First Lady Anita Perry

For the past nine years, Texas First Lady Anita Perry has worked to promote a number of issues to benefit Texans from all walks of life, for Texans young and old and in all parts of the state.

Active in the historic preservation of Texas’ cultural landmarks and communities, the First Lady plays a dynamic role in the Texas Historical Commission’s (THC) annual Main Street program, and travels the state educating Texans on the importance of restoration and preservation in revitalizing communities. In July 2008, the THC designated a new recognition to honor communities that demonstrate a high level of creativity and ingenuity. Named the First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award, Mrs. Perry serves as honorary chair of this endeavor to bring attention to small towns that work hard to preserve their authentic Texas sense of place.

Along with Texas Governor , Mrs. Perry is committed to enhancing Texas’ expansion into international markets and promoting Texas as a prime location for business and trade. In that capacity, and as a dedicated representative of Texas tourism and economic development, the First Lady has led missions of Texas delegates to Japan, Germany and Spain. Mrs. Perry was recently honored by the Texas Travel Industry Association with the Silver Spur Award for her support of Texas travel. Promoting Texas tourism generates billions of dollars each year for the state’s economy.

Following the devastating fire at the Governor’s Mansion in June 2008, the First Lady founded the Texas Governor’s Mansion Restoration Fund. Restoration of the 154-year-old Texas treasure will come from a public/private partnership and Mrs. Perry is spearheading the private funding effort by traveling the state to increase awareness and funds to restore "the peoples’ house".

Mrs. Perry is a firm believer in empowering Texas women and, with her husband Gov. Rick Perry, developed the renowned Texas Conference for Women. Now in its 10th year, this premier educational and networking event for women draws together thousands of Texans and addresses numerous issues facing women including professional development, health care and personal growth.

Educated as a nurse, Mrs. Perry draws from her 17 years of nursing as she advocates for healthcare issues such as breast cancer and childhood immunizations. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from West Texas State University, now West Texas A&M University, and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. The First Lady has been honored by both of her alma maters which have established endowments in her name. The Anita Thigpen Perry Nursing Excellence Scholarship provides financial support to students admitted to West Texas A&M University’s School of Nursing. The Anita Thigpen Perry Endowment at the Health Science Center of the University of Texas at San Antonio supports the Center for Community Based Health Promotion in Women and Children. In August 2008, renamed its nursing school in recognition of the First Lady: The Anita Thigpen Perry School of Nursing.