Leading with Empowerment

Women’s History Month Profile: Andrea Tawney, Ph.D.

Andrea Tawney, Ph.D.

During Women’s History Month in March, we celebrate and reflect on the contributions of women across Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and their impact on shaping our institution.

Andrea Tawney, Ph.D., is a woman of many accomplishments, whose career has spanned several fields and brought her to positions of leadership and influence. From her beginnings in the U.S. Air Force to her current role as vice president for TTUHSC El Paso’s Office of Institutional Advancement, Dr. Tawney has shown an unwavering commitment to fostering excellence and a dedication to empowering others to achieve their goals.

Dr. Tawney grew up in Sacramento, California, in an inner-city neighborhood. Raised by her mother and grandmother, she observed that no matter how many long hours they worked, they always gave their best effort. So, too, did her neighbors.

“I never realized the differences or challenges brought on by socioeconomics as a child,” said Dr. Tawney. “We lived in a low-income, inner-city neighborhood with cultures from around the world, and we all exchanged food and traditions. We looked out for each other’s families rather than focus on our differences.”

Dr. Tawney’s mother and grandmother encouraged her to pursue a college education as a first-generation student instead of settling for a job after high school. Her upbringing led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in justice systems, policy and planning from Northern Arizona University.

Before college, however, there was duty. After graduating from high school, Dr. Tawney joined the U.S. Air Force, serving four years on active duty. Shortly after 9/11, she found herself stationed in Bogota, Colombia, as an intelligence officer. As the only female, she had to not only negotiate rank and seniority but also gender and culture. She quickly recognized that leadership involved finding common ground among a diverse group of people, which allowed everyone to set aside their biases and focus on the task at hand.

Dr. Tawney earned her bachelor’s degree while on active duty in the Air Force. After leaving the military, she worked as an administrative assistant at the University of Arizona. She returned to school, earning a master’s degree in education from Northern Arizona University, where she embraced higher education as her career. Her first administrative position was as the director of development for the Schools of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas. Next, she joined New Mexico State University as vice president for university advancement, marketing and communications, and served as president of the NMSU Foundation.

At NMSU, Dr. Tawney and her team achieved remarkable success, raising over $100 million for the university system and setting fundraising records two years in a row in 2017 and 2018. Her leadership and vision helped to expand the university’s programs and resources, providing opportunities for students and faculty alike.

In 2016, Dr. Tawney was named one of Albuquerque Business First’s 40 under Forty. The business journal recognized her as one of the most influential young professionals in New Mexico. Three years later, the publication honored her as a Women of Influence, a testament to her professional achievements, leadership, and contributions to the community.

Dr. Tawney's impact on higher education is not limited to New Mexico. During her tenure at TTUHSC El Paso, she has continued to nurture growth and expand opportunities for students and faculty. In one year, her team raised $1.75 million for Hunt School of Nursing scholarships to celebrate the school's 10-year anniversary, and in just nine months, raised $755,000 for Foster School of Medicine scholarships. These achievements demonstrated her ability to mobilize donors and create a culture of philanthropy that supports academic excellence and student success.

In addition to her fundraising accomplishments, Dr. Tawney has played a key role in advancing TTUHSC El Paso's mission through the creation of the inaugural President's Development Council. This group of community leaders focuses on connecting donors with philanthropic opportunities to expand excellence in health care across our Borderplex region, and prepare future nurses, physicians, biomedical researchers and dentists.

In her role as vice president of Institutional Advancement, Dr. Tawney focuses on understanding the people around her to fully realize their own abilities.

“I work hard at trying to understand the diversity of cultures and backgrounds because this forms our decisions and values,” she observed. “To me, empowerment is about encouraging those around me in personal and professional life to harness their own superpowers and show up every day with a sense of purpose. I’m proud that I’ve supported several female leaders on our campus to take some risks. And when they have a good idea, to execute and be trailblazers of inaugural initiatives.”

Dr. Tawney’s commitment to education and community service is reflected in her academic work as well. She earned a Ph.D. in higher education studies from Texas Tech University, with a focus on the predictors of academic success for first-generation college students. Her research informed her on policies and practices important to improving access and equity in higher education.

Philanthropy plays an important role not only at work but also with her family. Her family builds time into their busy schedules to volunteer within their community. They also believe in giving back to their alma maters by establishing their own scholarships.

Through her career in higher education and philanthropy, Dr. Tawney has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. Her leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to all who know her. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, TTUHSC El Paso recognizes Dr. Andrea Tawney as a pioneer and a role model for women everywhere.

What Andrea Tawney, Ph.D. is reading:

From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks