Dear Colleagues:
Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester!
I know many of you have spent the past few weeks preparing to welcome our students back to class and to our campuses. Thank you for all you have done to give the fall semester such a strong start.
Over the past few days, I have met so many of our students at move-in and welcome events. To say they are excited to start their TXST journey is an understatement. They are ready to learn, find their community, and see what is possible.
And you all are at the heart of that.
You are the professor who sparks a new interest. The staff member who helps a student solve a problem. The advisor, mentor, coach, and researcher. You may be the colleague who supports and encourages the people around you.
No matter your role, you help shape the experience at TXST. You help students feel seen. You help them believe they belong here. You help change lives.
We are beginning one of the most exciting academic years in university history together. Our enrollment is the largest it has ever been. In fact, TXST is the fastest growing university in Texas, adding more students than any other institution since Fall 2022. We are beginning our first year in the Pac-12 Conference, expanding our campuses with new buildings and amenities, and creating more ways for students to earn a TXST degree through online programs and community college partnerships.
More students than ever have an opportunity to come to TXST, achieve their educational goals, and build a better future. And this is only possible because of you.
As we continue to grow, I want to make sure we are taking care of the people who make that growth possible. One of my priorities this year is to continue our work to make TXST an employer of choice. Since 2022, we have added more than 1,100 employees and increased salary expenditures by $98.9 million. That is an investment in our students, but it is also an investment in our people.
My goal is simple: TXST should be a place where every employee feels valued, supported, connected, and proud to work here. While we have made progress, I know we still have work to do. You will hear more about our efforts to support our employees in the months ahead.
Thank you for all you do for our students, for one another, and for TXST. I am proud to be part of this university, and I am grateful to begin this historic year with you.
Beth joins me in wishing you a meaningful, productive, and joyful 2026–2027 academic year.
States Up!
Best,
Kelly Damphousse
President