When you think of the Texas Weslayan Alumni Board of Directors, you think of Eric Montioya. The current President of the Board of Directors is an ever-present fixture at Alumni events, working the room and mingling with alumni and friends in his cowboy hat and belt buckle.

Montoya's story doesn't start at Texas Wesleyan — he is Fort Worth born-and-rasied, attended Fort Worth ISD (FWISD) schools and even spent time working for the district's Spanish Conversational Classes.

"I observed and learned from the various teachers and classrooms that I would visit," said Montoya. "Those teachers also saw something in me and encouraged me to get my teaching certificate — so I did!"

After starting his college career at Tarrant County College, Montoya transferred to Texas Wesleyan in 2005 to pursue a bachelor's degree in education. After graduating in 2007, he returned to FWISD as a second-grade teacher at the Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center.

In 2013, he returned to his alma mater to pursue a master's in education with a concentration in education administration. During his second stint at TXWES, he worked as a student worker in the West Library and was a campus fixture.

"I had my favorite chair in the foyer area of Dan Waggoner GAll where I would sit to study, visit with classmates or just wait for class to begin," Montoya said. "Many times, [Dean of the School of Education] Dr. Carlos Martinez would rib me about that chair! Those memories of witty banter with the dean of education are some of my fondest."

Montoya completed his master's degree in 2017 while continuing to teach his students. After graduation, he began his career as a school administrator at J.T. Stevens Elementary School. He currently serves as the assistant principal at Rosemont Elementary School.

Getting his second degree didn't end Motoya's involvement with the RAMily. While at TXWES, he recognized the importance of giving back to the school, saying "there are many ways to give back — some are very fortunate to be able to give back with monetary contributions, others with time commitments. To me, the most important way to give back is participation."

Montoya joined the Alumni Board of Directors in 2017 after participating in the Wesleyan 5K and being inducted as a board member.

After serving on the Board of Directors for four years, he was elected to the president of the board in 2021. During his tenure, he has worked to increase participation from alumni of all departments, with a special focus on the School of Education.

“As a teacher, I understand that time is precious, but participating in alumni events and reconnecting with fellow educators is essential for professional and personal growth,” Montoya said. “During alumni reunion, I look forward to the reunion at the School of Education. I enjoy seeing the growth in the department since my time as a student, and I am delighted to reconnect with professors and classmates — and have Dr. Martinez recall the story of me and my favorite chair!”

So what’s next for Montoya? In his own words: “My ultimate full-circle moment would be to return as a professor of education at Texas Wesleyan University. The goal has been set — now it’s time to work!”