On Wednesday, March 27th, Texas Woman’s University marked a significant milestone as Monica Christopher was formally installed as the inaugural president of the Dallas campus, culminating as a poignant addition to Women’s History Month. The ceremony, held at the TWU T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences — Dallas Center, located in the Southwestern Medical District, was accompanied by a vibrant celebration and reception attended by esteemed dignitaries.

Celebrating the enduring stability rooted in Texas Woman's 120-year legacy in Texas including 70 years in Dallas, the event spotlighted the institution's commitment to innovation and inclusivity. Chancellor Carine Feyten delivered a keynote address, underscoring the importance of diverse voices in shaping TWU's future.

Other speakers included Dr. Ann Stuart, TWU chancellor emerita, who shared anecdotes of TWU's history and her instrumental role in establishing the Dallas campus during her tenure as the inaugural chancellor. Dale A. Petroskey, president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, expressed enthusiasm for Christopher's leadership at TWU Dallas and emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in healthcare workforce development.

Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, president of UT Southwestern Medical Center, highlighted TWU Dallas's impactful presence in the Medical District and its collaborative efforts with UT Southwestern in advancing healthcare research. Lottye Brodsky-Lyle, Ph. D., a TWU alumna and friend of Christopher’s, lauded the university's supportive environment, where both faculty and leadership prioritize listening and valuing individuals. Bob Mong, president of the University of North Texas at Dallas, conveyed excitement about Christopher's new role. Meanwhile, academic departments showcased their achievements, and staff presented engaging videos.

Special surprises included a proclamation from Dallas City Council Member Jaynie Schultz, officially designating March 27, 2024, as "Texas Woman's University Day” from Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. The TWU Student Government Association presented Christopher with a stethoscope in a beautifully framed shadow box, symbolizing the breadth of healthcare programs at the Dallas campus. Dianne Baker, who lettered in five sports at Texas Woman's and later became the winningest head coach of the Pioneers’ softball team, humorously gifted Christopher a TWU "undefeated" football helmet, playfully nodding to the absence of a football team at the university. Finally, Nancy Barry, Christopher's first supervisor, sent a heartfelt video message and a copy of her book When Reality Hits: What Employers Want Recent Graduates To Know, which includes a mention of Christopher and further highlights her impact and contributions.

In February, Christopher assumed leadership at TWU Dallas, renowned for its exceptional academic programs and groundbreaking research initiatives in nursing, allied health professions, and health care administration. Christopher's appointment marks a significant milestone during a period of dynamic growth for Texas Woman’s University, the largest woman-focused university system in the nation.

In 2021, the Texas Legislature granted university system status to Texas Woman’s, which boasts campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Currently, efforts are underway to appoint an inaugural president for the Houston campus.

Furthermore, last September marked the launch of Dream Big, Texas Woman’s University's first comprehensive fundraising campaign. Set to culminate with the university’s 125th anniversary in 2026, Dream Big aims to raise $125 million to support the university's continued pursuit of excellence and innovation.

Christopher, a veteran fundraiser and community affairs strategist whose previous posts include executive and senior leadership roles at Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Morning News/WFAA, is charged with growing campus engagement and raising the visibility of TWU Dallas, particularly with respect to increased enrollment and expanded partnerships with health care, business and community organizations.

"Today marks an exciting milestone for Texas Woman’s University in Dallas with the installation of Monica. Her profound grasp of our educational and research objectives, coupled with her exceptional ability to engage with corporate and nonprofit sectors, positions her as a catalyst for fostering community involvement and shaping a strategic vision for our Dallas campus," Feyten said. "With Monica at the helm, I am confident that our Dallas campus will emerge as a pivotal hub, propelling Dallas into a premier destination for top-tier higher education opportunities."

Following the March 22 celebration, Christopher said, "I am deeply honored and filled with excitement to assume the role of the inaugural president of the Dallas campus at Texas Woman’s University." She adds, “The university holds a rich legacy in Dallas, and I am eager to collaborate with our exceptional faculty, staff, and students to expand the campus, uphold its tradition of excellence, and spotlight the exceptional degree programs it offers."

About TWU Dallas

Texas Woman’s first established a presence in Dallas in 1954, when the nursing program was launched at Parkland Hospital. Today, the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences ? Dallas Center is a 190,000-square-foot facility that sits in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District. Since then, Texas Woman’s has become a notable contributor to the healthcare workforce, graduating an average of 2,000 nursing and allied health professionals each year.

