Texas Woman's University (TWU) notable alumni have left indelible marks across healthcare, education, politics, and the arts, reflecting the institution's legacy as the largest public university primarily for women in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as the Texas College of Industrial Arts, TWU evolved into a co-educational powerhouse since 1976, with over 110,000 living alumni worldwide. These graduates exemplify the university's emphasis on empowering women in STEM, nursing, and leadership roles, producing professionals who drive societal change.
In entertainment, famous graduates of Texas Woman's University include Academy Award-winner Sissy Spacek, who honed her craft in TWU's drama department from 1968 to 1969 before starring in films like Carrie and Coal Miner's Daughter. View more entertainment figures. In politics, alumni like Toni Jennings, Florida's first female Lieutenant Governor (2003-2005), showcase TWU's influence in public service. Explore politics alumni for details.
TWU's unique aspects shine in health sciences, where its nursing program—one of the largest in Texas—has produced leaders like hospital CEOs and researchers advancing occupational therapy and physical therapy. Alumni impacts extend to business and education, with figures like Loula Long Combs, a pioneering rancher and philanthropist who funded TWU scholarships. These achievements highlight implications for job seekers: TWU grads enjoy strong networks in Denton, Texas, and beyond, aiding careers in academic jobs in Denton, Texas higher ed jobs, and higher education positions.
The alumni association fosters connections through events and mentorship, vital for students considering TWU. Check faculty insights on Rate My Professor or explore higher ed career advice for paths inspired by these trailblazers. For more, visit TWU's official alumni page.
This network underscores TWU's role in fostering influential leaders, offering global job seekers models of resilience and innovation from its Denton campus.
Texas Woman's University alumni have excelled in entertainment fields like acting and music, contributing to film, television, and folk music with acclaimed performances and songwriting that resonate globally. Categories include Actors and Musicians.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martha Hyer | Actress | 1941-1943 | Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her Academy Award-nominated role as Rosie in Some Came Running (1958) and appearances in over 50 films. | |
| Terri Hendrix | Singer-songwriter | Dance | 1985 | Acclaimed folk and Americana musician who earned a BFA in Dance from TWU and has released multiple albums, earning two Independent Music Awards. |
Texas Woman's University alumni in sports include athletes who have made significant contributions to gymnastics and other disciplines, showcasing the institution's strong athletic programs and their impact on competitive excellence and women's sports advancement in the United States.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marie "Tessa" McDonnell | Gymnast | Gymnastics | 1983 | First American woman to compete in an Olympic gymnastics event in the Soviet Union in 1981, highlighting TWU's role in pioneering women's international gymnastics competition. |
Texas Woman's University alumni have made significant contributions to U.S. politics, particularly in Texas state government, through roles in the legislature where they influenced policy on finance, health, and education without international or royalty figures noted.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jane Nelson | Texas State Senator | Political Science | 1973 | Served as Texas State Senator for District 12 from 1993 to 2023, chairing the Senate Finance Committee and advancing key fiscal policies. |
| Dianne White Delisi | Texas State Representative | Home Economics | 1965 | Represented Texas House District 54 from 1984 to 2006 as a Republican, focusing on health and human services legislation. |
| Terri Hodge | Texas State Representative | unknown | Served as Texas State Representative for District 100 from 1997 to 2009, advocating for urban and education issues in Dallas. |
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| Molly White | Texas State Representative | Occupational Therapy | 1972 | Elected Texas State Representative for District 55 in 2014, known for conservative stances on fiscal and social policies. |
