Awards

Nominations Are Now Open for the 2025 TWHE Awards

The call for 2025 TWHE Awards is now open. Please take a moment to recognize accomplishments of your fellow colleagues. The three award categories are listed below. Detailed guidelines are provided in the TWHE Awards Categories and Criteria document.

Submit nominations using the TWHE Award Nomination Form by February 21, 2025. TWHE is counting on you to recognize outstanding contributions of women across Texas. TWHE Board Member Dr. Renetta Wright is available for inquiries via email at renetta.wright@tccd.edu.

Quotes from the 2024 Award Winners

2024 Recipient of the Institutional Representative of the Year Award: Laura Escamilla

Texas Women in Higher Education has been a blessing to me in that it has connected me to some amazing higher education professionals that have helped me to grow both professionally and personally. One of my favorite things about TWHE is that people from also aspects of higher education are welcome. You have people from academic and student affairs sides. There are also people from all levels, from students to high-level administrators, and everything level between. TWHE is a group that embraces and encourages all.

2024 Recipient of the 2024 Emerging Leader Award: Dr. Rebecca Morrow

I cannot say thank you enough for how instrumental TWHE has been for my development. Two years ago, I received a leadership grant that empowered me to create an accountability writing group which kept me on track and empowered even more women. I had not seen myself as a leader but after reading the file for my nomination and (to my shock) award last year I am ready to take on more challenges to elevate women in higher education. Hope you join TWHE and become acquainted with other higher education professionals.

2024 Recipient of the Contributions to TWHE Award: Dr. Kristina Ramirez Wilson

I found TWHE (or you could say it found me!) at the right time in my career. I was seeking opportunities to learn and grow as a leader beyond what was available to me at my college. Through TWHE, I have learned from exceptional leaders from across the state and nation, and I have been challenged and inspired to be bolder and more courageous in my work in service to students and my colleagues.

Institutional Representative (IR) of the Year Award

Designed to recognize a member and her outstanding contributions to TWHE through the fulfillment of her role of IR. Factors that will be considered are how she:

• Connects with women on her campus
• Enhances the profile of women on her campus
• Promotes relevant communication on her campus
• Participates in and communicates with TWHE

The application includes a nomination form addressing the four criteria listed above.

Emerging Leader Award

Designed to recognize an early career professional who has given of her time, energy, and creativity to enhance TWHE at a local or state level. Factors that will be considered are how she:

• Participates in the annual conference
• Shows capacity for leadership on her campus and within TWHE. Examples could include playing a crucial role in a regional workshop, presenting at the annual conference, and advocating for TWHE on her campus
• The nomination should include specific examples of contribution or leadership to TWHE at the institutional or state level

The application includes a nomination form addressing the four criteria listed above.

Contributions to TWHE Award

Designed to recognize a member and her outstanding contributions to TWHE. Factors that will be considered are how she:

• Embodies the mission and vision of TWHE
• Substantially contributes to the American Council on Education’s Moving the Needle: Advancing Women in
  Higher Education Leadership Examples of this include:
  • Leading a program or research project that focuses on the need for advancing women in higher education leadership positions
  • Identifying and pursuing methods and practices of recruiting and hiring women to senior executive offices

Building capacities in women and in institutions

• Developing, practicing, and/or providing leadership models that recognize success in advancing women in higher education
• Serves as an example for women in higher education in Texas
• Believes in the mission of TWHE and promotes involvement in the organization at the institutional and state level

The recipient of this award will serve as TWHE’s nominee for the American Council on Education’s Donna Shavlik Award, which honors an individual who demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing women in higher education.

The application includes a nomination form addressing the criteria listed above.