For 175 years, the oldest prison in Texas was led by men. Now, for the first time, a woman is in charge.
Saturday, March 28, 2026 12:03AMFor 175 years, the oldest prison in Texas was led by men. Now, for the first time, a woman is in charge. The Huntsville Unit, better known as "The Walls," has long stood as a symbol of the Texas prison system.
Today, it's also where Kelly Strong is making history as its first female senior warden, 72 years after Velda Dobbs became the state's first female warden. As part of Women's History Month, Strong's story reflects continued progress for women inside a traditionally male-dominated institution. Behind the towering red brick walls, Strong says the job is less about titles and more about the people. "I think I'm here and remain here because of the individuals I get to work with every day," she said. "Corrections are really the unsung hero of the criminal justice system." She credits both the past and present for her success, recognizing trailblazing women in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice like Janie Cockrell, Linda Woodman, Tracy Bailey, Susan Cranford, and Lorie Davis, while also pointing to the officers and staff she now leads. For generations, men ran the Huntsville Unit. That changed in 2023, when Strong stepped into the role.The prison remains one of the most recognizable facilities in the country, with a legacy deeply tied to Texas history. Strong's path to the top wasn't part of a long-term plan. She joined TDCJ 34 years ago as a clinical social worker, expecting to stay just a year.But the work, and the people, kept her there. Over the years, she took on new roles across the state, learning, leading, and navigating crises, all while raising a family. She eventually rose from assistant warden to senior warden and now oversees roughly 1,000 male inmates and a large staff at the Huntsville Unit, in addition to an ambassador-like role that often has her leading tours for dignitaries and educating the public about the agency's history. The facility is also home to Texas' only death chamber, placing her at the center of one of the most closely scrutinized responsibilities in the prison system. "We just try to handle that process as professionally, with as much humility and kindness as we can for everybody involved," she said."I want to be known for being a good warden, not just a female warden," she said."To know anything is possible, and whatever route they choose, they set their own ceiling, so to speak. In our agency, you can be the executive director, you could be the warden, you can be the major, you can be anything you choose to be. Be professional. Be dedicated to your people, and they will take care of you."
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