Highlights from the May 2025 board meeting

Dear Colleagues,

Last week’s Texas Woman’s University System Board of Regents meeting, held on our Dallas campus, reflected the growing momentum across all three of our campuses. As always, you may listen to a full recording of the combination of the committees and full board meeting. What follows is my highlights summary.

Financial Strength and Fundraising Milestones

We received a report from the Texas A&M System on our cash concentration pool and endowment funds under their management. Nearly a decade ago, we opted to comingle our investments with theirs—a decision that continues to generate significantly stronger returns than managing our smaller pool independently.

We also celebrated a record-setting fundraising quarter, largely driven by growth in leadership annual gifts between $1,000 and $24,999. Our TWU Foundation portfolio now exceeds $167 million in net assets, up from $138 million at this time last year. The Dream Big comprehensive campaign has surpassed $160 million raised from 17,654 donors.

University Advancement also reported exciting updates, including:

• Launch of the Dallas President’s Leadership Council
• Athletics tailgating events and community engagement
• Glowing outcomes of the 23nd annual Dallas Leadership Luncheon fundraiser
• Celebrating success of the Dieb McDavid Scholars
• Engagement at Homecoming 2025 and the ribbon-cutting of the new TWU Alumni Association

Facilities and Campus Development

Eight major projects are advancing across our system:

• Health Sciences Center (August move-in)
• Welcome Center at Brackenridge Hall (July move-in)
• Frame Street Entrance (complete in June)
• Quakertown Memorial and East Campus Trails (complete October)
• Bezos Academy building (complete in August)
• New building for the MAK College of Business and Entrepreneurship (Fall 2027 move-in)
• Green belt project – adding 100 trees and community walking trails
• Traffic calming on Bell Avenue in partnership with the City of Denton

Academic Growth and Faculty Distinction

The board approved a new Bachelor of Science in Food Science—the first in the DFW area and only the third in Texas. Provost Bauer shared progress on our planned TWU engineering program, featuring a women-centered curriculum. A steering committee is finalizing recommendations for a 2026 launch.

The board continues to support faculty excellence approving the leadership's recommendation for four faculty members to go on development leave and 31 faculty to receive tenure and/or promotion.

Despite cuts to at least seven federal research grants so far, our research mission remains resilient:

• Over 278 students participated in the Annual Research Symposium
• Students represented TWU at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research and Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol
• The Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences secured a $54 million U.S. Air Force contract, only passthrough funds but great boon to our program's prominence

Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Innovation

The night before the meeting, President Christopher and the Dallas campus hosted a moving ribbon-cutting for the Mike A. Myers Stroke Center. The Dallas campus is also launching a project we are currently calling TWU Ventures, an initiative to deliver short-term, employer-aligned credentials for adult learners. With a $250,000 grant from the Meadows Foundation, the pilot will offer programs in medical sales, clinical medical assisting, and doula training. 

This initiative will anchor the broader Pioneer Accelerator, designed to rapidly develop credentials aligned with workforce needs and extend TWU’s impact and diversify our revenue streams.

In Houston, President Williams continues cultivating relationships with the City of Houston, Texas Medical Center, community colleges, and other strategic partners. She is also engaged in building the Dallas strategic plan to bring that momentum to Houston upon its completion this summer.

Student Impact and Athletic Excellence

The board honored Student Regent Maya Landgrebe for her exceptional service and leadership. We also celebrated remarkable achievements from TWU Athletics:

• National championship by the Pioneer Pride Dance Team
• TWU Gymnastics’ 13th national title
• Back-to-back Lone Star Conference Championships by TWU Basketball

These compelling stories of grit and accomplishment exemplify the heart of our mission and the resilience of our students.

A Final Reflection

During the Texas Women’s Foundation annual leadership forum, I attended a compelling session with Anne Chow, former CEO of AT&T Business. She reminded us that while organizations may compete on price and product, it is culture—as expressed in our policies, practices, and purpose—that truly sets us apart.

As we move forward, I am committed to ensuring TWU’s culture remains aligned with our bold vision for growth. I remain deeply energized by our progress and confident in the future we are building—together—for our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve.

With a pioneering spirit,
 
Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.
Chancellor and President

Page last updated 10:34 AM, May 21, 2025