Shawn Thierry Appointed as Executive Director for Policy and Counsel at Texas Southern University
Former state Rep. Shawn Thierry, of Texas House District 146, speaks during a news conference in 2020.
Shawn Thierry, a former state representative from Houston who switched from the Democratic to Republican party, has been appointed as the executive director for policy and counsel at Texas Southern University (TSU), the school announced this week.
Background
Thierry, who last May lost her re-election bid for Texas House District 146 in a primary runoff against Lauren Ashley Simmons and then switched political parties a few months later, is an alumna of the historically Black university in Houston’s Third Ward neighborhood. In a Tuesday news release announcing her hiring, TSU said Thierry will be advising the university’s board of regents on "federal, state and local policy issues."
Appointment
"The Honorable Shawn Thierry is recognized nationally for her policy advocacy and legislative effectiveness, especially on behalf of vulnerable populations," Brandon L. Simmons, chairman of the university’s board or regents, said in a statement. "Shawn offers decades of legal experience along with the knowledge and relationships accrued as an elected official and gubernatorial appointee. We look forward to the many contributions she will make in service of TSU students and Texas taxpayers."
Controversy and Party Switch
In 2023, when she was a Democrat, Thierry received backlash from members of her party after voicing support for a Republican-backed bill banning gender-transitioning healthcare for minors in the state. She also voted in support of laws prohibiting certain books from school libraries – viewed as discriminatory toward literature with LGBTQ+ themes – and prohibiting college athletes in Texas from competing on teams that do not align with their gender at birth.
That opened a window of opportunity for Simmons, a local labor organizer who challenged Thierry in the Democratic primary last March. Simmons nearly won the primary outright and then received 64.6% of the vote in the runoff. Thierry announced in August that she was leaving the Democratic party and affiliating with Republicans.
Experience and Qualifications
TSU said Thierry’s background in the state legislature was key to her selection. During her four terms as a state lawmaker, when Thierry represented parts of south and southwest Houston, she served twice as the vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, once as the Vice Chair of the Sustainable Property Tax Relief Committee and as a member of the Energy Resources, Land & Resources Management, County Affairs, and Juvenile Justice & Family Issues committees.
In January, Thierry was appointed by Gov. Gregg Abbott to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board.
Thierry said in a news release that she was “excited” to take on the responsibilities of her new role.
"As an alumna of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, returning to TSU is an honor and a blessing," she said. "I am eager to offer my combined experience as an attorney, state legislator, and policy expert to advancing the university’s mission."
Conclusion
Shawn Thierry’s appointment as executive director for policy and counsel at Texas Southern University is a significant development, given her experience and qualifications. As a former state representative, she has a deep understanding of the legislative process and the importance of effective policy-making. Her appointment is expected to bring valuable expertise to the university’s board of regents and contribute to the advancement of the institution’s mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Shawn Thierry’s new role at Texas Southern University?
A: Thierry has been appointed as the executive director for policy and counsel at Texas Southern University.
Q: What is her background?
A: Thierry is a former state representative from Houston who switched from the Democratic to Republican party. She has a deep understanding of the legislative process and has served in various committees, including the House Ways and Means Committee and the Sustainable Property Tax Relief Committee.
Q: What is her experience in the state legislature?
A: Thierry served four terms as a state lawmaker, representing parts of south and southwest Houston. She has also been appointed to various committees, including the Energy Resources, Land & Resources Management, County Affairs, and Juvenile Justice & Family Issues committees.
Q: What is her current role in the Texas Juvenile Justice Board?
A: Thierry was appointed by Gov. Gregg Abbott to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board in January.
