Message From the Chancellor (COVID-19 April 8, 2020 6:23 p.m.)

Courage through balance

Dear Texas Woman’s Community,

I hope this message finds you well as some of you begin the observance of Passover today.

Over these past few days, I have heard more stories from people who feel overwhelmed—by working from home and finances, to relationships, educational pursuits, and news of the pandemic, to name just a few. Last night as I spent time reflecting, I remembered the wisdom of Salma Hooshmand’s TEDxTWU Talk “The myth of stability.” At the time, Salma was a Master of Occupational Therapy student in Houston. She talked about times of feeling overwhelmed in her life and profession, and how seeking balance emerged for her as a path to courage.

That reminded me of how balance is central to our Health and Wellbeing Initiative—MindWell, EatWell, MoveWell, SpendWell, and BuildWell. Through the initiative’s hashtag #pioneerstrong, I found #thankyoutuesday where softball student-athlete Britney Hitt praised Associate Professor Nasrin Mirsaleh-Kohan, Ph.D. in chemistry and biochemistry for the exceptional care shown to her students during the past weeks.

In my morning’s emergency management situation reports, Fit and Rec noted their Zoom meetings include fun themes, such as “80s haute couture” and “crazy hair” as they continue to program online content for those of us seeking balance related to MoveWell. I particularly appreciate the rec’s produced-from-home workouts with Marybeth. Human Resources and other departments have shared that increased numbers of videoconference meetings have helped everyone stay in touch. I also have moved to a daily Google Meet with my staff.

 

EatWell posts from @kdnutriprof, Nutrition and Food Science Assistant Professor Kathleen Davis, Ph.D. includes #kidfriendlymeals for faculty, staff, and students who are balancing a plethora of needs as working parents. One of her recent posts reminds me of Voltaire’s’ aphorism “le mieux est l’ennemi du bien”—the best (organic, gourmet) is the enemy of the good (canned, wholesome #plantprotein).

As we cross over the midpoint—balance-point—of the workweek, I hope you continue to find balance amongst the constant of change that is all around.

With a pioneering spirit,

Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.
Chancellor and President

P.S. For the latest information, check out the TWU COVID-19 webpage.

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