Leadership, workforce development center taps new director

Sept. 14, 2026 — DENTON — Jessica Schneider, who has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education and research administration, has been named director of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership’s (JNIWL) Center for Leadership Research and Workforce Development at Texas Woman’s University.

“Jessica’s experience leading research initiatives, building collaborative partnerships and supporting innovative programs makes her well suited to lead the Center,” said Shannon Mantaro, executive director and chief officer of the JNIWL. “She will lead our research on women’s leadership including in entrepreneurship and public service, work that helps shape the policies and resources that strengthen Texas’s economy and communities. She’ll also help connect workforce development with our academic programs, building stronger ties between higher education and industry.”

Schneider most recently served as director of the Faculty Fellows Program in the Translational Health Research Center at Texas State University, where she led research initiatives and supported faculty in developing collaborative projects and pursuing external funding. Throughout her career in higher education, she has developed programs that connect research with practical outcomes and has worked in research strategy, program development and stakeholder engagement. Schneider holds a master’s degree in technical communication and a bachelor’s degree in English from Texas State University.

The Center for Leadership Research and Workforce Development supports women’s leadership through research and education. The Center connects academic research with workforce needs, studying trends in women’'s leadership while developing training that supports career readiness and long-term success. Its work gives students, educators and professionals access to current research findings along with practical approaches for building leadership skills.

The Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University is dedicated to preparing women for successful careers in business and public service. Its three specialized centers—Center for Women Entrepreneurs, Center for Women in Government and Center for Leadership Research and Workforce Development—ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to excel in public service.

Page last updated 9:02 AM, September 15, 2026