Yesterday afternoon, the Dallas Regional Chamber held its 2024 Annual Meeting at Fair Park’s Music Hall, with Ret. Admiral William McRaven on stage. Among the crowd of suits and influencers was a future president. No, not a political wannabe. Rather, it was North Texas non-profit and community relations powerhouse Monica Christopher. Her signature bright eyes and homecoming-queen smile were business as usual, but there was also a slight hint of a secret to be revealed.
This morning, that secret was revealed when Texas Woman’s University Chancellor Carine Feyten announced that Monica had been named the “inaugural president” leading TWU’s Dallas campus “as it works to elevate the impact of the campus in the Dallas community.”
According to Carine, “Monica is an exceptional innovator and collaborator with a solid track record of successful fundraising and relationship building in Dallas, which will serve Texas Woman’s well in its quest to grow the Dallas campus.”
As Carine explained, Monica’s “Dallas roots run deep, and she has an extensive background working with boards, foundations, non-profits and corporations. With her leadership at Texas Woman’s-Dallas and her partnership with other university and college leaders, I can see Dallas developing into even more of a destination city for those seeking higher education credentials. Monica demonstrates great passion for her work and exudes a polished, energetic professionalism.”
Since its founding in Dallas back in 1954, TWU has grown from having two Dallas locations, near Parkland and at Presbyterian, into its current site at the 190,000-square-foot T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences campus in the Southwestern Medical District. TWU’s flagship campus is in Denton, and it also has a health science center-focused campus in Houston.
As for Monica, her 25 years that encompassed “key fundraising and relationship building” at Communities Foundation of Texas and ‘The Dallas Morning News’ have been a non-profit’s dream, thanks to her professionalism and personal involvement.
For instance, she has been jolly-on-the-spot being a chief elf for Children’s Medical Center’s Breakfast with Santa, and also led CFT’s 2023 North Texas Giving Day while Communities Foundation transitioned between leadership.
Regarding her new role that begins on Thursday, February 1, Monica said, “I am over-the-moon about the opportunity to work for TWU. And, to be the first president of the Dallas campus is really special. Texas Woman’s has a distinguished history in Dallas, and I am honored and beyond thrilled to serve as the inaugural president of the Dallas campus. I look forward to working with the university’s talented faculty, staff and students to grow the campus, build on its legacy and excellence and bring greater awareness to the outstanding degree programs offered here.”
As the TWU Dallas campus enters it 70th year of educating healthcare professionals, and TWU’s vision of “Momentum: Strategic Plan 2028” continues, Monica is the ideal choice to help the Dallas campus shine with its current enrollment of 1,500 students.
When asked if she would be carpooling with her husband (aka Children’s Medical Center Foundation President Brent Christopher), she admitted, “I could probably throw a stone across I-35 and hit the window of Brent’s office. He is welcome to ride to work with me anytime!”
When asked about her learning the TWU hand sign, Monica revealed, “Carine has taught me the TWU hand sign, but I’m going to need a little more practice. Ha!”
Congrats to Monica, TWU and future healthcare providers.
* Photo provided by Texas Woman's University