Pioneers Remembered - 2025 Memorials

Memories

Michele Bland

Michele and I were co-workers since 2013. Michele and I would send funny (sometimes inappropriate) memes and jokes to each for years. I kept sending them to her for a while when I heard she had passed, to keep her a little longer with me. I miss the funnies and her stories about her family, her horses, her deer she fed, and her dog Bailey. I will remember the friendship we had…always. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the same love and friendship she gave freely. - Barbara Byrd

Ms. Bland, you will be missed. I will never forget your persistence and your saying that will always live within me, "2 shakes of a lambs tail". Thank you for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to follow your footsteps at TWU. - Rishun Beasley

Professor Michele Bland warmly welcomed me to the Social Work Department with her kind and unforgettable smile. She was consistently present and punctual in the Social Work Macro Practice course, always ready to support students as they engaged in their community projects. Her presence reflected true professionalism - graceful, well dressed, organized, and uplifting, with thoughtful communication that made others feel valued. Professor Bland made a meaningful impact on our department and our students. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. - Shamsun Nahar

Linda Brock

Dr. Brock is one of the people who has most changed me for the better. She had a way of being calm yet curious, blunt yet respectful, and wise yet always leading from behind. She taught me how to engage my family in a more helpful way and encouraged me to be patient with myself when it felt like too much. She helped me get through the most difficult time in my life, my dad’s passing. And because of Dr. Brock and all that I learned from her, I didn’t even feel the need to return to finish my PhD after he died because I realized that my whole purpose was to prepare me for his passing. I’m forever grateful and will never forget the lasting impact that tiny but mighty woman made on my life. She is greatly missed and her passing is a huge loss to all future students. May she rest in peace. - Cecelia Briseno

I remember Linda Brock at TWU! She was a wealth of knowledge in the Family Studies/Science Dept. Family Therapy was her passion and teaching to pass that to the students she taught. Blessings to all the lives she touched in spreading the passion on. I know her life will be remembered and honored through the many great achievements made! - Crystal Dyess-Carroll

Linda Brock spread kindness throughout the Family Sciences department. Her unwavering support of students and colleagues inspired us all. She reminded us to always keep students at the center of our mission. Her spirit and legacy will live on in our hearts and memories of the wonderful person she was. - Brigitte Vittrup

Lizbeth Elkins

Liz Elkins was a true Pioneer beginning as a student when she transferred in 1972. She began working while still a student and earned a permanent position upon her graduation in 1974. Her strong work ethic steadily saw her advance to become the Director of Institutional Research. She oversaw a dedicated staff and encouraged participation in the Texas Association for Institutional Research where she was elected to serve as treasurer in 1994. With her encouragement, all employees took part in presenting presentations to the organization. Presentations at the annual convention not only spread innovative ideas to other university Institutional Research departments but also brought new ideas for implementation at TWU. Liz was highly respected by members throughout the state.

Within the TWU campus environment, Liz spearheaded regular meetings of all major departments dependent on institutional data to effectively and efficiently collect and present data for use in decision-making. A close collaboration of all parties involved resulted in a number of timely data-driven actions which positively impacted departmental efficiency. Liz Elkins left her mark on the University community in far-reaching ways and will be remembered fondly. - Grace Chalon and Cathi Chambers

Beth Lewis

The last time I saw Beth, she was sitting near the elevators on the first floor of ACT looking more pensive in reflection than I'd seen her before. But when she saw me, she rose up and greeted me with her brilliant smile, her sparkling eyes direct and welcoming. We shared some thoughts about Staff Council, hugged briefly, and she bustled off to her next opportunity, no doubt, to set something beautifully in motion on behalf of Texas Woman's University. I learned later of her illness, an awareness she must have been carrying at that time. I can only appreciate and stand a bit in awe of her ability to set aside such a deep personal concern in a moment of welcoming and a chance to connect. May Beth's spirit live on as we recall her dedication to guiding those privileged enough to work alongside her in lifting up TWU, its mission, students, faculty, staff, and beautiful campuses, along with its unique place in and purpose for the world. - Sharon Bailey

Sara Vawda

I don't have a single specific memory that comes most readily to mind, but I wanted to share a few words of remembrance and gratitude for my late friend, Sara Vawda. I am so grateful to have met and bonded with her prior to what would have been our first semester together as graduate students. From the first moment we exchanged words right up until the end of our time together, I have never forgotten her warmth, the laughter we shared, or the sense of safety we created within our brief friendship. On the toughest of days, I recall the light, sincerity, and all-around goodness that she embodied, and I find that it still encourages me to persist. Though she is at rest, her spirit and the beautiful essence she carried will never be forgotten. - Nijah Ricks