Friday, May 16, 2008

UNT President Gretchen M. Bataille selected to list of “Most Powerful and Influential Women in Texas”

By Pegasus News wire

UNT President Gretchen M. Bataille

DENTON — University of North Texas President Gretchen M. Bataille is among three dozen leaders in higher education, business and the public sector named by “Texas Diversity” magazine to its 2008 list of “Most Powerful and Influential Women in Texas.”

Dennis Kennedy, publisher of “Texas Diversity” and chief executive officer of the Texas Diversity Council, said nearly 200 women were nominated for the list.

“The women who were chosen for the list provide leadership excellence in the public and/or private sectors, have a record of accomplishments throughout the scope of their career and demonstrate leadership and commitment to community well-being,” he said.

Bataille was named president of UNT in August 2006. During her official inaugural address in April 2007, she identified three university priorities: supporting students, responding to the changing national and global community and committing to build a brighter future.

The Texas Diversity Council is committed to fostering a learning environment for organizations to grow in their knowledge of diversity, allowing organizations to learn from some of the top corporate leaders in the area of diversity. UNT Vice President for Institutional Equity and Diversity Gilda Garcia is a board member of the council.

Some of the other leaders on the list include: Texas First Lady Anita Perry; Collen Barrett, president of Southwest Airlines; Elizabeth Ames Jones, chair of the Texas Railroad Commission; and Michelle Peluso, chief executive officer of Travelocity.

Last month, Bataille received the Founders’ Award from the National Association for Ethnic Studies (NAES) at the group’s annual meeting in Atlanta. The NAES provides an interdisciplinary forum for scholars and activists concerned with the national and international dimensions of ethnicity. Bataille received the award “for her dedication and continued commitment in fostering the values and ideals of NAES.”

Source: University of North Texas

See more stories in:

• Colleges & Universities > University of North Texas