Highlights from the February 2025 board meeting

Dear TWU Community,

The TWU System Board of Regents held its February quarterly meeting on Thursday, and I am pleased to share some highlights with you. You may also listen to the full recording.

In case you have not heard, Texas Woman’s officially achieved the designation of Research 2: High Spending and Doctorate Production institution in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This distinction is a testament to the faculty, whose hard work has enriched our academic culture with research that matters. The classification system evaluates nearly 3,900 institutions every three years, and Texas Woman’s now stands among just 139 universities nationwide to achieve this prestigious R2 status. To qualify, institutions must spend at least $5 million annually on research and award a minimum of 20 research doctorates each year. In 2023, we exceeded these thresholds, with $6.9 million in research expenditures and 233 research doctorates conferred. This recognition positions us for an even greater impact in the years ahead.

Finance and Audit Committee Highlights

Dr. Javier Flores reported a 2.5% increase in spring semester credit hours, primarily driven by 1.8% increase in graduate enrollment. As undergraduate enrollment stayed effectively flat, graduate students now make up 36% of our student body. In University Advancement, we continue to see incredible support. Nearly $38 million in gifts and pledges were raised through the second quarter, with a notable increase in annual giving. The Dream Big Campaign has now reached $157.8 million, thanks to contributions from 17,436 donors.

Rob Ramirez, Senior Associate Vice President for Facilities Management and Construction, reported that we have invested more than $42 million in deferred maintenance since 2015. These investments, together with new construction, have resulted in our Facilities Condition Index standing at 1.96% —excellent—as determined by a third-party evaluator. I realize this institutional average does not reflect each of your experiences, and there is always more to do. I am grateful that Texas dedicates funds for deferred maintenance, which is not the case in every state.

The board approved a number of items, including the proposed $9 million early design budget for the Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship building funded by donor investment, $3.85 million for the Gwen and Stark Halls code improvements project from the auxiliary services budget, delegation of authority to negotiate energy contracts for the Dallas and Houston campuses, a database migration for the student data system not to exceed $1.8 million, and acceptance of $2.16 million in Q2 FY25 grants almost $700K more than the same quarter later year.

Student Success and Academic Initiatives

Provost Bauer presented her plans to boost our first-to-second-year retention rate with a revised first-year experience (FYE) designed to foster a strong sense of belonging. Key initiatives include creating a hub for academic advising; introducing paired course learning communities for commuter students as a complement to the living learning communities enjoyed by residential students; and providing additional opportunities for tenured/tenure-track faculty to teach a three-hour first-year course that reflects an instructor’s academic expertise—rigorous content better engages students, leading to greater success. Additionally, Academic Affairs is piloting supplemental instruction in high-risk courses and expanding developmental education programs. Dr. Smith in mathematics and Dr. Hoermann-Elliott in English will co-lead the FYE. IR analysis suggests that even a 5% increase in retention of first-year students could generate nearly $3 million in annual revenue, much more than paying for the increased cost of these initiatives.

Dr. William R. Brenner, associate professor of Spanish, introduced a new Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Translation and Interpreting with an emphasis in medical interpretation. This program will be particularly impactful in healthcare settings, helping to reduce medical errors and readmission rates through improved communication. The program, housed in the Department of Language, Culture, and Gender Studies, will offer both in-person and online teaching and learning, will provide alternative pathways for careers in health, and enhance health and nursing graduates’ employability. The program is designed to connect all three campuses as it grows.

Athletics

Dr. Monica Mendez-Grant and Sandee Mott shared outstanding news about our student-athletes. Here is a snapshot of the department’s achievements:

3.621 Department GPA—85 Consecutive semesters of 3.0 or higher GPA
78 Student-athletes earned a 4.0 GPA (38%)
52 Additional student-athletes made the dean’s list
86% of all student-athletes had 3.0 or higher

Our athletes also excelled in community service, ranking fourth among NCAA Division II universities. On the court, the TWU basketball team boasts an incredible 23-1 record, and Ashley Ingram broke the all-time scoring record. I am incredibly proud of the all-around excellence of our student-athletes!

Government and Legislative Initiatives

Kevin Cruser, director of governmental and legislative affairs, provided an update on our legislative priorities, which included a proposal for the establishment of a healthcare education endowment, among other legislative priorities. We are also advocating for federal support for nursing simulation labs. Recently, during Texas Woman’s Day at the Capitol, an inspiring group of students met with legislators to champion our university and its programs. Senator Brent Hagenbuch praised the students he met, calling them some of the best and brightest, and noted that they engaged him in respectful debates on timely topics, even when they held differing viewpoints.

Dallas and Houston Campus Updates

Monica Christopher, Dallas campus president, celebrated her first anniversary and kicked-off her Dallas campus strategic planning initiative on February 10. A 15-person steering committee composed of faculty and staff, supported by consultants from Steady State Impact, will develop a plan focused on academic program expansion, space utilization, and operational efficiency, with implementation set for this fall. A $250,000 grant from the Communities Foundation of Texas supports the strategic planning process. The Dallas campus will celebrate Mike Myers’ $2 million naming gift for the stroke center this spring with a ribbon cutting.

Dr. Monica Williams, Houston campus president, updated the board on efforts to strengthen ties with local officials, media, and partners, including Houston Community College and the Texas Medical Center. President Williams plans to launch the Houston campus strategic planning process on the coattails of the Dallas plan, projected to start in fall 2025.

Recognizing Our Board Members

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our departing board members—Regent Hyde, Chair and Presiding Officer McDavid, and Regent Wilson—for their outstanding service. Their leadership has been invaluable, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

A Closing Thought

I would like to leave you with a reflection from Chancellor Tedd Mitchell of Texas Tech, which I heard during testimony at the Capitol: “Universities should not try to be all things to all people… focus on your strong suits.” This sentiment perfectly aligns with the spirit of Texas Woman’s University. We know where our strengths lie, and it shows in the incredible success of our students, faculty, staff, and communities. Thank you all for your dedication and hard work.

With a pioneering spirit,

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

Page last updated 8:51 AM, February 18, 2025