Highlights from the November 2024 board meeting

Dear Colleagues,

The TWU System Board of Regents held its November quarterly meeting last week, and I am pleased to share some highlights with you. You can also listen to the full recording.

To start, I would like to congratulate Dr. Monica Williams on the monumental milestone of becoming the inaugural Houston campus president. The board committee meetings were sandwiched between her installation ceremony and celebratory dinner. The Houston campus was buzzing with regents, students, faculty, staff, federal and state legislators, and community members reflecting on Dr. William’s path to this role and the amount of grit she brings to her leadership. It is a thrilling time to be a part of the Texas Woman’s University System, and to the attendees last Thursday and Friday, our momentum is clear.

At the Academic Affairs committee meeting, regents then heard from Interim Dean Brigitte Vittrup from the College of Professional Education. Dean Vittrup presented the Grow Your Own in Houston initiative, a partnership between TWU and Houston-area school districts aimed at addressing teacher shortages by certifying existing district paraprofessionals. Currently, 52% of Texas teachers are uncertified, leading to significant student learning loss. Research shows that 30% of uncertified teachers leave after the first year, with only 39% remaining after five years, compared to 76% of certified teachers. This grant-funded program has a substantial impact, often doubling or tripling paraprofessionals’ income once certified, thus improving their financial stability and benefiting districts with more certified teachers and better student outcomes. By focusing on removing barriers and meeting district needs, the program has led to a 3.7% enrollment increase over last fall.

The next presentation to the regents highlighted the university’s progress in expanding STEM opportunities for TWU students. Over the past five years, biology enrollment has increased by 10% at the undergraduate level and 117% at the graduate level. Since its launch in 2015, the health informatics program has grown to serve over 140 students. The university is also exploring new engineering programs and proposing a Bachelor of Science in Multi-Disciplinary Studies. Dr. Diana Elrod, the newly appointed STEM Coordinator, is actively developing STEM experiential learning and funding opportunities on campus. These initiatives have earned national recognition, with Washington Monthly ranking the Biology department among the top ten programs for women in STEM.

University Advancement reported a record-breaking fundraising year, raising over $32 million in the first quarter of FY2025. The endowment has had a 6.7% return on investment since inception, growing by $100 million since 2005. The Office of Audit Services reported no findings in the purchasing compliance audit, and they and IT Solutions had successfully implemented all follow-up recommendations. The board approved intercomponent transfers and Oklahoma non-resident tuition rates, reducing them to $80. Tuition and fee increases were recommended, with a 3.7% increase for undergraduates and 2.79% for graduates.

In my report to the regents, I noted that student engagement has surged post-pandemic, with record attendance at campus events like Boo at the U (over 3,500 attendees) and a 33% increase in first-week participation. Parents Weekend and campus events such as a debate watch party also saw high participation, showing renewed interest in on-campus activities. Of course, I also had to mention our recent rankings! The Wall Street Journal ranked TWU as the #2 university in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, among both private and public institutions, and #8 statewide. This recognition, based on factors such as student debt, post-graduation earnings, and campus experience, highlights Texas Woman’s educational value and positive impact on our alumni. This achievement is a testament to your commitment to meaningful student outcomes. Thank you for your part in our success.

With a pioneering spirit,

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

Page last updated 8:52 AM, November 15, 2024