Dear Bobcat Family:

I have wrestled for a while on how best to address members of our Texas State faculty and staff in light of the challenges we are currently facing in higher education generally, and on our campuses in particular. I fear that I lack the eloquence to express clearly my concern for how you are affected by what has happened here and across the country. Frankly, I’ve been around long enough to know that not everyone on our campuses sees things the same way, and it is an impossible task to adequately address each person’s concern with a single message. But let me try…

I have been a faculty member for 31 years, and an administrator for 21 years. My goal as an academic leader has always been to make changes that advance the mission of the university as we adapt to an ever-evolving environment. While the goal of these changes has always been to make things better, I learned that even “good change” can be challenging for those who are affected by it. What made sense to me didn’t always make sense to others. So, early on in my leadership journey, I embraced the principle of shared governance. That allowed those who were most affected by proposed changes to have a say in the change process. That practice has served me well over the years. Universities are complex organizations, and I often discovered that the changes I proposed were improved by this collaborative process. I still believe in that principle.

As you know, the higher education landscape is no longer simply evolving – it is shifting rapidly. The scrutiny of the value of a college degree, the advent of AI, and uncertainty about the future of higher education are unsettling. For many of us, the dizzying pace of this change makes the ground we stand on feel unsteady. I appreciate how managing this rapidity can be exhausting. I hear it when I meet with our faculty and staff leaders.  

I wish I had a solution for you, but the fact is that every aspect of American life is changing at a similar pace. I can only share with you what works for me. I have always been guided by the principle of “keeping the main thing the main thing.” I am completely bought into the idea that what we are doing here at TXST is improving the lives of all who come here. Not just our students, but also our faculty and staff members who are building their lives here.  

In these turbulent days that test my own resolve, I work hard to remind myself why I got into higher education to begin with (and, eventually, why I got into administration). I was influenced by five people who saw a future for me that I never imagined for myself. The first was a high school teacher, but the rest were faculty members and advisors who poured themselves into me. They convinced me that college was worth it. They were right, and I have spent my entire career trying to pay them back for what they did for me.  

I am guessing that you have a similar story. This is not just a job for you – it’s a calling. When you help students get to (and through) TXST, you know their lives are better, their futures are brighter, their families more resilient, and their communities stronger. When you serve your colleagues as they strive to meet their own goals, you realize the important role you have in making this university better. That is why you do what you do.

 While there are certainly national issues related to higher education that may cause you concern, I acknowledge that you might also be frustrated by things that have happened specifically on our campus. I have heard from many of you how these issues affect you. I mourn how these past few weeks may have diminished your faith in my leadership. I get it. I am unable to specifically address personnel and student issues, but please do not mistake that silence for indifference or lack of empathy. What I can tell you is this: the decisions I make as president are guided by my commitment to ensuring that the mission of this university endures for generations to come.

So how do we move forward? Answering that may feel very difficult for you today.  

For me, moving forward is essential. It means listening, collaborating, and supporting you. It means creating more opportunities for direct conversation with me through the “Coffee with Kelly” opportunities that I started when I first came to TXST. It means continuing to attend departmental visits, and creating other moments to listen, to connect, and to exchange ideas.

Moving forward also means ensuring that our faculty and staff have the resources and guidance they need to thrive in this moment of change. To that end, I have asked Provost Aswath and EVP Algoe to create professional development opportunities to help all of us navigate the challenging times that we are facing.

Friends, as we celebrated Homecoming with our students, faculty, staff, and alumni last week, I was reminded of what makes TXST so special. Being surrounded by the spirit, pride, and traditions that connect generations of Bobcats lifted my heart. It reminded me that this university means something deeply personal to so many. For many of you, this really is “home,” which is why you care so deeply. These are challenging times, but I remain truly grateful for this community and for all you do each day to keep TXST strong.

Thank you for your commitment, your care, and your belief in what this university stands for.

Kelly Damphousse
President, Texas State University