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The Woodlands U launches Inaugural Program on the History and Governance of The Woodlands
The Woodlands U is a new non-profit initiative created to educate the residents of The Woodlands Township and the general public on the history and governance of The Woodlands, Texas.
The inaugural program of The Woodlands U is a seven-session presentation in the fall of 2026 designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of George Mitchell’s original vision for The Woodlands, the community’s evolution into one of the nation’s most highly regarded master planned communities and the multilayered governance structure that supports it today.
The Woodlands U is accepting applications for this program consisting of seven evening sessions on September 22 and 26, October 6, 13, 20 and 27, and November 10 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at several locations throughout The Woodlands. Cost is $75 per person.
Sessions will be led by a distinguished group of speakers with longstanding ties to The Woodlands and firsthand knowledge of the people, decisions and milestones that shaped the community. The curriculum will explore the founding of The Woodlands, early governance models, growth and development, covenants and community standards, the emergence of The Woodlands Township, the role of the villages, economic development, cultural life, and the community’s future.
Speakers include, but not limited to:
- Nelda Blair
- Chief Palmer Buck
- Jim Carman
- Joel Deretchin
- Robert Heineman
- Missy Herndon
- Julie Martineau
- Mike Page
- John Powers
- Monique Sharp
- Ann Snyder
- Gil Staley
- Alex Sutton
- Bruce Tough
- Ronda Trow
- Tim Welbes
Space is limited; visit TheWoodlandsU.com to learn more and to apply.
“The Woodlands has a remarkable story, but many residents have never had the opportunity to hear that story directly from the people who helped shape it,” said Ted Stanley, president of The Woodlands U. “We created The Woodlands U to preserve that history, help residents better understand how our community works and encourage informed participation in its future.”
George’s Coffee Club is the Founding Sponsor.
The Woodlands U Inc. is a Texas non-profit 501(c)(4) social welfare corporation and is not affiliated with or associated with Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. or The Woodlands Township.
About The Woodlands U
The Woodlands U is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit social welfare corporation created to educate residents of The Woodlands Township and the general public about the history and governance of The Woodlands. Through educational programming and firsthand perspectives from respected community leaders, The Woodlands U seeks to preserve the community’s history, increase understanding of its governance and encourage informed civic engagement. The Woodlands U Inc. is not affiliated with or associated with Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. or The Woodlands Township.
Source: The Woodlands U
