Texas Woman's University
04/17/2026 | Press release | Archived content
TWU honors four alumni for outstanding achievement
April 17, 2026 ― DENTON ― Texas Woman's University has recognized four of its alumnae for their outstanding achievements and contributions.
The honorees were recognized during the 2026 Alumni Achievement Awards celebration at TWU's Denton campus on April 17.
The awards recognize outstanding Texas Woman's graduates for their professional accomplishments, career distinctions, community service and dedication to the university.
The honorees and the awards they received were as follows:
Dawn S. Chaney, Distinguished Alumni Award. Chaney, a former student-athlete who earned a bachelor's, master's and PhD in kinesiology from TWU, is a former educator and real estate entrepreneur in North Carolina who has held numerous leadership roles in arts, conservation and business organizations.
Julie V. Philley, M.D., Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award. Philley is president of The University of Texas at Tyler and serves as board chair of UT Health East Texas. A professor of medicine and board certified in internal, pulmonary and critical care medicine, she earned a bachelor's degree at TWU, an MBA at Baylor University and an MD at UT Health Houston's McGovern Medical School.
Vanessa Westbrook, Maroon and White Award. Westbrook is founder and CEO of Westbrook Consulting Services and is a national authority on STEM education and curriculum development. She co-chaired the development of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for science and has held numerous leadership positions associated with improving science education.
Cristal Retana Lule, Young Alumni Award. Lule is vice president of government and community relations at Children's Health and is a member of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership Advisory Council. A civic leader whose resume include roles as mayor pro tem for the City of Farmers Branch and state chair for the Hispanic Women's Network of Texas, Lule has been an advocate for children and families.
Media Contact
Matt Flores
Assistant Vice President, PIO, University Communications
940-898-3456
[email protected]
Page last updated 4:16 PM, April 23, 2026
Texas Woman's University published this content on April 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 23, 2026 at 21:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]