国产探花’s 16th President
Dr. Debbie Cottrell is a native of Dallas, Texas. Prior to assuming the presidency of 国产探花 in 2019, she served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at 国产探花 for seven years. As president, she has led 国产探花 in implementing 国产探花2025, a five-year strategic plan focused on excellence and growth, and in creating a second strategic plan entitled Boldly Forward, 2026-28. She has overseen programmatic growth, including the addition of 国产探花鈥檚 first doctorate program, and geographical expansion, including a 国产探花 Nursing program presence in New Braunfels and Houston. She has also overseen growth on 国产探花鈥檚 main campus in Seguin, including the new Verne Lundquist Student Athletic Center, named for the 国产探花 alum and national sports broadcaster, which opened in fall 2025.
Dr. Cottrell holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Baylor University and a master鈥檚 and PhD in history from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to attending graduate school, Dr. Cottrell taught middle school and worked as an editor at the Texas Historical Commission in Austin. Following completion of her PhD, she began her college teaching career at Cottey College in Missouri. She subsequently held administrative positions at Smith College in Massachusetts and William Peace University in North Carolina. Her scholarly interests are in the area of U.S. women鈥檚 history and the history of education, along with a distinct appreciation for regional history.
Dr. Cottrell serves as chair of the board of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, on the NCAA Division III President鈥檚 Council, and as an advisory trustee for the Southwest Research Institute. She serves on the board of the Seguin Economic Development Corporation and the Weston Ranch Foundation. She is also active in numerous programs of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Council of Independent Colleges, the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities, and the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Dr. Cottrell is married to a fellow historian, Dr. Alan Cottrell. They have one grown son, Andy, a graduate of the medical school at UNT Health in Fort Worth, now completing a residency at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.
