Connecting the Dots | Texas Woman's University

Leading in a Complex World

When arriving here in 2014, I was immediately struck by the long and storied history of faculty, staff, students and incredible alumni—stories known by far too few.

Steve Jobs once said that it’s only in looking back that we can “connect the dots.” For Texas Woman’s, looking back revealed a wonderful legacy but also a challenge to take that legacy even further into the future.

To lay the groundwork for that challenge, a university-wide team collaborated to create a strategic plan based on our raison d’être, “Educate a woman, empower the world.” That plan has sharpened our focus on preparing students for the world they will enter; bolstered academic, research and athletic activities; and nearly doubled the physical footprint of our university—bringing our student life and academic support services to a level that is becoming the envy of our peers.

Meanwhile, our faculty and students continue to pioneer new approaches to meeting the needs of our ever-expanding state—from cutting-edge preparation for those in nursing and the health sciences, to cultivating entrepreneurs and educators, and advancing strong programs in the arts and sciences. And we do these things well—The Economist ranked us 45th in the country and Dallas Business Journal ranked us #1 in the region for our graduates’ earnings vs. the cost to attend.

Plans often go on shelves with little noticeable outcome. I could not be more proud that our strategic plan, Learn to Thrive—and all those who have had a hand in creating it and bringing it to life—will result in the creation of many more noteworthy “dots.” Dots, that when connected in the future, will make Texas Woman’s University a prominent and important centerpiece in the lives of our students, our faculty and staff and the entire state of Texas.

Carine M. Feyten, PhD
Chancellor and President

Blazing New Trails

Michelle Tribble sharpened her culinary skills after transferring to TWU, then successfully navigated a career through a male-dominated industry. In 2018 she took the top prize on the reality show, Hell’s Kitchen.

She finished high school at 13, and by 16 Haley Taylor Schlitz graduated from TWU and entered a prestigious law school.

More on Michelle Tribble More on Haley Taylor Schlitz

Research from the Ground Up

Dayna Averitt collecting sap from Snow on the Prairie with a graduate student.

Using the research skills she gained while earning her master’s degree in exercise and sports nutrition at TWU, Vogel collected biometric data before and during her record-breaking Mount Everest climb.

The Sky's the Limit

The Acolytes of Apollo work on their wearable device for astronauts.

When the Acolytes of Apollo, a group of undergraduate kinesiology students, set out in 2018 to solve a vexing health issue related to space travel, they weren’t afraid of being the first Texas college team of non-engineers to compete in NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium Design Challenge.

Institute for Women's Leadership

Texas Woman’s is home to the Institute for Women’s Leadership, which was established in 2018 to help women attain leadership roles as students, as entrepreneurs and in civic life. The first of its kind in Texas and one of only a few in the U.S., the Institute is home to the following three centers:

Trains young women to lead teams, manage projects and sharpen public-speaking skills.

Center for Student Leadership

A young woman works on a computer at her desk.

Assists women in becoming successful business owners through advising, funding, networking and training.

Center for Women Entrepreneurs

A TWU student opens the door to the Texas Capitol building.

Seeks to increase the number of women who dedicate their careers to public service, advocacy and leadership

Center for Women in Government

The Future of Texas Woman's

Oakley in Pioneer Hall with his wings spread wide.

New logos for the university and its athletics teams, a new mascot, a new hand sign, a student-designed official plaid and a striking new cape for the towering statue of Minerva highlight some of the changes over the past five years at Texas Woman’s University.

Closing the Loop

At Texas Woman's, we look at the world through a different lens, focused on what's possible rather than what exists. As we connect these dots, we celebrate a legacy of faculty, students and alumni who pioneer solutions to society's challenges.

Read the full Connecting the Dots piece