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Dr. Linda Battles

Regional Vice President, South Region

Dr. Linda Battles is the Regional Vice President (South) of Western Governors University. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, she deeply understands the industry landscape and challenges faced by underrepresented populations in accessing higher education. Battles drives initiatives in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma that align with university’s vision of becoming the most student-centric university globally.

Before joining 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, Linda served for 20 years in various roles at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, including COO and Deputy Commissioner for Agency Operations and Communications. She served as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to The Honorable Irma Rangel, Chair of the House Higher Education Committee. 

Linda is a three-time alumna of The University of Texas at Austin, having earned her bachelor's degree in psychology, master's in public affairs, and doctorate in Higher Education Leadership.

Linda has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction by the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce and received the Community/Business Leader Award from the Pflugerville Education Foundation. She serves on the Board of Austin Voices for Education and Youth, as the Executive Sponsor of the Women of 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Employee Resource Group, and as a member of 91³Ô¹Ï꿉۪s Emerging HSI Steering Committee.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Higher education leadership
  • Public policy and legislative affairs
  • Competency-based education
  • Access and opportunity in education 
  • Organizational management
  • Community engagement and advocacy
  • Women’s issues and advocacy
  • Education and workforce alignment

Education:

  • Bachelor, Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
  • Master, Public Affairs, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin
  • EdD, Higher Education Leadership, University of Texas at Austin

Interests

  • Equity and accessibility in higher education  
  • Mentorship and sponsorship  
  • Student and alumni engagement 
  • Partnership development and nurturing 
  • Expanding access to education for underserved communities  

Areas of Expertise:

  • Higher education leadership
  • Public policy and legislative affairs
  • Competency-based education
  • Access and opportunity in education 
  • Organizational management
  • Community engagement and advocacy
  • Women’s issues and advocacy
  • Education and workforce alignment

Education:

  • Bachelor, Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
  • Master, Public Affairs, LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin
  • EdD, Higher Education Leadership, University of Texas at Austin

Interests

  • Equity and accessibility in higher education  
  • Mentorship and sponsorship  
  • Student and alumni engagement 
  • Partnership development and nurturing 
  • Expanding access to education for underserved communities  

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