Yesterday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a decisive move to shape the Texas Board of Nursing, appointing five members tasked with guiding the nursing profession in the Lone Star State. According to an official announcement from the Governor's office, Elizabeth Adamson, D.N.P., joins the board alongside four reappointees: Manny Cavazos, IV, Carol Hawkins-Garcia, Melissa Schat, and Rickey “Rick” Williams, with terms that are to extend up through January 31, 2031.
The five members bring a wide range of expertise, spanning nursing education and clinical practice to financial proficiency. Elizabeth Adamson contributes her clinical operations experience from HCA Rio Grande Regional Hospital, along with her academic background, including a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington, as well as advanced degrees from the UT Health Science Center at Houston. Her reappointed colleague, Manny Cavazos IV, a self-employed CPA and attorney, will continue to offer his financial and legal expertise to the Board. He holds credentials from UT Austin and Taft Law School.
Carol Hawkins-Garcia, a Clinical Educator with expertise in bioethics, brings a wealth of medical and ethical knowledge to her reappointment, supported by degrees from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and Harvard Medical School. Melissa Schat’s reappointment adds valuable pediatric and school nursing expertise to the board, with her professional experience enhanced by training from Weatherford College. Also contributing to the board is Rickey “Rick” Williams, whose military background and leadership in property development offer a unique perspective to the governance team.
This group is tasked with overseeing the practice of professional nursing and establishing educational standards across the state, while also playing an active role in shaping the future of healthcare in Texas. Their appointments are pending Senate confirmation, and if approved, they will have a significant impact on nursing standards and policies for nearly a decade. Their combined experience reflects the diverse skill set needed to effectively manage such a vital and evolving field.
