Senator Nelson gets inaugural tour of namesake institute

The pandemic may have slowed activities at Texas Woman’s University this fall, but mid-October provided an opportune moment for Texas Sen. Jane Nelson to take a sneak peek at her namesake women’s leadership institute in Old Main.

“This is absolutely awesome,” Nelson said, moments after touring the roughly 2,000 square feet of space devoted to the Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Exhibit, which is a new feature of the Jane Nelson Institute of Women’s Leadership in the historic building.

Joining Nelson on the inaugural tour of the space was Sue Bancroft, for whom the exhibit hall is named, and Jill Jester, chair of the TWU Board of Regents. The tour was led by Chancellor Carine Feyten and Mary Anne Alhadeff, the institute’s executive director and chief officer.

A major renovation at Old Main was completed earlier this year to accommodate the institute’s offices and exhibit hall. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a planned opening in spring 2020 was postponed.

The institute and the exhibit hall will officially open in the spring of 2021 with a virtual open house celebration. The hall features multiple interactive digital displays showcasing women who have had a major impact on Texas politics and public policy.

The institute and its three centers, focused on creating leaders in business and public service, has conducted workshops and networking opportunities and has provided more than $1 million in grants to assist women-owned businesses experiencing difficulties during the pandemic and to help other women-owned businesses launch, grow and sustain themselves.

“I am deeply honored that the Institute carries my name,” Nelson said. “This recognition is a great privilege that I will always treasure.”

Joining Nelson on the inaugural tour of the space was Sue Bancroft, for whom the exhibit hall is named, and Jill Jester, chair of the TWU Board of Regents. The tour was led by Chancellor Carine Feyten and Mary Anne Alhadeff, the institute’s executive director and chief officer.