February 2025

National spotlight shines on research, academics

Dear Friends,

We received some exciting news over the last two months, the kind that reinforces Texas Woman’s commitment to building an academic culture of excellence. And it further demonstrates that the university is focused on research that improves the lives in our community. Please read on.

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University achieves research milestone

I was elated by last week’s announcement that Texas Woman’s has been designated a “Research 2” university under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education system. The designation comes from the American Council on Education and refers to the high level of research activity found across all three campuses at Texas Woman’s. TWU was among 139 U.S. institutions to be so designated. To qualify, universities must have annual research expenditures of at least $5 million and award at least 20 research doctorates per year. In fiscal 2024, the National Science Foundation reported Texas Woman’s achieved $6.9 million in research expenditures and conferred 233 research doctorates. This designation is a big deal because it raises Texas Woman’s reputation, helps the university attract and retain top students and faculty, and increases prospects for earning future research grants. Furthermore, this distinction is a testament to the outstanding faculty we have. It is their hard work that enriches our academic culture.

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U.S. News ranks TWU programs among nation’s best

Once again, U.S. News & World Report has recognized several programs at Texas Woman’s University as being among the nation’s best. The online graduate programs in education at Texas Woman’s were ranked in the country’s top quartile of all university online graduate education programs ― and seventh out of 25 ranked Texas institutions. Additionally, TWU’s online graduate programs in nursing were ranked among the top half of similar programs in the country, and the online bachelor’s programs in business were ranked in the top half among the nation’s undergraduate business programs. Also, TWU’s Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship made the publication’s list of the nation’s best online MBA programs.

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Day at Capitol offers top-notch student experience

Speaking of exceptional learning experiences, 17 of Texas Woman’s brightest students got a lesson in civics no textbook can match. It came earlier this month during TWU Day at the Capitol, where students traveled to Austin and learned about legislative activities. Student leaders prepared in advance to advocate on behalf of the university and tell their stories to elected officials and their staff. This year, students met with more than a dozen elected officials from across Texas to get lawmakers’ perspectives on the legislative process. Not only did the students gain invaluable insights, at least one elected official commented that the TWU group was among the most articulate that he had encountered.

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Lastly, I have long been an advocate of developing the mind and body, so I have encouraged the university faculty and staff to take part in the Get Fit Texas! Challenge, which urges state employees to devote 150 minutes weekly to being physically active. It is a reminder that we continue to build a culture that values health and wellbeing at Texas Woman’s.

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 9:57 AM, April 4, 2025