BOLDLY GO newsletter

February 2026

Good news abounds this spring

Dear Friends,

Sometimes, the good news just gushes out. In a span of about a month, we officially opened a transformational health sciences center; celebrated an icon for her leadership; received national recognition in academics, housing and our commitment to veterans; announced plans for a weeklong festival befitting TWU’s 125th anniversary; and witnessed an extraordinary run in basketball.

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Health Sciences Center heralds new era in teaching, care

This month, hundreds of people helped usher in a new era of collaborative learning and discovery with the grand opening of the $107 million, state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center. The 136,000 square-foot facility on our Denton campus is a true gamechanger for Texas Woman’s as it draws on the expertise of all our health-related disciplines and puts them under one roof to collaborate in how they teach, train and treat. In this interprofessional environment, future nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists and other professionals will learn side by side, preparing for careers defined by teamwork, empathy and service. The center will not only provide exceptional care for members of the community, but it is expected to drive a 30% increase in the number of healthcare professionals it graduates over the next decade.

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Cullum honored with leadership award

Last week, we honored Dallas media icon Lee Cullum with TWU’s Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award. Attendance at this year’s Dallas Leadership Luncheon was 515, making it the largest gathering to honor a recipient of the award. Lee has been a fixture in North Texas journalism for decades, but her sphere of influence extends much further. During the luncheon, attendees enjoyed a conversation between Lee and her granddaughter Lili Cook at the event. I found Lee’s inspirational message, “Become the answer,” especially poignant as it resonates so strongly here at Texas Woman’s. Special thanks to our amazing co-chairs: Lucy Billingsley, Lucy Burns, Sumner Billingsly and Lindsay Billingsley, who made this event such a success and helped to raise $330,000 for graduate student scholarships.

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Bezos Academy accepting fall applications for pre-k center

In late January, the Bezos Academy began accepting applications for prospective students at its Montessori-style preschool, which opens for its inaugural school year on the Denton campus this fall. The facility is the largest of all academies operated by the Bezos Foundation and will accommodate up to 120 children. TWU and the City of Denton partnered on this project, which provides tuition-free education to eligible families. It is an extraordinary benefit for student-parents and community families who struggle with childcare costs. This project underscores the mission of Texas Woman’s and the Bezos Academy to develop lifelong learners and leaders by increasing educational access. Community families have until April 20 to apply, and qualifying applicants will be selected through a lottery.

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TWU recognized with national accolades

Since the beginning of the spring semester, Texas Woman’s was recognized with several outstanding accolades: Newsweek’s inaugural “America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026” ranked TWU the No. 1 public institution in Texas and 18th-best overall in the nation; U.S. News & World Report selected TWU programs in education, nursing and business for the publication’s 2026 “Best Online Programs” edition; the Southwest Association of College and University Housing Officers named TWU’s Housing & Dining department the Frank Cloud Award of Excellence, which is among the highest honors in the region for student housing operations; and for the first time, veteran-owned VIQTORY recognized TWU as a Military Friendly Spouse School. The designation reflects demonstrated support for the educational, career and family needs of military spouses.

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Weeklong fall festival to commemorate TWU’s 125 years

Turning 125 years old is a grand milestone, so it deserves a grand celebration. I am thrilled that the university will observe the weeklong Dream Big Festival next fall packed with events to officially commemorate TWU’s 125th quasquicentennial. The festivities, which run from Oct. 19-24, will involve all three campuses and include a public art unveiling, academic and research open houses, theater and music performances, athletics and donor recognition events, an alumni art show and a gala. There will be more promotion on this in the coming months.

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Lastly, the Pioneer basketball team is having another phenomenal season. Last week, the team notched an astounding 23rd consecutive victory and finished its road season with a perfect 13-0 record. And just this week the team reached the No. 1 ranking in the nation among Division II programs. The student-athletes that make up this team not only exceed on the court, but they’re also scoring big in the classroom and the community through their service activities. If you have not had a chance to experience the team’s energy this season, I highly encourage you to watch the team perform in person.

As always, email me with your comments or questions. I am delighted that you have spent a few minutes with me today.

Warm Regards,

 

 

 

 

 

Follow Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.

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Page last updated 4:05 PM, February 27, 2026