Fall 2025

As we begin the 2025-26 academic year, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all that the Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business & Entrepreneurship has accomplished together.

This fall marks an important milestone as we continue building momentum from the transformational changes of the past year. Our commitment to innovation and student success remains unwavering, and we see remarkable results. The Owl's Nest Peer Mentoring and Retention Program continues to set the standard across campus, and I am thrilled to report that our retention initiatives are creating lasting impact for students at every stage of their academic journey.

Our new programs are thriving! The accelerated 4+1 pathways in Human Resource Management and Marketing are gaining momentum, while our MHA Program's intensive immersion format has proven to be a tremendous success. We are also excited to expand our focus on women in finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership through specialized programming that reflects our unique mission at TWU.

Faculty excellence continues to distinguish the MAK College. Our researchers are advancing cutting-edge work in artificial intelligence, business analytics, and entrepreneurship, contributing to both academic scholarship and real-world solutions. Meanwhile, our Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society has received Highest Honors status providing our BGS students even greater opportunities.

We are deepening our engagement with community and industry partners to create meaningful opportunities for our students. These strengthened corporate partnerships provide essential professional development and real-world experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead, we are energized by the possibilities before us. From the future Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to expanding partnerships with community colleges and industry leaders. These collaborations create seamless pathways and invaluable experiences that prepare our students to lead with confidence and impact.

Thank you for being part of the MAK family. Your engagement, whether as students, alumni, faculty, staff, or community partners, fuels our collective success. Together, we are empowering the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs who will shape the future.

Here's to an outstanding fall semester!

Go Pioneers!

Rama Yelkur

Executive Dean

MAK College Executive Dean named to BGS Board

Marketing chair featured in CBS Texas news report

David Rylander, chair of the management & marketing department, was the featured expert in a CBS Texas news segment on the rising popularity of pickleball in the United States. Rylander discussed the viability of pickleball as a professional sport.

MHA students explore German healthcare system

A group of MHA students from the TWU Dallas and Houston campuses spent eight days exploring Berlin this past August. Students attended lectures by German healthcare professionals, made on-site visits and and enjoyed interactions with local experts. The graduate students also had time to experience Berlin and the surrounding area.

TWU's MHA - Global Heath program includes a required international travel component along with coursework related to international health systems and services.

Son’s diagnosis shapes graduate student’s career path

Graduate student Jessica Brown was one of 10 speakers to present at the 2025 Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) European Leadership Summit in Dublin, Ireland in June. Her son's life-threatening medical condition led her to reshape her leadership philosophy. Brown is a TWU alumna and a current MHA/MBA student.

Internship broadens student's horizons

Brittney Lay experienced a little bit of corporate culture this past summer with her internship at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). The Texas Woman’s junior not only received real-world experience, she also obtained hands-on training that aligned with her business administration degree.

Diana Saadeh-Jajeh

Lecturer II

Accounting & Finance

Shashi Minchael

Assistant Professor

Management & Marketing

Jessica Wright
Assistant Professor

Health Care Administration

Devalina Nag

Assistant Professor

Management & Marketing

Sajani Thapa

Assistant Professor

Management & Marketing

Laura Walker

Assistant Professor

Management & Marketing

Brooke Speights was one of 47 accounting students from across the state to receive the Accounting Excellence Award from The Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. She graduated magna cum laude with a BBA in accounting from Texas Woman’s in May 2025 and is currently pursuing a master of science in accountancy. 

Become a part of the Texas Woman's University family! The Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship has open faculty and staff positions.