The Dallas campus also is home to the renowned Stroke Center, which provides more than 5,000 hours of clinical, neuro-rehabilitation services annually at no cost to members of the community. In addition to an MBA and graduate level healthcare administration programs, the Dallas campus offers upper-level undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

About Monica Christopher

Christopher is the inaugural Dallas Campus president. A seasoned fundraiser and community relations professional, she has served in key positions in both areas for the last 25 years, forging numerous successful private-public sector partnerships and amassing extensive experience in cultivating and stewarding major donors, grant making, program management, and public speaking. During her 15-year tenure at Dallas-based Communities Foundation of Texas, she rose to the level of senior vice president and chief giving and community impact officer, leading several teams in fundraising efforts that set new benchmarks in gifts and funds created. While at The Dallas Morning News/WFAA, she also held several positions over nearly 10 years in community relations aimed at building community engagement, raising brand awareness and coordinating charity events. Additional leadership roles for Christopher include involvement in the Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Summit, Junior League of Dallas, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, and the Women’s Auxiliary at Children’s Medical Center, among other organizations.

As a Varsity Coxswain at Dallas United Crew (DUC), Pavi Paila is not afraid to speak up. On any given day, this high school senior directs the launch, practice, race and recovery of four- and eight-man shells. Responsible for steering and execution in a race, Paila knows that her voice – by directing pressure on either side of the shell – can be as effective as the rudder in changing the direction of the boat. So, when Dick’s Sporting Goods created a platform to amplify youth voices, Paila got the call.  

Roaring Voices: Empowering Youth in Sport is part of the sporting-goods retailer’s 75th anniversary celebration. Dick’s Foundation set the lofty goal of identifying seventy-five deserving youth sports organizations to award a $75,000 Sports Matter Grant. RowDallas, DUC’s outreach program, was one of chosen 75for75 organizations.

Dick’s Foundation focuses on how sports change lives. Citing the Women’s Sport Foundation and Aspen Institute’s Project Play, Dick’s elevates the positive outcome of sports for kids: Student athletes are less likely to be depressed; those in team sports are less likely to smoke cigarettes or use illicit drugs; physically active children get up to 40% higher standardized test scores; and student athletes are more likely to get higher grades and aspire to attend college. 

Held virtually on March 21st, Roaring Voices aimed to unite the 75for75 organizations to celebrate and acknowledge their initiatives and contributions. On the Celebration Panel, Paila engaged with expert speakers from the Dicks Sporting Goods Foundation Team, participated in breakout sessions centered on program design and communications, and explored networking opportunities with experts and peers. “Rowing at Dallas United Crew has been so much more for me than just an after school sport. DUC is my home away from home. Honestly it’s elevated my highschool experience more than I can put into words” says Pavi Paila

DUC’s RowDallas exists to break down barriers and provide access to rowing, a sport where kids in underserved communities are historically priced out. Through rowing and academic coaching, DUC’s RowDallas helps kids gain fitness, purpose, and a feeling of belonging so they can succeed both on and off the water.  “Rowing presents a wealth of opportunity to youth athletes, including the opportunity for a college scholarship, but many of our neighbors have never heard of it. RowDallas brings the sport to the kids at their school and gets them to the boathouse. It is often the first step to where Pavi is today,” says DUC Executive Director, Austin Brooks.

After graduation and competing in her final high school race with DUC, Paila, like so many DUC rowers, will don a college rowing uniform, though she is still deciding which one. So far, eight of her nine DUC female teammates have already signed letters of intent with NCAA Division 1 college programs

DUC is now registering for its Learn to Row Summer Camps and the opportunity to welcome prospective rowers, who like Pavi may give voice to how sports matter.

RICHARDSON – Spotlighting some of Dallas-Fort Worth’s up-and-coming filmmakers, Dallas VideoFest will host the annual North Texas Universities Film Festival. The best-selected film will be chosen by faculty members of the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Texas at Arlington.

The event will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson. There is no charge for the event. More information is available at https://videofest.org/events/north-texas-universities-film-fest/.

“These are some of the best young filmmakers in the area,” said Bart Weiss, Dallas VideoFest’s artistic director and UT Arlington Cinematic Arts/Apple Distinguished Educator. “We want to encourage their talent and creativity, while also inspiring future filmmakers in our community.”

The films include:

Recyclos by Jordan Weir, UNT; 20 minutes

Recyclos is a retro sci-fi short film that follows Poppy, the only “real human” left in existence. At the robot recycling facility known as “Recyclos,” she takes robots at the end of their lives and transforms them into fully fleshed humans. At Recyclos, the robots-turned-human have a second chance to experience life and all the wonders it has to offer. In this complex post-apocalyptic world full of ambiguity, Poppy strives to find meaning in life through her newfound friendship with Banjo and learns how to deal with the pain of loss.

Fragments of Her by Andrew Castles, SMU; 7 minutes, 59 seconds

A grieving man realizes his addiction to the memories of his lost love.

