Prof’s experience as first-gen student raised expectations, fueled goals

TWU assistant professor Lou Ann Hintz with her two sons at her PhD graduation ceremony

Nov. 6, 2025 — Texas Woman’s assistant professor Lou Ann Hintz has a few distinct memories from her childhood that profoundly shaped her educational journey and career.

One is sitting with her mother every evening to solve math equations and brush up on her spelling. She remembers arguing with her mother one night about it. Her mother told her that she hadn’t done very well in school, and she wanted Hintz to have a different experience.

“That heartfelt conversation that she had with me really impacted me,” Hintz said. 

Another memory was when she was 9 and her sister was hospitalized for a few weeks. She remembers her sister coming home and telling her that the best part about the hospital was the occupational therapy and the arts and crafts involved with it. 

Occupational therapy helps individuals improve their ability to perform everyday tasks, and arts and crafts can offer meaningful, enjoyable activities that build mental and physical capacity and give people a sense of purpose. Creating leather and copper tool crafts had given Hintz’s sister a sense of fulfillment and something to look forward to.

Hintz didn’t know what exactly occupational therapy was, but she knew at that moment it was something she wanted to do.

“I'd like to be someone that could make a difference with a child that was in a desperate situation and facing uncertainty,” Hintz recalled thinking. “If I could bring them hope and joy, I would like a career like that.”

When Hintz learned in high school that nearby Texas Woman’s had an occupational therapy program, she formulated a dream of going to college to become an occupational therapist. And she achieved that goal earning her bachelor’s degree from TWU and getting a job at a hospital. Hintz worked as an occupational therapist for more than 20 years before moving into higher education. 

When Hintz looks back at her time as an undergraduate, she has fond memories of studying in the various buildings on the Denton and Dallas campuses and of the supportive occupational therapy faculty. But getting that degree wasn't straightforward. At times, Hintz worked 40 hours a week at two jobs while studying, delaying her progress in the program.

Hintz’s story of perseverance and determination to go to college is similar to many other TWU alumni and students. She is also one of many faculty and staff on campus that identify as first-generation college students. 

More than 50% of Texas Woman’s students are first-generation college students. A first-gen college student is one whose parents or guardians have not completed a bachelor’s degree. TWU’s Center for First-Generation Students is hosting a National First-Gen College Celebration on Nov. 7 and a First-Generation Graduation Reception on Nov. 15. 

“I feel incredibly grateful and lucky,” Hintz said. “Every day that I'm on the Dallas campus, it just doesn't escape me how lucky I am to be in the position that I'm in.”

While Hintz’s college experience wasn’t easy because of the workload, she did have an advantage in that she had a supportive family.

Lou Ann Hintz with her husband at Denton campus graduation for her master's degree 

Not only did Hintz’s parents encourage her educational pursuits, they also passed on to Hintz the importance of hard work and community service. Hintz’s mother ran her own business for 30 years, and her father worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture while also serving in numerous elected roles. 

Both her older sisters had graduated college and enjoyed successful careers, and Hintz understood the process and logistics of applying to school.  

“I just always adored my sisters so much, and I wanted to be like them,” Hintz said. 

Hintz’s financial burden eased her final two years of college when she reached out to the financial aid office for help. 

“If I were to give students advice now, I would encourage them to look into grants and scholarships and loans right away,” Hintz said.  

Hintz also obtained her master’s degree and PhD from Texas Woman’s. She had such a wonderful experience as a graduate student that she returned to TWU as a professor. 

“When I was that undergrad student, I did not see myself in this role,” Hintz said. “And so to be in this role as an assistant professor and working in academia, I really exceeded my aspirations that I had for myself as an undergraduate. And I'm just thankful every day, and I feel like I've come full circle.”