From participating to presenting, The University of Texas Permian Basin was well represented at the second annual West Texas Women Professional Symposium on October 20, 2022. All told, more than three dozen students and staff members participated in the professional development, and Dr. Becky Spurlock was one of the event's invited speakers.
The Shepperd Leadership Institute, Student Government Association, and Blackstone Launchpad gave registration scholarships for more than a dozen students to take part in the event. 24 UTPB staff members also attended the professional development, which included sessions on leadership, work/life balance, and more.
“Hearing the stories of many successful, strong women and how they got to their positions really relieved my anxieties and encouraged me to push harder in life,” said Emily Lopez, a sophomore and biology major, who took part in the event. “I want to continue down a path where I can stand tall, not alone, but with other amazing women, knowing that I deserve the position, I’m in.”
Dr. Becky Spurlock, Senior VP of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, led one of the breakout sessions, presenting “Guiding Principles for Transformative Partnerships.” Dr. Spurlock detailed her six tenants for establishing, maintaining, and ensuring long-term transformative partnerships.
“The first guiding principle is: ‘it starts with you, but it’s not about you,’ demonstrating that commitment to self-awareness and service to others is where the journey begins," Dr. Becky Spurlock explained. “Service to others – particularly professional women and students -- is a fundamental value to me, and serving our West Texas region is a core value of our University. I was honored to help serve our region with this professional development, connect with professional West Texas women, and pour into students on a personal level.”
WTX Women was put on by the Midland Chamber of Commerce and held at the Bush Convention Center. The University of Texas Permian Basin and the Shepperd Leadership Institute sponsored the event.
