Hello, my name is Dr. Ruth Chisum and today I want to share a bit about my personal journey

and why I’m so passionate about Open Educational Resources- and the impact it can have on education.

I’ve been in education for over 20 years

with a background in leadership, but I think my story starts long before that.

I’m a first-generation college graduate and a proud Latina.

Growing up, I saw firsthand how transformative education can be, not just for the individual, but for families and entire communities.

I know what it’s like to feel that the barriers to education are insurmountable—

whether it’s cost, access, or the nagging doubt that you don't belong in those spaces.

But I also know how empowering it feels when those barriers start to fall away.

That’s where my commitment to OER comes from.

You see, OER isn’t just about making textbooks free—it’s about democratizing education.

It’s about leveling the playing field for students who may not have the same resources but deserve the same opportunities to succeed.

For me, this is deeply personal.

I’ve been privileged to lead initiatives that embody this vision.

These projects bring real change to students who need it the most.

When I think about what that means—real dollars back into the pockets of students, making education accessible to more people—it’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Education shouldn’t be out of reach because of cost.

I firmly believe that by making quality resources free and accessible, we can open doors for people who might never have thought they could walk through them.

But it goes beyond the numbers for me.

It’s about equity and inclusivity—ensuring that these resources are adaptable, accessible to learners with disabilities, and available in different languages or formats.

This work is not just about making education cheaper; it’s about making it better and more inclusive for every single learner, no matter their background.

As a leader, my focus is on three core principles: democratizing education, building scalable and sustainable practices, and leading by example.

I’ve seen the power of education to uplift and empower, and I’m committed to scaling that impact far beyond our institutional borders.

I want to inspire the next generation of educators to embrace OER, not just as a tool but as a movement.

It would be an honor to continue this work as a Founding Fellow in the Texas OER Fellowship Program.

Together, we can break down barriers, lift up communities, and ensure that education is not just a privilege for a few but a right for all.

Thank you for listening to my story, and I hope it inspires you to think about how we can all contribute to a more open Texas.

The future of Texas education is open, and we get there together.