As reported by the Governor's office, three Texas citizens have been appointed to carry out duties for Humanities Texas, overseeing programs in history, literature, philosophy, and the humanities. Governor Greg Abbott named Julie Ruehle and reappointed Stacey Neal Combest and Ellen K. Ramsey to terms ending on December 31, 2027. Humanities Texas, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, plays an essential role in enhancing Texas communities by promoting educational programs that a representative democracy requires from its people.
Julie Ruehle, the CEO of the Ruehle Family Office, from Austin, wears multiple hats, including her roles on the board of the Austin AI Hub and the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at The University of Texas in Austin. She also participates in the WIN Angel Network and Ligo Partners. Ruehle's qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Houston, a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, and a completion of an executive program in venture capital and private equity at Columbia University.
Meanwhile, Stacey Neal Combest, a former chair of the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding from Huntsville, will continue her role in Humanities Texas. As a certified mediator and a member of the Texas Association of Mediators, Combest brings a plethora of experience to the table. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law, both credentials underlying her expertise in law and public service.
Completing the appointments is Ellen K. Ramsey of Midland, a Public Stakeholder Consultant for Energy Transfer and a partner in Ramsey Petroleum, L.P. Her civic engagement is evident through her involvement on the boards of the Midland Chamber of Commerce and Midland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. She has also committed her time as a Junior League of Midland sustainer and PTA lifetime member. Ramsey obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UT Permian Basin, bringing a sociological perspective to the humanities initiative.
These three Texans will leverage their diverse backgrounds to guide Humanities Texas in its mission to foster community strength through educational endeavors in the humanities. Their collective experiences in business leadership, law, mediation, and civic volunteerism are expected to benefit the state's commitment to cultural and intellectual development. As per the statement from Governor Abbott's office, the new appointees will serve until the end of 2027, at which point their impact on Texas' cultural landscape will be able to be more fully assessed.
