Message from the Chancellor (COVID-19 March 24, 2020, 5:47 p.m.)

Staying connected…during the COVID-19 social upheaval (March 24, 2020 at 5:47 p.m.)

Dear Texas Woman’s Community,

I hope this message finds you well on this warm, sunny spring day in Texas.

Those in communities surrounding each of our campuses will all be under shelter-in-place orders by tomorrow evening—we are ahead of the game, implementing limited access to the last of our campuses today at five o’clock. My family in Belgium has been under similar orders for almost two weeks already. Their stories have painted a preview of what is to come. Some have become armchair policy-makers, obsessively monitoring country counts and news accounts. Others have withdrawn from the newsfeeds to focus attention on new hobbies. Regardless of the routine as they have isolated in place, they have also begun to share more with me through messaging apps. I have appreciated that deepened connection during these times of social upheaval.

I continue to hear stories from far and near. One student left on a personal trip but is now waylaid abroad. Another is due to give birth, but current protocols limit the presence of any family in the delivery room. Another mother wrote to me from Germany where she teaches US military children; she expressed gratitude for the care Texas Woman’s is showing her daughter, whose only home here is in our residence halls. Another is working to produce CDC-approved hand sanitizer for first responders in South Texas at a distillery-converted-to-manufacturing facility, and she expressed relief knowing her daughter is in “safe hands” at Texas Woman’s while she is busy helping protect first responders. My favorite story of the day comes from students—sisters—in counseling psychology who shared a photo of Niam sporting the Texas Woman’s brand while they isolate themselves and complete studies from home.

I continue to remind myself here in my home on the Denton campus that while in isolation, we are still a community. Thanks to technology, we can always call on each other for help or just to share our latest creation in the kitchen. When we do that, I believe we can actually deepen our connection, just like I have with my family in Europe.

I hope you stay safe and well—and connected.

With a pioneering spirit,

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

Page last updated 8:20 AM, March 26, 2020