Women help lead, inspire and shape The University of Texas Permian Basin. During Women’s History Month, the University is shining a light on their hard work and lasting impact.
UTPB Executive Cabinet
The women serving on UTPB’s Executive Cabinet help guide the University’s vision, support students, and strengthen the community every day. Their leadership plays a key role in moving the institution forward and creating opportunities for Falcons.
From left to right:
- Jacqui Gore, Vice President for External Relations
- Natalie Harms, Vice President for Business Affairs/CFO
- Dr. Sandra Woodley, President
- Tatum Hubbard, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Marketing and Communications
- Dr. Becky Spurlock, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
- Paige Cooper, Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Affairs
Their leadership and dedication continue to shape the future of UTPB.
Terry Lynn Lane
Behind every touchdown celebration and game-day performance is a woman leading with vision, passion, and purpose.
Terry Lynn Lane, UTPB’s Spirit Coordinator, is in her fifth year leading the cheer, dance and mascot programs. Though she owns a successful gym, Legacy Elite Athletics, she said her greatest passion is helping mold young adults to success.
“I’m not sure I can put into words how proud I am of the culture we have been able to build here in only five short years,” Terry Lynn said.
Under her leadership, the program has expanded recruiting across Texas and into New Mexico while building a strong team culture.
For her, Women’s History Month has powerful meaning as she hopes to lead by example.
“I think that women, especially mothers, lose who they are as they get older,” Terry Lynn. “I think it’s so important to never lose sight of who you are as a woman and that you can do anything you set your mind to. I want to make sure I model that.”
Megan Baeza
Falcons come to UTPB hoping to get the education that will lead them to their dream opportunities. Megan Baeza leads the team that makes that possible.
Serving as UTPB’s Career Services Executive Director, Megan is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, gain confidence, and connect their education to meaningful pathways.
As a first-generation graduate of UTPB, the University holds a special place in her heart, and she knows how impactful it can be.
Megan is surrounded by a team of women at work and two young daughters at home. She says Women’s History Month ensures the achievements and impact of women are visible and valued.
“It encourages continued progress, honors those who paved the way, and inspires the next generation, including my own girls, to pursue their dreams without limitation,” Megan said.
Ginger Gatliff
For Assistant Athletic Director of Business Affairs, Ginger Gatliff, Women’s History Month is a time to honor the hard work of women in the past, present, and future. She takes pride in her work, and it shows in everything she does.
She is motivated by the success of the student-athletes and coaches around her. She is also proud of her role of managing the department’s finances. She makes sure each team’s budget is planned in a way that can last over time. She believes a strong budget is a “strategic tool that directly impacts competitive success and program growth.”
When thinking about Women’s History Month, former women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt comes to mind as a major influence. Ginger says Summitt’s “commitment to high standards, on and off the court, reinforces my belief that strong systems, clear expectations, and accountability drive sustained success.”
Iris Fierro
At UT Permian Basin, Associate Dean of Students Iris Fierro is driven by a simple goal: helping students see the potential in themselves. During Women’s History Month, she takes time to reflect on the women who came before her.
“It is a time to slow down and remember that many of the opportunities I have today were not always available to women,” she said. “The women before me challenged systems to create change, equality, and access for future generations.”
Her work is grounded in a passion for helping students reach their goals. Iris encourages students to get involved on campus so they can discover new opportunities and grow during their time at UTPB. She says her desire to support students comes from her own experience as a student, when others recognized her potential and encouraged her to succeed.
Iris is also motivated by a desire to make a difference in the Permian Basin community. She often reflects on the women who worked to advance women’s rights and feels inspired to continue that work by creating new opportunities for others.
One phrase continues to guide her: “Échale ganas, mija. Tú puedes.” The phrase translates to “Put your heart into it, my daughter. You can do it.” It reminds her to give her best effort in everything she does.
