TWU leader named to Texas Lyceum board

Feb. 13, 2024 ― DENTON ― The associate director of a women’s leadership center at Texas Woman’s University has been named to the Texas Lyceum Board of Directors, becoming only the second representative from Denton to serve on the organization’s board since its founding in 1980.

Wandaliz Turner, who is associate director of the Center for Women in Government (CWG) at TWU’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership (JNIWL), was installed on the 96-member Texas Lyceum board on Jan. 19 in Austin. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization is focused on addressing national and state issues and developing new leadership for Texas.

“It’s an honor to join such an esteemed organization dedicated to improving the overall civic health of Texas,” Turner said. “I am grateful to Texas Woman's and the Jane Nelson Institute for supporting me and providing the tools and resources necessary for me to be successful in this venture.”

Turner earned a bachelor’s degree in government and a master’s degree in political science, both from TWU, and said she hopes to apply knowledge gained in those disciplines to her work at the Lyceum.

The JNIWL’s leadership mission aligns with that of the Texas Lyceum, and the institute has supported the Lyceum since January 2023.

“We are thrilled that Wandaliz is serving in this important capacity on the Texas Lyceum board, which will enhance the institute’s ability to elevate more women into leadership roles across the state,” said Shannon Mantaro, the JNIWL’s executive director and chief officer.

In addition to hosting conferences and publishing its poll, the Texas Lyceum partners with higher education institutions to offer a statewide fellowship program that promotes research-driven solutions at the highest levels of state government.

Lyceum alumni have gone on to serve in politics, form think tanks and develop organizations that enrich Texas communities. Among Texas Lyceum alumni are: President George W. Bush, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, Governors Rick Perry and Greg Abbott, and U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Don Willett.

The Lyceum will hold its public conference from April 4–6 in Houston. This year’s conference theme is “Mission Control: Texas’ Leadership in Space, Technology, and Innovation.” The organization also will release results from its annual statewide poll.

For more information, visit www.texaslyceum.org.

About the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

The JNIWL is dedicated to preparing more women to take on successful roles in business and public service. Its three specialized centers — Center for Student Leadership, Center for Women Entrepreneurs and Center for Women in Government — ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to serve in public service.

Page last updated 9:00 AM, February 15, 2024