Meet the Admissions Team

Nikki Young, MS
Director of Admissions
nyoung1@twu.edu
940-898-3022

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Education: BS in Community Health Planning and Administration; MS in Human Relations in Business

A note from the Director: Greetings from Texas Woman’s University! Whether you are a prospective student choosing your first college, a transfer student making a change, or a professional student selecting a graduate or professional program, the college search process is exciting, yet overwhelming. I encourage you to make an informed decision by doing your research. Our team is here to guide you through the admission’s process, and we will help you discover all the amazing things Texas Woman’s has to offer!

If you have questions about TWU, I encourage you to contact our Office of Admissions. We look forward to meeting you!

Leslie L. Pearson, MBA, LSSGB
Associate Director of Admissions, Marketing & Communications
Adjunct Professor
lpearson1@twu.edu
940-898-3043

Hometown: Austin, TX
Education: BS in Health Studies; MBA in Management, LSSBB
Advice for new students: Build your professional network, know how to market (brand) yourself and volunteer if you are unable to find employment in your desired field. Stay within a reasonable expense budget, save and pay your bills on time. Don’t be in a rush for material things. Be mindful of opportunities that do not fit the “box” because they may just be your golden ticket to professional and personal success.

Mariana Floran
Assistant Director of Admissions, Undergraduate Admissions
mfloran@twu.edu 
940-898-3032

Hometown: Ft. Worth, TX
Education: BS in Education, Minor in Psychology  
Favorite thing about TWU: As a TWU Alumna I can attest to the well-rounded education that focuses on service, diversity, and integrity. The TWU faculty and staff are passionate with building quality and professional relationships that will help shape students future.

Schedule an appointment with Mariana

Erin Wimberly
Assistant Director of Events and Campus Visits
ewimberly@twu.edu
940-898-3015

Hometown: Bowie, TX
Education: BBA in Business Administration; BBA in Music Business
Favorite thing about TWU: The TWU atmosphere is one of inclusion, creativity and community involvement, along with an excellent education at an affordable cost.

Bailey Cockerham
Assistant Director of Promise Initiatives and Outreach
bcockerham@twu.edu
940-898-3040

Education: BFA in Acting
Favorite Thing about TWU: The campus community! Everyone is so welcoming and friendly; they truly make you feel at home.

Schedule an appointment with Bailey

Wayne Campbell, MA
Transfer Enrollment Specialist
wcampbell2@twu.edu 
940-898-3046

Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Education: Regent University (MA Public Policy) and North Carolina A&T State University (BA History)
Favorite Thing about TWU: I like TWU’s efforts to help the students succeed academically and professionally.

Schedule an appointment with Wayne

Amanda Nolen, MA
Transfer Enrollment Specialist
anolen2@twu.edu 
940-898-3045

Hometown: Belton, TX
Education: BA in Performance Studies; MA in Applied Linguistics
Favorite Thing about TWU: I am continually impressed with the community that is fostered at TWU. Students, faculty, and staff at TWU value and respect all of the diverse opinions and beliefs present on campus. The many accredited programs offered speak to the quality of education that students are getting. As a life-long learner, I greatly appreciate the dedication TWU has to provide an excellent education.

Schedule an appointment with Amanda

I’Ceyonna Ware
Admissions Counselor I
iware@twu.edu
940-898-3065

Hometown: Center, TX
Education: BS & MS Biology
Favorite Thing about TWU: I love the feeling of being in a close-knit family here. Being at a mostly female university provides a different and unique perspective and atmosphere on campus.

Schedule an appointment with I’Ceyonna

Kayla Bunch
Admissions Counselor II
kbunch1@twu.edu 
940-898-3014

Hometown: San Diego, CA
Education: BS in Political Science with a Spanish Minor
Favorite Thing about TWU: How beautiful the campus is and the support system the staff has created.

Schedule an appointment with Kayla

Karen (Wren) Granados
Admissions Counselor II
Kgranados1@twu.edu
940-898-3047

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Education: BS in Communication Sciences
Favorite Thing about TWU: As a first generation, TWU alumni, I love the diversity here on campus.

Schedule an appointment with Wren

Talisa Valentine
Admissions Counselor I

Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Education: BS in Applied Human Resources Management
Favorite thing about TWU: I love how beautiful the campus is and how friendly and welcoming everyone makes you feel at TWU. I also love the diversity of our staff and students and how well-rounded the education TWU offers.

Schedule an appointment with Talisa

Robert R. Benavides
Assistant Director of Admissions, Graduate Recruitment
rbenavides1@twu.edu 
214-689-6550

Hometown: San Benito, TX
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications
Favorite Thing about TWU: The history of the campus and the architecture of the buildings on campus.

Schedule an appointment with Robert

Ariel VanZandt
Admissions Counselor II
214-689-6525
avanzandt@twu.edu

Schedule an appointment with Ariel

Stephanie Stephens
Assistant Director of Admissions, Collin County Region Staff
sstephens4@twu.edu
940-898-3001

Hometown: Marshall, TX
Education: BS in Psychology
Favorite thing about TWU: Favorite thing about TWU: There are many things I like about TWU including the diverse community, beautiful campus and friendly people. TWU provides a great education at an affordable cost.

Schedule an appointment with Stephanie

Jenny Ustynik
Assistant Director of Admissions, Houston Campus
JUstynik@twu.edu
713-794-2331

​​Hometown: Houston, Texas
​​Education:​ BA in International Studies
​​Favorite thing about TWU: I appreciate the welcoming, inclusive and diverse community at TWU. It’s rewarding to connect students with the resources they need to achieve their goals. I love that TWU empowers students to challenge themselves and make a difference in their community and the world.

Schedule an appointment with Jenny

Amber Jarmon
Admissions Counselor II
ajarmon@twu.edu
713-794-2352

Hometown: Houston, Texas
Education: University of Houston-Downtown
Favorite thing about TWU: TWU offers a world class education that prepares its students to be successful in their fields of practice. The atmosphere is very welcoming, and everyone makes you feel like you matter.

Schedule an appointment with Amber

Crysta Caulkins, MFA
Admissions Counselor II
ccaulkins@twu.edu
940-898-3271

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Education: MFA in Dance, BS in Dance with Teacher Certification
Favorite Thing about TWU: I love the close-knit campus community. It is easy to get connected and make friends, and the faculty have time for every student. I've never experienced such a culture of support and empowerment anywhere else.

Schedule an appointment with Crysta

Martha Cavazos-Fipps
Admissions Counselor II
mcavazos5@twu.edu
940-898-3030

Hometown: Mission, TX
Education: BS in Family & Consumer Sciences
Favorite Thing about TWU: I am a native of Mission, graduate of Mission High School and a proud alumni of Texas Woman’s University. I was a first generation college student myself so I am familiar with the issues prospective students will encounter as they select a college out of the immediate area.

I am looking forward to guiding students and families as they navigate their way to TWU. Please reach out if there is anything I can assist with.

Hablo Español! Estoy aqui para ayudar. Por favor comuniquense con respecto a cualquier pregunta.

Schedule an appointment with Martha