- Apr 6, 2025
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Rachael Capua's ascent in the world of higher education is nothing short of remarkable. Often recounting the unique circumstances that led her to her first job, Capua embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation that many aspire to emulate.
While studying at Texas Christian University, Capua made a bold move that changed her life. Armed with ideas to enhance the transfer student experience, she walked into the office of the dean of transfers. To her surprise, she walked out not just with encouragement, but with a job aimed at helping fellow students navigate their educational journeys.
“Sometimes I feel higher education found me versus me finding higher education,” she reflects, highlighting the serendipitous nature of her career path.
Capua's commitment to service was instilled in her from a young age. Her mother, a community college graduate and registered occupational therapist, founded a managed care company in their family’s dining room when Capua was just four years old. This early exposure to business and service laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.
“It’s been this relentless pursuit of service and work ethic that I watched,” Capua said. “I think it’s an identity in resilience, tenacity, grit, and perseverance that you can only really understand if you see it on a day-to-day basis. And that was my mother for me.”
Capua's educational journey is marked by tenacity. Between 2005 and 2019, she attended four institutions, earning her associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate along the way. While pursuing her education, she simultaneously built her career at institutions like Tarrant County College and Texas Christian University.
Her role as the founding director for the Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership stands out as a significant milestone. Hired as one of the first employees of the program in 2020, Capua played a pivotal role in connecting students from Tarrant County with postsecondary opportunities.
“It took so many different entities, partners, and stakeholders to build that organization, and they continue to do such incredible work,” she expressed, reflecting on her pride in the initiative.
In March 2023, Capua took on her current role as the dean of Tarleton State University Fort Worth and vice president of external operations. Her mission is to foster a sense of community and belonging across the university's campuses.
Capua prioritizes access, affordability, and opportunity for all students, ensuring that these values guide her interactions with university leaders.
Her colleague, Tiffany Carey, assistant dean of online learning and innovation, praises Capua's dedication to building a connected community. “She has hired people and made sure that we all feel connected at all times,” Carey noted, emphasizing Capua's commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.
Capua’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Tarleton State University, as the campus prepares to welcome its first class of freshmen and sophomores. With the new Interprofessional Education Building set to open this semester, she is enthusiastic about the opportunities that await new students.
“It’s going to be a really beautiful process. I think of them as well, leaving their mark on the institution and on our city in a way that I think is pretty special,” Capua said, full of optimism for the future.
Sofia Martinez is a bilingual news reporter with a talent for bringing stories to life on both national and international platforms. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Sofia holds a degree in International Relations. She started her career with a local news station before moving on to report for a major international news network. Sofia’s expertise lies in covering Latin American affairs, and she has reported from various countries including Mexico, Brazil, & Argentina.
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