Please join us in welcoming the new Executive Director for the Shepperd Leadership Institute, Monica Tschauner!
"Monica brings to SLI a passion for leadership, serving the community, and a love for West Texas. She will no doubt grow the Institute's programs to the community and help connect the resources of the Institute to other organizations, schools, and non-profits," said Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Dr. Becky Spurlock.
The Shepperd Leadership Institute is committed to serving UTPB students, faculty, staff, and our community. The Institute hosts established programming like the Distinguished Lecture Series and leadership training and founded the Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference. They recently embarked on a partnership with the Ellen Noel Art Museum to reimagine and reanimate the Presidential Archives.
Read below to learn about Monica and how she will serve the University.
What is your educational and professional background?
I am a native Odessan. I graduated from Odessa High, attended Odessa College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Texas Tech University. I served as the Executive Director for West Texas Gifts of Hope from 2014-2017 which is a non-profit that serves cancer patients in 18 surrounding counties. In 2017-2023, I became the Director for Discover Odessa at the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. Discover Odessa recruits conferences, meetings and sporting events to bring visitors to the community and also markets all the city has to offer.
What do you love most about your role at UTPB?
I love the opportunities that the Shepperd Leadership Institute offers to students and to the community. We host events and offer programs that inspire, educate, and connect people to one another. It’s exciting knowing these efforts will impact the Permian Basin in positive ways!
How can students, faculty and staff take advantage of your expertise?
My experiences in the non-profit world and at Discover Odessa have given me opportunities to have good working relationships with local leaders and a better understanding about local government. I want to use those experiences to help connect the university’s needs along with the Permian Basin Area’s needs.
