First-Generation College Student to University President

As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand that the path to higher education can feel daunting. My parents—my father, a firefighter, and my mother, a homemaker—did not graduate from college. Yet, they instilled in me a deep belief in the power of education. They taught me from a young age that I could accomplish anything I set my heart on. Their support, faith, and work ethic were the foundation that allowed me to dream big—and ultimately, to make those dreams a reality. 

My story is one that began with a faith-filled and hard-working family, and it is now a story of growth, perseverance, and a commitment to empowering others. I am proud to be the first female president at Texas Wesleyan University, a university I have the honor of leading. But the journey from a first-generation college student to university president is one that wasn’t made alone. I had the privilege of being surrounded by people who believed in me: my parents, teachers, professors, and mentors who dedicated themselves to my future, much like I now dedicate myself to the future of our students at TXWES. 

As a mother of two daughters, my mission is clear: to make sure every student, regardless of their background, feels empowered to achieve their dreams. Whether they are the first in their family to attend college, or from a home of college graduates, all students deserve a path to success where they feel their dream of a college degree is achievable and supported. 

I think about what my parents have said to me over the years that the dreams I’ve been able to achieve were a collective effort. At first, my journey started as a single dream of serving as a university president where I can make an impact. Now, it’s not about that single dream, it’s a life’s mission serving students who all have dreams. And that is why, as president, I work every day to ensure that the future of our students is full of possibilities. 

At TXWES, we strive to create an environment where students feel supported, seen, and valued. Our core values focus on connection, commitment, compassion and courage. Our TXWES culture starts with making sure our campus is welcoming and personalized to everyone. Our work is never finished, and that is why we continue to look for ways to expand support systems for our students—whether it’s through student organizations that create a sense of belonging, career services that ensure they are prepared for life after graduation, internships and practicums providing real-time and hands on experiences, or the many other resources we offer, including tutoring, a food pantry, and a clothes closet. We look at serving each student in a holistic manner and identifying how we can support our students from “backpack” to “briefcase.”

We want students to know that we are here for them every step of the way. It is my belief that when students feel supported by those around them—whether it’s their professors, their peers, or the staff—they begin to unlock their potential. When students are given the tools to succeed, the compassion to grow, and the space to take risks and fail, they develop the courage and tenacity to achieve their goals. 

My life’s mission is rooted in the values I hold dear and echoes the lessons my parents taught me—that you can achieve anything with the right attitude, effort and resources to create opportunity and success. Just as they instilled in me the belief that anything is possible, and with their dedication and support, I am here to help you see and reach that same potential within yourselves. The opportunities for every student at TXWES are immense, and I look forward to leading the university, our students and our community on our collective journeys.