If You Denton Know Dr. Carine Feyten, now you do.
Chancellor and President of Texas Woman’s University, Carine M. Feyten, PhD joins Brad in The Den for a wide-ranging conversation on TWU’s 125-year legacy, her journey from Belgium to Denton, and what it looks like to lead a “campus with a heart.” They dive into TWU’s woman-focused mission, whole-person development, major campus growth, the new Health Sciences Center, and why athletics has become a powerful front door to the university.
Key Topics Covered
- TWU’s 125-year history and the university’s mission today
- Belgium upbringing, bilingual roots, and what brought her to the U.S.
- Language as “windows on the world” and why it shapes leadership
- “Campus with a heart” and whole-person development (mind, money, health, purpose)
- New Health Sciences Center and interprofessional education model
- Aviation program launch and finding unmet needs
- TWU athletics growth, national rankings, and academic excellence
- Building visibility, partnerships with Denton, and lessons from leadership
- Advice to young women on leadership, courage, and failing fast
- Denton favorites and places she loves
Timestamps
- 00:00 Intro: Belgium to Denton, institution-builder, and TWU’s defining chapter
- 02:17 TWU at 125 years and why the mission still matters
- 04:44 What it means to be a university system and the women-focused distinction
- 07:15 Growing up bilingual in Belgium and switching languages in school
- 09:11 Why she came to the U.S. and choosing to stay
- 12:33 “Languages are windows on the world”
- 19:07 First impressions of Denton and what sealed TWU for her
- 20:04 “Campus with a heart” and why it took off
- 21:45 Whole-person development, wellbeing, and why TWU “walks the talk”
- 26:14 The new Health Sciences Center, interprofessional education, and rural clinics
- 30:27 Aviation program, women in pilots, and building programs fast
- 35:33 Athletics, campus spirit, and why sports are the front door
- 39:05 Big decisions, identity, and focusing on TWU’s “gift to the table”
- 41:16 Missteps, listening, and building relationships with the city
- 48:07 Advice: leadership without titles, bravery over perfection
- 51:55 Where to follow her and learn more about TWU
Memorable Moments and Takeaways
- A women-focused environment changes who steps up. With fewer men on campus, women lead more naturally and consistently, building confidence and voice.
- Education is bigger than academics. TWU’s wellbeing focus is designed to help graduates thrive in health, finances, relationships, and purpose.
- The Health Sciences Center is about teamwork. Interprofessional education mirrors real patient care and strengthens outcomes, especially for rural communities.
- Find the niche, fill the gap. Aviation and women’s wrestling are examples of identifying needs others have not addressed.
- Leadership is built, not granted. Titles do not make leaders. Curiosity, courage, and contribution do.
Guest Bio
Dr. Carine Feyten is the Chancellor and President of Texas Woman’s University. A native of Belgium and fluent in five languages, she is a published scholar and higher education leader who has guided TWU through major growth, new programs, and an expanded statewide footprint while strengthening the university’s distinctive woman-focused mission and culture of care.
Follow Dr. Feyten on social media! @twupres
