Four Scholarship Awards to be presented at 13th Annual TWU Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon Honoring Ralph Hawkins for his commitment to business, philanthropy, and education
Lena Jackson-Lynch, a graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in TWU’s College of Professional Education, and a Denton resident, will receive one of four prestigious scholarships given by Texas Woman’s University at the 13th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon, presented by Bank of Texas, Texas Woman’s University, and the Texas Woman’s University Foundation, Feb. 19, at noon, at The Belo Mansion and Pavilion. Jackson-Lynch’s scholarship is sponsored by Geraldine “Tincy” Miller.
Jackson-Lynch will complete her Ph.D. from TWU in family studies by spring 2016. Her goal is to become an associate professor, consultant, and a writer while continuing to mentor others. A 21-year United States Air Force veteran, Jackson-Lynch has a passion for military families, and her research has focused on stress on the service member and their children and spouses as well as reintegration and domestic moves. She utilized the Resilience Theory, the Family Systems Theory, and the Stress Theory in her studies.
“I would like to teach family studies courses and assist military families through training and research,” added Jackson-Lynch. “I believe teaching is the greatest avenue to reach others who can then continue the profession.”
Since 2002, Jackson-Lynch has worked as a training specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). She has held a variety of positions with the U.S. Air Force in Missouri, Germany, Turkey, Texas and Utah. Born and raised in Marion, Alabama, she received a bachelor’s in business administration from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1979; a master’s in human relations and another master’s in education, both in 1999, at Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma.
My first job out of college was as assistant manager for the K-Mart Corporation. From there, she joined the U.S. Air Force, and then began work in her current position for the government.
“Each job has led me to where I am today, completing my doctoral degree in family studies,” said Jackson- Lynch. “And each job I have held related in some way to families. I know there is a connection, and I will continue to maintain that connection wherever I go. I have a strong desire to help families, and I feel if I can help in a small way, I will have done something to help families grow.”
Jackson-Lynch is a single mom pursuing her degree along with her two children.
“My children are extremely proud of me and very encouraging,” added Jackson-Lynch. “They let me know I can do it by encouraging me regularly and show they feel honored to have me as their mom. I began working on my doctoral degree in 2011, and it is exciting to see it nearing completion.”
The four graduate students from each of the four TWU colleges who will be honored at the luncheon as recipients of scholarship funds include: Lenin Grajo, Ed.M., OTR, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy), sponsored by Edgemere Dallas – Dallas/SQLC Charitable Foundation; Heidi Gilroy, MSN, RN, APHN-BC, College of Nursing, sponsored by Luther King Capital Management; Lena Jackson-Lynch, Ed.M, MHR, College of Professional Education (COPE), sponsored by Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, and Tawny LeBouef Tullia, MA (English),College of Arts and Sciences, sponsored by Sis Carr.
“I adore Texas Woman’s University,” Jackson-Lynch added. “The professors are the best, and I especially like the small classroom environment. I encourage others thinking of going back to school that there is no time like the present. I have enjoyed my time at TWU and look forward to a bright future.”
TWU’s 13th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon, Feb. 19 at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion, will honor Ralph Hawkins as the 2015 recipient of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award. Tickets are $175 for silver patron; $250 for gold patron. For more information, call 940-898-3872, visit www.twu.edu/vcd, or email SVenable@mail.twu.edu.
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Texas Woman’s University is a public university that occupies a notable position in higher education as the nation’s largest university primarily for women with an enrollment of 15,075. Its campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston are joined by an e-learning campus offering innovative online degree programs in business, education and general studies. TWU serves the citizens of Texas in many important ways, including: graduating more new healthcare professionals than any other university in Texas; easing the teacher shortage by placing highly qualified professionals in the classroom; offering a liberal arts-based curriculum that prepares students for success in a global society; and conducting research that impacts the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, osteoporosis, stroke and diabetes. For more information, visit www.twu.edu <http://www.twu.edu/> or call (940) TWU-2000.