TWU alum gives $100K to launch scholarships in health promotion, kinesiology

July 25, 2022 — DENTON — Texas Woman’s University alumna Dawn Chaney, PhD, has provided a $100,000 gift to TWU for scholarships benefitting students majoring in exercise physiology and exercise science, and students who are committed to women’s leadership.

The gift establishes two $50,000 endowments that will support scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the university’s School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology

Chaney earned an associate’s degree at Penn Hall in Pennsylvania, and undergraduate and graduate degrees related to exercise physiology from Texas Woman’s. Throughout her career in academia, she served on the faculty at the former Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville), the State University of New York, University of Delaware, and was professor and department chair at Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C.

After teaching for 17 years, Chaney initiated a new career as a real estate investor. Today, she owns Chaney Properties, specializing in commercial, multi-family and residential development.

“We are grateful to Dr. Chaney for her generous scholarship gift, which will assist and encourage TWU students to complete degrees in this important, growing health-related field,” said Kimberly Russell, PhD, Texas Woman’s vice president for university advancement. “Dr. Chaney’s commitment to elevating women to leadership positions is inspiring and will be a catalyst for preparing more of our graduates to become leaders in their communities.”

TWU’s School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology prepares graduates for careers aimed at understanding the importance of healthy living and supports careers related to medical technology, public health and health education as well as many aspects of kinesiology – from conditioning to coaching, the science behind physical health, and the business side of sports.