Meet the Admissions Team

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

Hometown: Chicago, IL
Education: BS in Community Health Planning and Administration; MA in Professional Development
A note from the Director: Welcome! Whether you are a student choosing your first college, a transfer student making a change, or a professional student selecting a graduate or professional program, choosing a college is an exciting, yet overwhelming, process. Do your research and choose wisely. Our team is here to help guide you through the admission’s process. We want you to discover all the great things about TWU.

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.

Shaunté Alvarez-Minor, MEd
Associate Director of Admissions, Graduate Recruitment
salvarezminor@twu.edu
940-898-3184

Hometown: Austin, TX
Education: BS in Psychology; MEd in Teaching, Leadership, & Collaboration
Favorite thing about TWU: My favorite thing about TWU is the diversity of the students and staff on campus. And I love that the atmosphere at TWU is one of inclusion, unity and empowerment.

Jeanette Pace
Interim Associate Director of Admissions, Undergraduate Admissions
jpace@twu.edu
940-898-3188

Education: BA in Human Development, MS in Student Affairs in High Education
Favorite Thing About TWU: All of the strong inspirational women pursuing higher education! Educate a woman, empower the world!

Mariana Floran
Interim 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.

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.

Kayla Bunch
Admissions Counselor I
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.

Melissa Cruz
Admissions Counselor I
Mcruz33@twu.edu
940-898-2758

Hometown: Red Oak, TX
Education: BS in Psychology; MEd in Psychology
Favorite Thing about TWU: TWU are that we're a Hispanic Serving Institution and that our population is 50% first gen students, like myself!

Karen (Wren) Granados
Admissions Counselor I
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.

Amanda Nolen
Admissions Counselor I
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.

Jada Sneed
Admissions Counselor II
Jsneed2@twu.edu
940-898-3605

Hometown: Desoto, TX
Education: BS in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing minor; MBA in Marketing
Favorite thing about TWU: TWU is like a second home for me. After receiving my undergraduate degree from here, I knew this was the only place that I wanted to continue my education for Graduate school as well as my professional endeavors as an admissions counselor. A very welcoming, and friendly environment.

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.

Taylor Tate
Admissions Counselor II
ttate3@twu.edu
214-689-6525

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Education: BS in Psychology
Favorite thing about TWU: As a recent alum of TWU, I can appreciate Texas Woman's University for helping me become the professional I am today. All of the resources that they have available to guide their students on the pathway to success is greatly appreciated. The TWU family is one of the most supportive and loving families anyone could ever become a part of. Their empowerment, focus on inclusion and unity, and campus diversity will leave any person speechless. It’s great to be part of a community that supports and favors all!

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.

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. In my role, it’s rewarding to connect students with the many resources TWU offers to achieve their educational goals. In general, I love that TWU empowers students to challenge themselves and make a difference in their community and the world.

Crysta Caulkins
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.

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.