Texas Woman’s University’s board of regents approved a proposal to launch the university’s first engineering degree program during its Aug. 14 meeting.

The details: Engineering is considered a high-growth industry and the TWU program would help address workforce needs, according to a news release. It is an industry where women make up only 16% of professionals.

“Employers are actively seeking women engineers, and we sit in a region rich with industry partners,” said Angela Bauer, the university’s executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “A woman-focused learning environment, combined with natural synergies across our existing academic programs, gives TWU an opportunity no other institution in Texas can claim.”

What’s next: Before the engineering program can be implemented, it needs approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

If approved by both entities, the program classes could start for the fall 2027 semester.

Dog grooming and wellness business Scenthound opened a new location in south Denton in the middle of August, according to a company representative.

The details: Scenthound performs its namesake S.C.E.N.T. check during visits to assess the health of skin, coat, ears, nails, teeth and glands, according to the company website. Owners receive a numerical health rating for each category to stay informed.

The services are split into three categories: basic hygiene, blow-out and barber. Basic hygiene includes a bath, nail trimming and ear and teeth cleaning. The blow out package includes a brush out and blow dry instead of the towel dry. The barber package adds hair cutting and trimming to the blow out package.

• 5017 Teasley Lane, Ste. 115, Denton

Check out five upcoming and ongoing transportation projects around Dallas-Fort Worth, as previously reported by Community Impact.

1. Legacy Drive widening: Legacy Drive will be widened from Lebanon Road to Stonebrook Parkway in Frisco. Stonebrook Parkway will also be widened from Legacy Drive to 4th Army Drive as part of the project. The roadways will also be reconstructed along with the widening.
Update: The project is currently in the design phase. Construction is set to start later this year.

• Timeline: mid 2026-mid 2028
• Cost: $20 million
• Funding source: city of Frisco

2. East Virginia Street improvements: Reconstruction of East Virginia Street in McKinney will occur between Murray Street and Airport Drive. The project will include a new alignment and connection to Airport Drive and a new roundabout at the intersection of Virginia Street and Lively Hill Lane.
Update: Design work is 90% complete. Franchise utility coordination and right-of-way acquisitions are underway. The project is expected to bid in early 2027.

• Timeline: Early 2027-early 2029
• Cost: $15 million
• Funding source: city of McKinney

Four candidates are running for Texas lieutenant governor—the second-in-command to the governor—in the Nov. 3 election.

What's happening: Libertarian Anthony Cristo, Democrat Vikki Goodwin and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick are challenging Republican incumbent Dan Patrick, who is seeking a fourth term.

The lieutenant governor leads the Texas Senate and can exercise the powers of the governor if the governor dies, resigns, is removed from office or is absent from the state, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

How we got here: Patrick won his Republican primary race in March, while Goodwin advanced to the general election after beating another Democrat in a May primary runoff, Community Impact reported. Cristo and McCormick were selected as their parties' respective candidates during nominating conventions in April.

Looking ahead: Early voting in the midterm election runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.