First Woman President of Texas Lutheran University, Ann Svennungsen credits Shelby, Montana background for her success

Hometowns, we all have one. For some, the thought of their hometown is a place of indifference to them and invokes nothing more than a shrug of their shoulders when they hear its name. For others, thinking about the place they were born and raised brings about a smile. Undoubtedly, it was a place of happy times, good experiences and wonderful people that surrounded them during the most influential years of their lives.

Ann Svennungsen’s hometown is Shelby. It’s a place she speaks very fondly of and a place she is proud to have been from.

"The stability of my childhood, the sense of community of mentors and guides I had during that time, is huge. They cheered you on and held you accountable," said Ann. "It was great for me to begin my life with that kind of centeredness."

That stability and centeredness has undoubtedly been at the core of this motivated and energetic woman’s career. It probably had a hand in getting her where she is today. Svennungsen is the first woman president of a 117-year-old, Texas Lutheran University, located in Seguin, Texas, which is located 35 miles east of San Antonio.

Svennungsen was named the president of Texas Lutheran University last summer and will be officially inaugurated into that position on Friday, Feb. 1. Her parents, Dr. Amos and Mary Svennungsen, her brothers Rock, who lives in Shelby, and Brad, whose home is Sacramento, will be at the inauguration, along with her immediate family, husband, Dr. William Russell and their three children, Sarah, Mary and John.

By Linda Bruch

Full Story: http://www.goldentrianglenews.com/articles/2008/02/06/shelby_promoter/news/news1.txt