Message From the Chancellor (COVID-19 March 26, 2020 4:13 p.m.)

AssistHER and love…in the time of coronavirus

a field of bluebonnets with the TWU campus buildings rising up in the distance

Dear TWU Community,

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

Retired faculty Barney Sanborn in kinesiology—via Lisa Silliman-French in adaptive PE—sent me a photo of bluebonnets and the iconic TWU towers from her home as she shelters in place today.

Lauren Hendershot in University Advancement had to pivot on her big wedding plans. Rather than cancel, she employed spatial distancing methods #sixfeetapart. I have to say that the pictures brought a tear to my eye. Love in the time of coronavirus has shown through.

a wedding party stands 6 feet apart from one another to comply with CDC safety guidelines for coronavirus activity

And the last bit of big news I want to share today is that Shannon Mantaro, in our Center for Women Entrepreneurs, a part of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, created a new opportunity for women-owned businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 situation. The center has been helping women entrepreneurs succeed through training, advising, networking, and incubator funding. Today, the center announced that it would allocate a million dollars of its state funds for one hundred $10,000 AssistHER grants.

The center’s plan received broad support from Texas leadership. “Small businesses are the heart of our communities and of this great state,” First Lady Cecilia Abbott said. “In these challenging times, we especially need to encourage women to continue investing in their small businesses to help sustain local jobs and to help provide more financial security for more Texas families. By supporting our small businesses, we will overcome this challenge — we are #TexasStrong.”

I continue to be amazed by the myriad of ways Texas Woman’s is responding to the times, from retired faculty’s moments of joy to the earnest rethinking about what each of us can do—and then stepping up to lead. I also continue to be mindful of the seriousness of the economic woes and lives we are saving by cooperating and working together.

With a pioneering spirit,

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

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

Page last updated 10:49 AM, September 13, 2024