President of Texas Woman’s University to Step Down

Ann Stuart, president and chancellor of Texas Woman’s University has announced her intention to retire. She will continue to serve in her post until a successor is found.

During her 12-year tenure, enrollments have increased by 85 percent to an all-time record this semester of more than 15,000 students. She has helped raise more than $220 million for the university.

Before being named the 10th president of Texas Women’s University in 1999, Dr. Stuart was president of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Graduate School in Hartford, Connecticut. Earlier she has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Alma College in Michigan and as dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Stuart is a graduate of the University of Florida. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and a Ph.D. in English from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

Mike McCullough, chair of the board of regents of Texas Woman’s University, stated, “TWU is privileged to have had Dr. Stuart as its chancellor and president for more than 12 years. Her exceptional leadership has helped TWU become a stronger and smarter university that is well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. Business and community leaders throughout the state and members of the legislature have been impressed with her success in transforming TWU into an exceptional university recognized as a leader in higher education in Texas.”

In a statement to the campus community, President Stuart wrote, “Serving TWU has been the highlight of my career. As a first generation college graduate, I know first-hand the profound difference an education can make in one’s life. I often say education cannot change a person’s life; he or she must be committed to that, but education can change one’s opportunities. To know that I have in some way helped give others this opportunity is deeply rewarding.”