Growing into a Confident Community Advocate: Spring 2026 Graduate Abby Allen

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) maintains its Mission by intentionally incorporating its five core values: Education, Truth, Faith, Service and Innovation. By providing educational journeys rooted in a context of faith in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God, UIW's students are encouraged to make positive impacts through their respective walks of life in their own unique ways.

Spring 2026 UIW Graduate Abby Allen demonstrated her passion for making impactful changes during her time at UIW.

Allen is a double major, earning her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Philosophy and Political Science with a concentration in American Politics. She is committed to staying informed about the present state of the nation, as she constantly lives in news cycles to better understand current occurrences and make reasonable predictions about what's to come. She accredits her additional Philosophy knowledge to strengthening her critical thinking as an aspiring professional.

Allen understands that being well-informed can be overwhelming and appreciates that her knowledge equips her to sit down with others to make worldly developments more digestible - relieving stress and reinstating a sense of security.

Knowing she wants to go to graduate school post-undergraduate, Allen chose UIW knowing it had a strong sense of community and provided opportunity to learn from and develop strong relationships with experts in her chosen field.

"The professors in the Political Science and Philosophy departments are amazing," noted Allen. "My time at UIW has reignited my love of learning. The relationships I have developed, the communities I have been a part of, are all unique to UIW."

Allen had a strong sense of giving to others, having taken the initiative to participate in multiple servantship and leadership roles in organizations, including UIW's Student Government Association, Political Science Club (Pi Sigma Alpha), Philosophical Honor Society (Phi Sigma Tau) and the Pre-Law Society. She also took the initiative to serve as coordinator of the campuswide Golden Harvest Food Drive, helping to generate donations for those experiencing hunger and food insecurity. Each position has offered her opportunities to represent the needs of her fellow students, as well as expand her knowledge allowing her to better advocate for others.

Additionally, Allen has been able to provide aid beyond the Nest by working extensively at the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability (ECCLS), whose mission is to "develop leaders who promote social justice in partnership with diverse local and global communities" (uiw.edu).

Her commitment to servantship was recognized and honored in March by being named the 2026 CCVI Student Spirit Award recipient, an honor that is given to a student who exemplifies the mission and spirit of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

"I wanted to be an advocate for my community, and I wanted to speak for my community, but I didn't know how (in the beginning)," shared Allen as she accepted her award. "Over the course of three years, I can definitely say I've had an impact. I've learned how to actually become an advocate, and how to turn my thoughts and my ideas into action. I'm very thankful that as I graduate this semester that I can carry that into law school. I'll continue to carry on the mission of the CCVI Sisters and advocating for social justice, change and healing in these seemingly hard times."

With commencement on the horizon, it feels surreal for Allen that her time at UIW is coming to a close. She shared how she initially kept to herself in the beginning of her college journey but progressively became more engaged with her beloved Incarnate Word community. She is thankful that her soon-to-be alma mater provided her with an environment that encouraged her to grow in unexpected yet positive ways.

"I entered as a 17-year-old, in a shell, frankly wanting to get in and get out," said Allen. "Now at 20, I have grown into myself having accomplished many things, developing a true commitment to my community - I just never expected this outcome, and I am thankful for the support I have had here."

Congratulations, Abby Allen!