Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Julie Ruehle and reappointed Stacey Neal Combest and Ellen K. Ramsey to Humanities Texas, with their terms set to expire on December 31, 2027. Humanities Texas is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and works to conduct and support public programs in history, literature, philosophy, and other humanities disciplines. The organization aims to strengthen communities across Texas by promoting knowledge and judgment necessary for a representative democracy.
Julie Ruehle of Austin is currently CEO of the Ruehle Family Office. She serves on the board of the Austin AI Hub and acts as a Student Board Executive Committee Mentor for the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at The University of Texas in Austin. Ruehle is also involved with WIN Angel Network and Ligo Partners. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Houston, an MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, and completion of Columbia University’s executive program in venture capital and private equity.
Stacey Neal Combest from Huntsville previously chaired the Texas Commission on Special Education Funding. She holds certification in alternative dispute resolution mediation, is a member of the Texas Association of Mediators, and formerly served as president of Texans for State Supported Living Centers. Combest earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UH and her Juris Doctor from the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law.
Ellen K. Ramsey from Midland works as Public Stakeholder Consultant for Energy Transfer and is a partner at Ramsey Petroleum, L.P., alongside being active as a civic volunteer. She serves on boards including those for Midland Chamber of Commerce and Midland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. Ramsey is also recognized as a Junior League sustainer and PTA lifetime member. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UT Permian Basin.
According to information available on the official website, Governor Greg Abbott leads the executive office responsible for economic development initiatives, education enhancement efforts, border security projects such as Operation Lone Star, job creation strategies that have resulted in record employment levels statewide, collaboration with businesses like Southwest Airlines for economic expansion, parental empowerment measures within schooling systems, individual liberties protection programs, child sex trafficking prevention efforts, community certifications through Travel Texas initiatives, among others. The Office operates out of its main location at the State Insurance Building in Austin as part of Texas’ executive branch government structure.
Humanities Texas remains one among 56 nonprofit state-level humanities councils across America.
