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Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 9:29 PM

FROM THE GOVERNOR

FROM THE GOVERNOR
First row, from left: Professor Bonnie J. Dunbar, PhD; Honorable Eva Guzman; Vicki Hollub. Second row, from left: Adair Margo; Christine A. Nix, PhD; Carrie Marcus Neiman Courtesy photo

Abbott announces 2025 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame honorees

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced five extraordinary women to be inducted this year into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding achievements and for changing the course of Texas history.

“The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes remarkable Texas women for their individual achievements and enduring impact on our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “Cecilia and I are honored to welcome these five trailblazers to be inducted this year for their exceptional contributions in business, public service, science, and more. Each honoree is an inspiration for the next generation of achievers who will follow in their footsteps.”

The 2025 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame honorees and areas of distinction are: • Bonnie J. Dunbar, PhD (Aerospace Engineering) is recognized for her significant contributions to engineering design solutions for human space flight and for her leadership in STEM education. A retired NASA astronaut, Professor Dunbar flew on five Space Shuttle missions, including two dockings with the Mir space station. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and Director of the Aerospace Human Systems Laboratory at Texas A&M University in College Station.

• Honorable Eva Guzman (Law) is recognized for her devotion to the rule of law and improving outcomes for children in the child welfare system. The first Latina elected to statewide office in Texas, Justice Guzman served on the Supreme Court of Texas, the 14th Court of Appeals, and as a district court judge in Harris County. In over 20 years on the bench, she ruled on thousands of trial and appellate cases and authored over 900 opinions. An American Law Institute member and board member of Texas2036 and The Center for American and International Law, Guzman is a partner at Wright Close & Barger in Houston.

• Vicki Hollub ( Business) is recognized for her outstanding business leadership. President and CEO of Occidental, an international energy company headquartered in Houston and one of the largest oil and gas producers in Texas and the U.S., Hollub has held management and technical positions for more than four decades with responsibilities on three continents. A mineral engineer from the University of Alabama, she serves on the Lockheed Martin and American Petroleum Institute boards and was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2024.

• Adair Margo ( Arts/ Philanthropy) is recognized for more than four decades of leadership in the arts and humanities. A third generation El Pasoan and former art gallery owner, Margo became devoted to the artist Tom Lea, preserving his legacy through award-winning books and founding the Tom Lea Institute. She served as Chairman of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under President George W. Bush and has taught at The University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University.

• Christine A. Nix, PhD

(Law Enforcement) is recognized for her almost 50 years of service as a U.S. Army Reserve officer, local and state law enforcement officer, and university professor. Dr. Nix made history in 1994 becoming the first African American woman promoted into the elite Texas Rangers Division of the Department of Public Safety. She now teaches new generations of law enforcement officers, attorneys, and more at a four-year institution of higher learning. Hosted by the Office of the Governor and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, the 2025 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Thursday, November 6, at the Texas Woman’s University in Denton.

Prior to the ceremony, in a tradition honoring pioneering Texas women from past generations, the Governor’s Commission for Women will also celebrate Carrie Marcus Neiman, a visionary businesswoman who in 1907 co-founded the Neiman Marcus department store in Dallas.

The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 1984 by the Governor’s Commission for Women to recognize the achievements of Texas women. Nominated biennially by Texans and selected by an independent panel of judges, inductees include former First Ladies, astronauts, entrepreneurs, public servants, Olympic athletes, and other women of significant accomplishment. A permanent exhibit is housed at Texas Woman’s University and currently features the biographies and photographs of all recipients.

Abbott announces Collins Aerospace Expansion in Richardson AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced that Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, will expand its aerospace manufacturing and research and development (R&D) operations in Richardson. Collins Aerospace is a global supplier of aerospace and defense products. The project will create more than 570 new jobs and more than $57 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $3,718,000 has been extended to Collins Aerospace.

“Texas is ranked as the No. 1 state for attracting aerospace manufacturing,” said Governor Abbott. “This $57 million investment by Collins Aerospace to expand their manufacturing and R&D operations in Richardson will create more than 570 good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans and deliver innovative solutions right here in Texas. Partnering with industry leaders, we will ensure Texas remains the hub for aerospace, aviation, and defense for generations to come.”

“The support from the State of Texas and the City of Richardson made the decision to expand our footprint an easy one,” said Collins Aerospace Vice President and General Manager for Strategic Solutions Philippe Limondin. “The state’s commitment to aerospace and defense is key to our continued success.”

“ The Col l i ns Aerospace’s expansion is a big win for Richardson and North Texas,” said Representative Angie Chen Button. “These high-wage, high-skill jobs will boost our economy and create real opportunities for local families. I’m proud to support policies that bring innovative companies to Texas and create an environment for them to thrive and grow Texas’ workforce.”

“The expansion of Collins Aerospace in Richardson and Collin County is a tremendous win for our region and for the state of Texas,” said Senator Bob Hall. “With over 570 new high-skilled jobs and a $57 million investment, this project reinforces our area’s leadership in aerospace innovation and advanced manufacturing. Collins Aerospace’s decision to grow here is a testament to our strong workforce, pro-business environment, and shared commitment to building the future of flight—right here in North Texas.”

“Texas remains a place where businesses not only thrive but lead,” said Representative Katrina Pierson. “I’m proud to see Collins Aerospace expanding in my district, creating quality jobs, and driving innovation through manufacturing and research and development. As we invest in our workforce and infrastructure, we’re laying the foundation for even greater economic success in the years to come.”

“Collins Aerospace’s decision to expand operations in Richardson is a powerful testament to the strength of our business environment and the talent pipeline that supports it,” said Richardson City Manager Don Magner. “As a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry, its continued investment reinforces Richardson’s position as a hub for research, development, and technology. This expansion directly aligns with Richardson’s economic development strategy to enhance the strength of our established business clusters, and we’re proud Collins Aerospace continues to see Richardson as a place to call home.”

Gov. Greg Abbott Courtesy photo

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