Bright Eyes and Steady Hands by Cane Coonrod, UTA; Eight minutes, six seconds

A Filipina nurse develops a new connection with her mother after translating her poetry.

Underneath It All by Juan Cavalos, SMU; 16 minutes, two seconds

A recovering addict processes the grief and guilt prompted by his best friend’s death.

What Could Go Wrong by Sean Nguyen, UTA; 1 minute, 27 seconds

A young man goes about his daily life and finds a pill that leads him into a strange future. A glowing chamber leads him to his death with a robot arm.

Gatekeeper by Shelley Davis, UNT; 15 minutes

Gatekeeper is a story about the relationship between a natural environment and the community of Homestead, Florida. Homestead, a historically rich city, where families have for generations fished and farmed, cared for the land, and created a blooming multicultural city full of food, music, art, and integration with the surrounding habitats. Known as the "Homesteaders Trail,"a major hub to the Florida railroad. Residents of Homestead act as a gatekeeper to enter Biscayne National Park and gateway for trade to and from the Caribbean and the United States, and a cultivator of environmental protection and education for the surrounding area.
Adventure into the mangroves, waters, and breeding grounds of bio-diverse populations in Biscayne National Park, from the perspective of a community that has protected the land for generations. This story will unfold and immerse viewers in the hidden beauty and perseverance of this community, Homestead residents and Biscayne non-human residents alike, educating viewers on the effects of climate gentrification 40 miles south of Miami, Florida. Along the way audiences will learn about the constant risk of harm and destruction of these communities due to tourism, commercial activities, food insecurity, extreme weather, and housing developments.

Reyna by Sabina Arcila, SMU; six minutes, 28 seconds

A woman faces the aftermath of a sexual assault and online video.

Woman on the Moon by Xoe Cano; UTA; Sixteen minutes, 57 seconds

An awkward, antisocial man in a claustrophobic relationship with his religious wife has a growing obsession with the moon and must decide between his faithful partner and his unattainable desire.

VideoFest, hosted by the nonprofit Video Association of Dallas, had its last hurrah as a full festival in 2021. However, VideoFest continues in a series of special events to showcase area filmmakers.

The next VideoFest event will be the opening night, April 24, of Thin Line Film Festival in Denton.

About Dallas VideoFest and the Curated Film Series:

Dallas VideoFest (https://videofest.org/) was the oldest and largest video festival in the United States and continues to garner critical and widespread acclaim. Through the Curated Film Series, DVF still prides itself on bringing films to the theater that are rarely available to be seen anywhere else in Dallas. Instead of a week-long Festival, VideoFest will host one-night events that showcase movies and other reflections of VideoFest’s history. Films and events going forward will feature Experimental/Art Films, Animation, Narrative and Documentary Shorts, Documentary and Narrative Features like HONK, LOOKING FOR HOME and KING JUDITH. Some hard-to-find Classic TV episodes and Classic Films are often in the mix, as are the Ernie Kovacs Award celebrations and Cat VideoFest.

History of VideoFest: Cutting-Edge Art

Merging art and technology since 1987, VideoFest has specialized in independent, alternative, and non-commercial media, presenting hard-to-find works rarely seen on television, in movie theaters, or elsewhere, despite their artistic excellence and cultural and social relevance. Even in a Web 4.0 environment where everything is seemingly available on the Internet, the VideoFest provides curatorial guidance, a critical voice in the wilderness navigating the vast and diverse media landscape, helping to interpret its cultural and artistic significance. The ongoing Curated Film Series and events continue to celebrate a communal environment for real-time, face-to-face dialogue between makers and audiences.

ABOUT VIDEO ASSOCIATION OF DALLAS

The mission of the Video Association is to promote an understanding of video as a creative medium and cultural force in our society and to support and advance the work of Texas artists working in video and the electronic arts.  The Video Association of Dallas (VAD) is a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated on April 25, 1989.  It began in 1986 as a weekend event, Video As A Creative Medium, presented at the Dallas Museum of Art by independent curators Barton Weiss and John Held. That first event, which included two nights of video by selected local and national video artists, was a great popular success, which led to the founding of the Dallas Video Festival (DVF) in 1987. Video Association of Dallas presented AltFiction Fest and DocuFest Festivals, which celebrated their 35th and final year in 2021. “Frame of Mind” continues to run on KERA PBS-TV and all the PBS stations in Texas. The 24-Hour Video Race, North Texas Universities Film Festival, Texas Filmmakers Production Fund workshops, Three Star Cinema, and other programs will appear as schedules allow.

A total solar eclipse will cross Texas on April 8 and for many Texans, the skies will go completely dark as the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth blocking the face of the Sun. During this celestial event, which occurs only once every 375 years in any given place, Dairy Queen restaurants in Texas will celebrate by offering a free DQ® Sandwich Treat while supplies last at participating restaurants. 

