual TxGAP Graduate Enrollment Management (GEM) Conference, creating a more robust and engaging experience for attendees. Furthermore, Lopez championed establishing the organization's inaugural awards program, recognizing excellence within the Texas graduate admissions community. He also spearheaded the launch of new in-person regional Professional Development (PD) Days across the state, alongside the introduction of Virtual PD sessions, providing accessible and diverse learning opportunities for members. These efforts, coupled with his strategic outreach, have resulted in a notable increase in chapter membership, a substantial increase in chapter revenue, and significantly expanded TxGAP's visibility across Texas, solidifying its role as a vital resource for graduate enrollment management professionals in the region. Through his forward-thinking strategies, Lopez has strengthened graduate enrollment management efforts across the region and impacted the professional growth and development of graduate admissions professionals.
Reflecting on the award, Victor Lopez shared, "I am incredibly humbled and grateful to receive the NAGAP Chapter Leader Award. This recognition is not only an honor but a reflection of the incredible work we've done together in TxGAP and in collaboration with NAGAP. I want to acknowledge that this achievement would not be possible without my amazing board members' support, dedication, and hard work. Their commitment to our chapter and the graduate education community has been instrumental in our success."
NAGAP congratulates Victor Lopez for his remarkable leadership, commitment to excellence, and unwavering dedication to advancing the future of graduate education.
About NAGAP, the Leader in Graduate Enrollment Management: NAGAP is the premier professional association for individuals working in the field of graduate enrollment management (GEM), dedicated to the advancement of GEM professionals and the success of graduate students worldwide.