Dr. Patsy Robles-Goodwin will be awarded the 2025 Wesleyan Flame Award at this year's Alumni Medal Awards Dinner. A professor in the School of Education for nearly 20 years, Dr. Robles-Goodwin is dedicated to empowering bilingual education students, both at Texas Wesleyan and throughout the community.

Dr. Patsy J. Robles-Goodwin is a Professor of Education and the Bilingual/ESL Director at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas. With a career spanning over 40 years, Dr. Robles-Goodwin has dedicated her work to advancing language education, specifically in dual language and bilingual/ESL programs for elementary school students and teachers.

As Director, she oversees the dual language program for EC–6 Bilingual Education majors and the English as a Second Language (ESL) program for EC–6 elementary majors. In addition to her leadership in program development, Dr. Robles-Goodwin and the grant team have secured over $2M in federal grants, thereby expanding opportunities for her students and the university.

Dr. Robles-Goodwin’s research focuses on issues of access, equity, and culturally responsive teaching, particularly for Emergent Bilinguals and English Learners. She is a leading voice in the field of dual language education and biliteracy, with over 32 peer-reviewed publications and more than 121 peer-reviewed conference presentations. Her recent chapter, “Mentoring Latinas for Higher Education Professorship Roles: A Call to Action for Creating Spaces and Opportunities at Hispanic-Serving Institutions,” appears in the book Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education.

A passionate advocate for Latina representation in academia, Dr. Robles-Goodwin has also played a key role in mentoring and supporting aspiring Latina professors. Her Wesleyan scholarly recognition includes the prestigious Earl Brown Teaching Award, a nomination for the Minnie Piper Professor award, and the recent McCann Professorship Award, as well as the Engaging Educator Award two times. In the field of bilingual education, Dr. Robles-Goodwin has received the Higher Education Award at both the state and local levels. Her work on parental engagement received the Quest for Quality  Award at the state level for Exemplary K-12 Partnerships.

Before transitioning to higher education, she worked as a dual language teacher, educational specialist, and school administrator, roles that have shaped her deeply empathetic approach to teaching and research. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, reading, traveling, and leading study abroad experiences that combine teaching and cultural exploration.

About the Alumni Medal Awards 

Each year, Texas Wesleyan University honors distinguished alumni and friends. Their achievements and contributions are amazing reflections of the University, and we are honored to celebrate and recognize them.

This year’s Alumni Medal Awards Dinner will be held in the Martin University Center on Friday, Oct. 24. The reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m.

The event is open to all alumni, friends, family, faculty and staff. Tickets are $60 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. Register online to reserve your seat.

Questions? Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 817-531-6548 or alumni@txwes.edu.