Dallas, February 10, 2026
Monica Christopher has been appointed the 44th Chair of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, succeeding W. Kelvin Walker. Christopher, who currently serves as the Dallas Campus President for Texas Woman’s University, will lead the association from February 2026 to January 2028. Her extensive background in community relations and fundraising positions her to enhance the role of the Cotton Bowl in supporting higher education through athletics.
Dallas, Texas – Monica Christopher Appointed 44th Chair of Cotton Bowl Athletic Association
Dallas, Texas – Monica Christopher has been named the 44th Chair of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association (CBAA), overseeing the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and the Cotton Bowl Foundation. She succeeds W. Kelvin Walker, who served as Chair from February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2026.
Leadership Transition
Christopher’s appointment follows her tenure as Chair-Elect during Walker’s term. As Chair, she will collaborate with the CBAA staff to manage all aspects of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and the Cotton Bowl Foundation. Her term is set to begin on February 1, 2026, and will continue through January 31, 2028.
Professional Background
Christopher currently serves as the inaugural Dallas Campus President for Texas Woman’s University (TWU). In this role, she provides strategic leadership for the campus located in the Southwestern Medical District, aiming to enhance its impact and reach within the North Texas community. Prior to her appointment at TWU, she held significant positions at Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Morning News/WFAA-TV, accumulating over 25 years of experience in fundraising and community relations.
Educational Credentials
A native of Canton, Ohio, Christopher earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University. She and her husband, Brent, reside in Dallas.
About the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association
The Cotton Bowl Athletic Association is dedicated to presenting innovative college football bowl games and supporting higher education through athletic competition. Established in 1937, the association has contributed over $135 million to participating institutions, with three-quarters of every dollar generated by the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic returned to higher education.
Leadership Team
Joining Christopher on the CBAA Executive Committee for the 2026-2028 term are:
- Christian Rodriguez – Treasurer
- Terrance F. Henderson – Secretary
- Gillian Breidenbach – Vice Chair
- William Jackman – Vice Chair
- Kyle Manley – Vice Chair
- Blake Wiley – Vice Chair
Rick Baker serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the CBAA.
Historical Context
Christopher becomes the second Black individual to serve as Chair of the CBAA, following Fred McClure, who held the position from 1998 to 2002. McClure was also the first person to serve as Chair for four years.
Conclusion
Monica Christopher’s appointment as Chair of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association marks a significant milestone for both the organization and the Dallas community. Her extensive background in leadership roles positions her to continue the legacy of supporting education and local engagement through college athletics. As Dallas continues to grow economically and culturally, supporting such initiatives can further enhance the region’s prominence in both education and sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Monica Christopher?
- Monica Christopher is the newly appointed Chair of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, overseeing the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic and the Cotton Bowl Foundation. She currently serves as the Dallas Campus President for Texas Woman’s University.
- What is the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association?
- The Cotton Bowl Athletic Association is dedicated to presenting innovative college football bowl games and supporting higher education through athletic competition. Established in 1937, it has contributed over $135 million to participating institutions.
- Who did Monica Christopher succeed as Chair?
- Monica Christopher succeeded W. Kelvin Walker, who served as Chair from February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2026.
- Who was the first Black individual to serve as Chair of the CBAA?
- Fred McClure was the first Black individual to serve as Chair of the CBAA, holding the position from 1998 to 2002.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Chair Appointment | Monica Christopher named 44th Chair of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association |
| Leadership Transition | Christopher succeeds W. Kelvin Walker, serving from Feb 1, 2024, to Jan 31, 2026 |
| Professional Background | Inaugural Dallas Campus President for Texas Woman’s University; over 25 years in fundraising and community relations |
| Educational Credentials | Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University; resides in Dallas with her husband, Brent |
| About the CBAA | Established in 1937; has contributed over $135 million to participating institutions |
| Leadership Team | Includes Christian Rodriguez (Treasurer), Terrance F. Henderson (Secretary), and others |
| Historical Context | Christopher is the second Black individual to serve as Chair, following Fred McClure (1998-2002) |
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