Southwestern’s Operation Achievement program is starting the new school year with both a new leader and a new office.

The new coordinator of the program is Jeanette Montalvo, a retired schoolteacher who wanted to continue to make a difference in the lives of local students. Montalvo started in August after teaching in Leander for 24 years.

Operation Achievement is a mentoring and enrichment program for students from the Georgetown Independent School District that has existed at Southwestern for the past 28 years. Selected 6th-8th graders from GISD meet with student mentors from Southwestern two hours a week and participate in activities that enhance learning while also establishing strong mentee-mentor relationships.

“The program is really all about the students, for the students, run by the students,” Montalvo said.

After being headquartered for many years in a building on the south side of University Avenue, the Operation Achievement program is now located on campus in the McCook-Crain Building, which previously served as the headquarters for the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education (NITLE). The program also has been moved under the Office of Civic Engagement.

Montalvo replaced Joni Ragle, who had directed the Operation Achievement program for the past nine years. Although she is sad to be leaving the program, Ragle said Montalvo is a perfect fit for the job.

“Jeanette’s philosophy and mine are on the same page and I am certain that with her as the new Operation Achievement coordinator, the program will continue to thrive and positively impact all those involved,” Ragle said.

Montalvo believes that, largely due to Ragle, Operation Achievement is already a successful program, but she wishes to enhance it if possible, capitalizing on the things that have gone well. She has exciting new ideas for enrichment activities such as human foosball, which is sure to bring new volunteers the program.

Students interested in serving as mentors for Operation Achievement should contact Montalvo at montalvj@southwestern.edu.

−       Daniella A. Barrera