Institute Leadership

Dr. Becky Spurlock is the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at The University of Texas Permian Basin. Dr. Spurlock’s portfolio includes the Enrollment Management teams, comprised of Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships, and Registrar. In addition, she leads the Student Affairs, Student Success, and the Shepperd Leadership Institute teams.  She also holds an appointment as Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership in the College of Education.

Prior to joining UT Permian Basin, she served in several leadership roles at public and private universities in both Texas and Tennessee.  As a first-generation college student, she believes in the transformational power of higher education.

An educator, sought after speaker and leader in the field of Student Affairs, she regularly teaches, speaks, and consults on developing community, leadership, strategic planning, and assessment. Dr. Spurlock has more than 25 years of experience in Student Affairs. A high-energy speaker, Dr. Spurlock is known for her ability to engage audiences, address difficult topics, and connect through humor.

Trained in narrative analysis and as a qualitative researcher, Dr. Spurlock uses stories to connect, teach, and deepen relationships. Dr. Spurlock has a Ph.D in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University as well two degrees from Texas State University, a B.S. in Recreational Administration, and an M.Ed in Counseling and Guidance.  In 2017, Dr. Spurlock completed the Management and Leadership Education Program Certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Dr. Spurlock was named a Pillar of the Profession in 2022.  She has served on the NASPA Board of Directors, is the Past Region III Director, and served two terms on the NASPA Center for Women Board of Directors. Dr. Spurlock is the past director for the NASPA Region III/SACSA Mid-Manager’s Institute. She serves as a member of the Student Affairs on Campus Editorial Board. She is also the recipient of the John Koldus Award for Outstanding Service to NASPA Region III. NASPA is the leading voice for the Student Affairs Profession worldwide.

Monica Tschauner is a native Odessan. Prior to joining The University of Texas Permian Basin, she served as the Director of Discover Odessa at the Odessa Chamber of Commerce from 2017 -2023. She also served as the Executive Director of West Texas Gifts of Hope from 2014-2017. Monica has experience in leading a team, managing budgets and multiple boards, public speaking, fundraising and event planning.

Monica is committed to honoring the past values, programs and mission of the Shepperd Leadership Institute. She has been tasked with expanding the institute into a public resource that will connect UT Permian Basin to the community. Monica looks forward to serving the West Texas community with a particular focus on student involvement through leadership programming and engaging experiences. She will continue to lead the programs that have been established including the Distinguished Lecture Series, the Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference and other leadership programs.

Monica received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Tech University in 1992. She is married to Dr. Chris Tschauner, and they have 3 children, Lindsey, Christian and Cade. She has served on many boards such as Harmony Home, Odessa Arts, Basin Theatre Works, Odessa College Foundation, Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus and the Odessa Crystal Ball Foundation. In her free time, Monica enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching sports!

Lin Crowson is a recent transplant to the Permian Basin, having moved here from Houston this summer. Prior to joining The University of Texas Permian Basin in August 2022 she worked at the University of Houston.

Lin has worked with and for students on a wide range of topics related to student success and leadership at several Universities. She is passionate about topics related to leadership and organizational development. Lin is a first- generation college student and understands first hand the transformative value of the college experience.

While Lin is new to West Texas she isn’t new to the UT System, having received her Bachelor Degree in Government and Sociology from UT Austin. Lin looks forward to learning and growing at UTPB and in the Permian Basin as she and her family become acquainted with their new community.

Savannah Woodward relocated to the Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas in March of 2022 and serves in the role of Director of Special Events within the Shepperd Leadership Institute at the University of Texas Permian Basin.

As the Director of Special Events at the Shepperd Leadership Institute, Savannah champions signature programs, notably the Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference (PBWIEC) and the Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS). Her role bridges the Institute with the broader Permian Basin community, creating robust synergies and fostering enduring partnerships.

Savannah is deeply committed to enhancing the Shepperd Leadership Institute’s presence and fostering transformative leadership experiences for our community.

Outside of work, Savannah enjoys serving as the Permian Basin Leadership Symposium Board Liaison for Young Professionals of Odessa and is also actively involved with the social, membership, and service committees. She is also a member of the Junior League of Odessa, volunteering for the Membership Education Committee. Savannah brings with her great experience and a skillset in marketing and development among other areas of interest. Savannah is currently pursuing her Master Degree in Business Administration from UTPB after having received her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M University – Texarkana in December of 2018.