Webb County Heritage Foundation Announces Dr. Alison M. Hadley as President of the Board of Directors

LAREDO, TEXAS — The Webb County Heritage Foundation (WCHF) is pleased to announce that Dr. Alison M. Hadley, archaeologist and associate professor of anthropology at Texas A&M International University, has been elected President of the organization’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Hadley holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Kansas, a Master of Arts from the University of Kentucky, and a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from the University of South Alabama. Her research and publications focus on archaeology, cultural landscapes, and the history of the borderlands, and she has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals while mentoring students and conducting research in South Texas.

As President of the Board, Dr. Hadley hopes to strengthen the Foundation’s archival initiatives and support continued preservation work.

"WCHF’s long-term goals include restarting and strengthening our archives so that they will be accessible to researchers, students, and visitors in the future. We are also planning multiple fundraising opportunities and events to support further restoration of the Lockwood Building, so that it will be accessible to the public in the future," said Dr. Hadley.

Andrea Ordoñez, Director of Operations of the Webb County Heritage Foundation, shared her enthusiasm for the appointment.

"It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Hadley over the past few years, and we are looking forward to continuing that collaboration. Her knowledge and expertise will help guide us as we reevaluate our archives and work toward making them accessible to the community again."

The Webb County Heritage Foundation seeks to raise awareness and appreciation of Webb County’s heritage by advocating for the protection and preservation of historic architecture, ranching heritage, and the cultural traditions, customs, and folklore of the border region through heritage education and heritage tourism. The Foundation operates the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and the Border Heritage Museum in downtown Laredo and hosts educational programs, exhibits, and community events that help share the history of the region with residents and visitors alike.