One-On-One Support
TLU’s Admissions team is dedicated to helping you through the admissions and financial aid processes. Our representatives serve specific geographical areas so they can give you the personal support and guidance you deserve.
Amber Carlton
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
acarlton@tlu.edu
Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology and a master’s in organizational leadership from Southern New Hampshire University. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
Passionate about empowering others, Amber embraces a “glass half full” mindset and finds joy in serving her community, a purpose she deeply believes in. She is actively involved in her church, cherishes time with family and friends. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Gamma Alpha Chi Zeta Chapter.
Amber works with graduate students, supporting the Business, Education, and Athletic Training programs.
Cynthia Rodriguez
Assistant Director for Admissions
cyrodriguez@tlu.edu
Cynthia holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from St. Mary’s University. She loves connecting with prospective students and families, as her greatest fulfillment is helping them to navigate this exciting but sometimes stressful time.
Cynthia enjoys spending time with her family and pets, taking long walks outside, and supporting local restaurants and coffee shops.
Cynthia works with high school students from Bexar County.
Eddie Villarreal ’23
Assistant Director for Admissions
eavillarreal@tlu.edu
Eddie is a proud Texas Lutheran alumnus who earned his bachelor’s degree in biology under TLU’s Molecular Track. During his time at TLU, he served as an admissions ambassador and student worker in the Student Health and Wellness Center. He also served as President of Fraternity and Sorority Life, President of Sigma Phi Theta, played viola in the TLU Bulldog Orchestra, and was part of many other on-campus organizations and student opportunities.
Outside of TLU Eddie enjoys record shopping, going to concerts, spending time outdoors, and spending time with his friends and family.
Eddie works with high school students from the Central Texas area, including New Braunfels, Austin, and Waco. He also supports students interested in Dramatic Media and Music.
Nick Trumble ’24
Admissions Representative
nrtrumble@tlu.edu
Nick is a Texas Lutheran University graduate who earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in marketing. While at TLU, Nick was a student-athlete on the men’s basketball team and served as President of his fraternity. He also held leadership roles on campus as an Intramural Supervisor and Student Assistant to the Sports Information Director.
Following graduation, Nick continued his journey at TLU, working for three years as the Assistant Director of Sports Information and Marketing, where he combined his passion for athletics with strategic communication and branding.
Outside of work, Nick enjoys watching sports, listening to music, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.
Nick works with high school students in Houston and the surrounding area, East Texas, and the Gulf Coast.
Debbie Hill
Admissions Representative
dehill@tlu.edu
Debie earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She began working with students through local AmeriCorps programs in 2022 and later taught 7th-grade reading in the San Antonio area before joining TLU. She is passionate about supporting student success and bridging the education gap.
In her free time, Debbie enjoys baking, thrifting, and spending time with friends and family.
Debbie works with high school students from South Texas and Coastal Bend.
Sydney Hollingsworth
Admissions Representative
shollingsworth@tlu.edu
Sydney earned her bachelor’s degree in business management with a concentration in human resources from Texas State University, and her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in student affairs in higher education. During her time in college, she gained her passion for supporting students throughout their college journey. She values building meaningful connections and guiding students as they take next steps in their education.
Sydney enjoys golfing, going on walks with her dogs, baking, and traveling to new places.
Sydney works with high school students from Wilson County, Guadalupe County, North Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, West Texas, and out-of-state.
Tony Aguirre
Associate Director for Visit Programs
taguirre@tlu.edu
Tony earned a bachelor’s degree in Church Ministries and a master’s degree in organizational leadership and a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership (DSL). He is passionate about leadership studies and forming authentic connections with those he has the opportunity to work alongside.
Tony enjoys baseball games, photography, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and spending time with his family.
Tony plans all of our campus visit programs and oversees our student ambassadors (student tour guides).
Sylvia Ramirez
Visit Coordinator
syramirez@tlu.edu
Sylvia has over 40 years of customer service experience. She is passionate about welcoming visitors and their families, serving up smiles and sharing her passion for TLU. She is typically the first person you meet when you step onto TLU’s campus. Sylvia’s free time is spent with her pets, plants, and playing volleyball.
Sylvia schedules and coordinates our individual campus visits.
Emily Keith-Woods
Manager of Admissions Services
ekeith-woods@tlu.edu
Emily received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Texas State University. She has experience in management, marketing, customer service, and working with kids.
Emily is passionate about helping people and loves to spend time outdoors with her friends and with her four pets.
Emily supports the admissions team with daily operations including inventory, admissions mailings, and social media.