TOWER FELLOW - ELLEN TEMPLE
History Enthusiast Puts a
New Bloom on Her Future
Following remarkable career of philanthropy and championing women in Texas history, Temple uses TOWER program to spark future endeavors
Ellen Temple (right), TOWER Fellow 2018
The Journey
Ellen Temple is a pioneer in publishing Texas women's history including the first books on the women's suffrage movement in Texas. Ellen was a 25-year member of the board of the Texas Foundation for Women's Resources, the organization responsible for founding the Texas Women's History Project, and she established the first Chair in Women's History at the University of Texas. Today, she serves on several boards, including the Texas State Historical Association Executive Advisory Board for the Handbook of Texas Women. Ellen is also an award-winning conservationist and previously served as president of the board of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. She is currently engaged in the East Texas Native Seed program.
Despite her accomplishments and ongoing involvement in philanthropic programs, Ellen was feeling a bit stuck. As an advocate for education, Ellen had remained involved with the University of Texas throughout her life. When she heard about the new TOWER Fellows Program, it sounded like the jumpstart she was envisioning. Excited about the chance to immerse herself in a stimulating educational culture, Ellen entered the program seeking a challenge and depth of learning she knew only a great university could support.
Ellen Temple is a pioneer in publishing Texas women's history including the first books on the women's suffrage movement in Texas. Ellen was a 25-year member of the board of the Texas Foundation for Women's Resources, the organization responsible for founding the Texas Women's History Project, and she established the first Chair in Women's History at the University of Texas. Today, she serves on several boards, including the Texas State Historical Association Executive Advisory Board for the Handbook of Texas Women. Ellen is also an award-winning conservationist and previously served as president of the board of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. She is currently engaged in the East Texas Native Seed program.
Despite her accomplishments and ongoing involvement in philanthropic programs, Ellen was feeling a bit stuck. As an advocate for education, Ellen had remained involved with the University of Texas throughout her life. When she heard about the new TOWER Fellows Program, it sounded like the jumpstart she was envisioning. Excited about the chance to immerse herself in a stimulating educational culture, Ellen entered the program seeking a challenge and depth of learning she knew only a great university could support.
The Experience
Ellen focused her time as a TOWER Fellow on two main pursuits: a course entitled Anthropology: Nature, Culture and Power, and an independent study in documentary filmmaking. The anthropology class aligned with her background as a conservationist and seemed a natural fit for her first semester. Although the course touched on familiar topics, Ellen found it fascinating; it revealed a massive change in thought about the relationship between nature and humans that differed from her previous studies.
Through intimate, round table discussions with a small group of graduate students, Ellen explored the evolution of beliefs from the dichotomous view that humans and animals are separate to the current notion that we're "all in this together."
"Gradually, my brain kicked in, it became more nimble, and I was able to really participate and enjoy the class."
Ellen's second pursuit was an independent study inspired by an exclusive educational series held for Fellows during the program's opening weeks. This "discovery program" is designed to help Fellows identify things they've always wanted to do, then set them on the course towards achievement. Motivated by her peers and enabled by TOWER's exclusive access to faculty and resources, Ellen pursued one of the three dreams she'd identified – documentary filmmaking. She was matched with an experienced filmmaker professor, and received four months of individualized, in-depth training. Ellen fully immersed herself in the project and applied her expertise in book publishing to the world of film. Her film covers a topic close to her heart and tells the little-known story of how women fought for and ultimately won the right to vote in Texas.
During her time as a Fellow, Ellen also served as a guest lecturer in a course on philanthropy. The TOWER Fellows Program offered her access to this unique opportunity to share her expertise and present alongside her daughter.
Ellen focused her time as a TOWER Fellow on two main pursuits: a course entitled Anthropology: Nature, Culture and Power, and an independent study in documentary filmmaking. The anthropology class aligned with her background as a conservationist and seemed a natural fit for her first semester. Although the course touched on familiar topics, Ellen found it fascinating; it revealed a massive change in thought about the relationship between nature and humans that differed from her previous studies.
Through intimate, round table discussions with a small group of graduate students, Ellen explored the evolution of beliefs from the dichotomous view that humans and animals are separate to the current notion that we're "all in this together."
"Gradually, my brain kicked in, it became more nimble, and I was able to really participate and enjoy the class."
Ellen's second pursuit was an independent study inspired by an exclusive educational series held for Fellows during the program's opening weeks. This "discovery program" is designed to help Fellows identify things they've always wanted to do, then set them on the course towards achievement. Motivated by her peers and enabled by TOWER's exclusive access to faculty and resources, Ellen pursued one of the three dreams she'd identified – documentary filmmaking. She was matched with an experienced filmmaker professor, and received four months of individualized, in-depth training. Ellen fully immersed herself in the project and applied her expertise in book publishing to the world of film. Her film covers a topic close to her heart and tells the little-known story of how women fought for and ultimately won the right to vote in Texas.
During her time as a Fellow, Ellen also served as a guest lecturer in a course on philanthropy. The TOWER Fellows Program offered her access to this unique opportunity to share her expertise and present alongside her daughter.
"Gradually, my brain kicked in, it became more nimble, and I was able to really participate and enjoy the class."
– ELLEN TEMPLE
– ELLEN TEMPLE
The Impact
Ellen's TOWER experience was transformational. Her work on the documentary film opened up a "whole new world" that continues after graduation; Ellen's film is currently in post-production, and she's working on a plan surrounding its release. The TOWER Fellows Program not only provided Ellen with a spark of inspiration but allowed her to build a bridge between her past accomplishments and future pursuits.
The film allowed Ellen to explore a long-standing passion in a new way, and her coursework in anthropology similarly built upon - then transformed - her existing knowledge. The course stretched Ellen's mind, offered fresh viewpoints, and opened up new ways of thinking that will last a lifetime.
Ellen continues her work and philanthropic pursuits with a reinvigorated passion, approaching long-familiar topics through a new lens and with new energy. Of course, she remains a staunch advocate for education, too.
Ellen's TOWER experience was transformational. Her work on the documentary film opened up a "whole new world" that continues after graduation; Ellen's film is currently in post-production, and she's working on a plan surrounding its release. The TOWER Fellows Program not only provided Ellen with a spark of inspiration but allowed her to build a bridge between her past accomplishments and future pursuits.
The film allowed Ellen to explore a long-standing passion in a new way, and her coursework in anthropology similarly built upon - then transformed - her existing knowledge. The course stretched Ellen's mind, offered fresh viewpoints, and opened up new ways of thinking that will last a lifetime.
Ellen continues her work and philanthropic pursuits with a reinvigorated passion, approaching long-familiar topics through a new lens and with new energy. Of course, she remains a staunch advocate for education, too.
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