The offer is only available through the DQ Texas mobile app on Monday, April 8 for new and existing DQ Texas app users. DQ fans can enjoy the cool sensation of the world-famous soft serve, nestled between two chocolate flavored wafers.

“The total solar eclipse is a significant event in Texas,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “There is no better way to celebrate with family and friends on the day of the eclipse than enjoying a DQ Sandwich, which happens to be lunar shaped.”

The total eclipse enters Texas at Eagle Pass at 1:27 pm (CST) and will travel 480 miles through the Lone Star state in about 25 minutes, leaving Texas at 1:52 pm (CST). There are hundreds of Texas cities who will experience the solar eclipse from South Texas to Central and North Texas. 

When watching the total solar eclipse, viewers must always look through safe solar viewing glasses. The DQ Sandwich or regular sunglasses are not appropriate safety glasses.

Fans also can enjoy the Blizzard of the Month fan favorite flavors, Brownie Batter and Frosted Animal Cookie. 

The Frosted Animal Cookie Blizzard will bring back childhood nostalgia as you indulge in vanilla soft serve, pink confetti frosting, and animal cookies. The Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat features the world-famous vanilla soft serve, blended with rich brownie batter and chewy brownie dough pieces. 

For more than 75 years, DQ restaurants in Texas have been friendly, gathering spots where fans enjoy delicious treats and eats and create fond memories. To be the first to learn about Blizzard of the Month flavors, new product news from the Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council or find a store location, follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or visit dqtexas.com.

About Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council 
There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators' Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas. The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. 

Dust off your bibs and roll up your sleeves because Aw Shucks is back with their highly anticipated 11th Annual Crawfish Boil on Saturday, April 27th! Located at 1630 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, TX 75067, the festivities kick off at 11 AM and continue until 5 PM, promising a day filled with delectable Cajun crawfish, lively entertainment, and plenty of fun for the whole family.

Join hundreds of dedicated crawfish enthusiasts as they converge upon Aw Shucks for a parking lot party like no other. Indulge in ALL YOU CAN EAT CRAWFISH with sausage, corn, and potatoes for just $49.95, ensuring you never go home hungry. Feast on these savory crustaceans prepared to perfection, Cajun-style, right before your eyes.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Aw Shucks is pulling out all the stops with an array of exciting activities and entertainment. Sip on refreshing drinks while enjoying live music from The Big Daddy Band, who will be rocking the stage from Noon to 4:00 PM. Sing along, dance, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this annual tradition.

Feeling lucky? There are several opportunities to win fantastic prizes and gift cards, including strutting your stuff in the crawfish T-Shirt contest for a shot at fame and glory.

For those craving additional fare, Aw Shucks has you covered with mouthwatering options available inside the restaurant, including fried shrimp with fries, hush puppies and coleslaw, catfish filets with fries, hush puppies and coleslaw, blackened tilapia tacos with rice, chicken strips with house-made ranch, and tantalizing desserts like Key Lime Pie.

Quench your thirst with a variety of drink specials, including frozen margaritas for $9, draft beer and bottled beer for $7, buckets of beer for $30, pitchers of beer for $20, boozy Jello shots for $3, and sodas and water for $2.

Don't miss the ultimate crawfish extravaganza at Aw Shucks! Bring your appetite, your dancing shoes, and your competitive spirit for a day of unforgettable fun.

Celebrating 40 years, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar have been the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and tasty crawfish when in season. With its eclectic seafood shack atmosphere, guests are guaranteed to have the best shuckin’ time. A division of Peterson Management Group, a family-owned and operated restaurant management company, there are five locations in North Texas. For more information on Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, visit awshucksdallas.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and promotions. #shucksdallas

ABOUT PETERSON MANAGEMENT GROUP

Peterson Management Group is a family-owned and operated restaurant management company with 12 restaurants located across North Texas. Founded by Bob Peterson and Scott Holyfield, two guys with larger-than-life personalities, it all started in 1983 with eclectic seafood shack restaurants, Aw Shucks and Big Shucks Oyster Bar. They are the best places in North Texas to get raw oysters, shrimp, catfish, crab legs, po'boy boy sandwiches, a nice cold beer, and some tasty crawfish when in season. In addition to Aw Shucks and Big Shucks, Peterson Management Group opened Blue Goose Cantina in 1984, where fantastic made-from-scratch Mexican food, legendary drinks, top-notch service, a fun atmosphere and a kick-ass attitude come together. The restaurant chain has repeatedly been voted the best in North Texas for its winning combination of food, fun, and signature margaritas. Today, Nick Peterson, son of Bob, leads the family business, serving as its CEO.