Bettye Myers Challenge

Dr. Bettye Myers, a Cornaro Professor of Kinesiology, retired in August 2015 after 54 years of service to Texas Woman’s University.  During her long and faithful tenure, she was the founding president of the Faculty Senate, and an exemplary leader in many groups such as the TWU Alumnae Association, the Kiwanis, the United Way of Denton County, and the Denton Independent School District Board of Trustees.  Dr. Robert Neely, the Provost of TWU, has aptly called Dr. Myers “an icon, not only at TWU, but also in the city of Denton.”  At Dr. Myers’ retirement reception, TWU Chancellor Dr. Carine Feyten told Bettye “You have changed students’ lives and encouraged them to change the lives of others.  You have left an indelible mark on people’s hearts.” The showcase butterfly garden west of the Texas Pond is named after Dr. Myers’ in tribute to her extraordinary dedication to TWU.

During her time at Texas Woman's University, Dr. Bettye Myers was a tremendous supporter of the State Employee Charitable Campaign. She formed a challenge in which university components who were able to reach 100% participation in SECC were eligible to win a prize for their component. Academic components who reached 100% were eligible to win a $1,000 student scholarship for them to give to one of their students. Over the years, the Bettye Myers Challenge criteria have evolved and changed as the Faculty/Staff populations have changed.  For 2024, the criteria have had a major overhaul to better promote participation from all academic and non-academic components at TWU.