WOMEN OF
SH U S
Notable Women from SHSU As indicated from those featured in this issue, we have a long and proud history of women who have created a great name for themselves and a great name for Sam Houston State. Here are even more notable female Bearkats.
Mary Emma Chambers, courtesy of UTSA Special Collections
Jan Adams (1975), in 1993, was appointed commanding officer of Naval Station Pascagoula, becoming the Navy’s youngest female ever to command a naval station and the only in the U.S. Navy in command of an operational naval station. Her military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two awards of the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, three awards of the Navy Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon and the Sharpshooter Pistol Qualification. Mary Emma Chambers (1890), along with her husband, Caleb, served as missionary-teachers among the Alabama-Coushatta Indians from 1899 until their retirement in 1936. The work of the husband-wife team went far beyond the usual responsibilities of a pastor or teacher. They worked with government and socialwelfare groups in improving conditions on the reservation. During their tenure, a new school and a hospital were built, and federal and state funds were appropriated to purchase more land.
Katie Rose Clarke
Katie Rose Clarke (2005), currently holds the record for the longest-running actress to play the role of Glinda in “Wicked” on Broadway. She has also appeared in “Miss Saigon,” “The Light in the Piazza” and “Allegiance.” Her TV work includes roles on “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Relevant,” “The Good Wife” and “Submissions Only.” Melinda L. Estes, MD (1974), has served as president and CEO of Saint Luke’s Health System (based in Kansas City) since 2011. Estes previously served as president and CEO of Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vermont. Before that, chief medical officer and CEO of Cleveland Clinic Florida. Prior to her administrative leadership roles, she was as a practicing neurologist and neuropathologist. Modern Healthcare recognized Estes as one of its 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders.
Melinda L. Estes
Carolyn Faulk
22
SHSU Heritage Maga zine
Carolyn Faulk (1970), was recognized in ’08 and ’10 when Forbes Magazine called her one of the strongest businesswomen in Houston. In ’95, Ernst & Young named her “Entrepreneur of the Year.” Faulk is the founder/owner of Houston-based A&C Plastics, one of the largest single plastics distributor in the U.S., with annual sales exceeding $21 million. She was named one of the Houston Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business.” During the COVID health crisis, Faulk and her company were featured in the media for their tremendous work in quickly creating and providing protective gear to a variety of industries.
