Nix made history in 1994 when she became the first African American woman promoted into the Texas DPS’s Texas Rangers Division.

BELTON, Texas — Christine A. Nix made history in 1994 when she became the first African American woman promoted into the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers Division. Nearly three decades later, her legacy continues to inspire generations of women in law enforcement — and now, she’s officially recognized among Texas’ most influential women.

Gov. Greg Abbott inducted Nix into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame on Nov. 6, honoring her trailblazing career and lifelong dedication to public service.

“When I got the call, I thought they wanted me to help plan the event,” Nix said with a laugh. “When the director told me they wanted to honor me, I just started babbling. I was thrilled, very honored, but very humbled at the same time.”

Nix, who now teaches criminal justice in Central Texas, said the moment felt even more meaningful with both her children by her side.

“That made the night for me,” she said. “It was almost overwhelming to see how engaged people were while I spoke. It was humbling but gratifying.”

Born in South Carolina, Nix grew up in a military family that moved frequently, spending part of her childhood in Spain before settling in Texas. She said her path to law enforcement began after college when she joined the Army’s ROTC program and later served in civil affairs — a role that sparked her passion for helping others.

“In civil affairs, we helped populations on a global level,” Nix said. “That’s what drew me to law enforcement. When I applied for the Temple Police Department, I knew I had met what I was called to do.”

When Nix entered the field of policing in 1979, there were few Black women in the profession.

“It was lonely,” she said. “There were maybe three of us in Central Texas, and we were so sparsely located that we rarely met one another. There was never a time at the Temple Police Department when there was another Black woman there.”

Despite the isolation, Nix’s determination carried her through. After joining DPS and completing what she described as a “torturous” academy, she steadily worked her way up before earning her promotion into the elite Texas Rangers.

She served as a Ranger for more than 10 years, often facing skepticism in a male-dominated field.

“When I started, there was some resistance,” Nix said. “I had to be prepared every day and really thick-skinned. My philosophy was, ‘I will win you over one way or the other.’ So I worked hard, stayed prepared, and little by little, agencies began calling on me.”

Even as she broke barriers, Nix said she didn’t fully realize she was making history at the time.

“I was too busy to think about that,” she said. “When you’re the first in that role, there’s a legacy you have to uphold so that door opens for other women.”

Nix is also a proud three-time breast cancer survivor.

Now, as a university professor, Nix instills that same sense of responsibility in her students.

“I tell them to be ethical at all times and take responsibility for their actions,” she said. “If you’re ethical, you don’t have to worry about your reports or investigations being impeached.”

Reflecting on her decades in service, Nix said she has no regrets — only gratitude for the journey and those who came after her.

“I’m proud of Major Wende Wakeman,” she said. “She’s the first female Ranger to command headquarters in Waco. That tells me I must have done something to help her. Somebody has to hold that door open for the next person.”

For Nix, “to protect and serve” remains more than just a motto — it’s a lifelong calling.

“If there’s an accident on the interstate, I still stop,” she said. “If you take that oath seriously, it doesn’t leave you. You either come in with that spirit, or you don’t.”