2026 State of TXST Addresses

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us today in person and on the livestream. 

And a very special thank you to VocaLibre for that incredible performance—what a powerful way to begin our time together.

Throughout today’s event, we’ll be inspired by more of our talented students, whose creativity and excellence remind us why we’re here.

Now, it is my honor to report to you—our faculty, staff, and friends—that because of your work and your dedication, the state of Texas State University is stronger than ever.  

The anthem video we just watched is part of a comprehensive new brand campaign developed by our Division of Marketing and Communications to help us tell our story—across Texas and beyond. 

With Texas State poised to enter the Pac-12 Conference, on the path to R1 status, and experiencing record enrollment and graduation rates at a time when much of higher education is struggling, ours is a story worth telling. 

It is the story of a thriving, access-oriented public research university—committed to the ideals of opportunity, excellence, and service—at a time when the world needs us most. 

Most importantly, this is a story told not in words, but in action – in how we work, meet challenges, and serve the world each and every day.

That spirit has defined TXST for more than a century.

In 1920, Southwest Texas State Normal College chose the Bobcat as its mascot. 
Coach Oscar Strahan famously said, “A bobcat will fight you with everything he has—with four claws, teeth, speed, and brains.”

Rarely has a mascot so closely reflected the spirit of its people. 

The Bobcat represents our grit—our willingness to fight for opportunity and excellence.

But it doesn’t fully capture how we enlighten, guide, and inspire. For that, our brand is made visible through a symbol—the star.

The star is the symbol of our state and of our institution—radiant, constant, and guiding.

For centuries, people have stood on these hills and found inspiration and direction not in a single star, but in constellations.

At the core of TXST is a belief that standing out comes from standing together—burning bright as one, creating a beacon.

A beacon visible across Texas, and far beyond.

That beacon resonates with so many who want to be part of it—reflected in the record number of applications, students, and graduates we see each year. 

But this growth is not growth for its own sake. 

Opening doors to education is our mission, and it is a responsibility our state has entrusted to us as part of its vision for a talent-strong Texas. 

My goal today is to offer a high-level view of what we have built—what you have built—and why it matters.

I also want to take some time to paint a picture of our growing impact. 

Throughout today’s presentation, I’ll highlight just a few of the stars in our constellation—people like those of you in this room, and those joining us on the livestream—who show up every day ready to give their all in service to our students and our mission.

You can scan this QR code to access more employee stories and access today’s presentation.

You’ve seen this slide before, but it’s worth pausing to reflect on the vision we set for TXST three years ago. 

These pillars remain our compass—shaping our decisions and guiding the progress we continue to make together.

Our growth has been nothing short of remarkable—across enrollment, student engagement and support, academic excellence, innovation, national visibility, and our physical campuses. 

And today, I want to focus not just on how much we’ve grown—but why we’re growing, and how we’re ensuring that growth remains intentional, balanced, and grounded in our mission.

Our campuses sit at the center of one of the most rapidly growing regions in the country.

Hays County is now the fastest-growing county in the United States, and Williamson County ranks among the top ten. 
·      More than 1,300 people move to Texas a day
·      64% of the state’s population resides in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio

With that growth comes tremendous opportunity—but it also brings profound responsibility.

A responsibility to serve the higher-education needs of this region and to prepare workforce-ready, well-rounded graduates who will contribute as citizens and leaders across Texas. 
 
That responsibility aligns directly with the state’s ambitious goal: by 2030, 60 percent of Texans between the ages of 25 and 64 will hold a degree, certificate, or other credential of value. Today, Texas ranks 36th nationally in postsecondary attainment.

As an access-oriented public research university—where more than 90 percent of our students come from Texas—Texas State is essential to the state’s plans.

Online education is a key strategy in our efforts to expand access.

Over the last two years, we launched nearly 60 online programs in high-demand workforce areas, with 14 more on the way in Fall 2026.

These programs are expanding access for working adults and place-bound students, while also generating revenue that we reinvest directly back into our mission—supporting faculty, programs, and student success.

Our growth in online degree production strengthens the entire institution.

That same philosophy is guiding our growth at the Round Rock Campus.

During the Fall 2025 semester, more than 2,900 students were served through Round Rock – a 26 percent increase in just one year. 

More than half of those students are completing all of their coursework through Round Rock based programs, whether in person, online, or through a combination of both. 

And demand continues to grow. 

Enrollment at Round Rock this Spring is at more than 3,400 students – nearly a 50% increase from where we were this time last year.

And Fall 2026 applications are up nearly 60 percent compared to Fall 2025. (2,700)

Our Round Rock Campus is a strategic engine for access, workforce alignment, and institutional growth.

Momentum doesn’t happen without people driving it.

People like Catarino Becerra.

Colleagues often describe Catarino as the “glue” of the Round Rock Campus—someone who jumps in wherever needed to make things work. 

But what drives him is simple: How can we make our students’ experience better?

That commitment—to service, to students, to the mission—is what powers this campus.

Thank you, Catarino, and to all our Round Rock staff and faculty members who live our mission every day.

Access also means meeting students where they are.

Through TXST Local and our growing network of co-enrollment and 2+2 partnerships with community colleges across Texas, students can pursue TXST degrees without leaving their home communities.

These partnerships expand opportunities for place-bound students and strengthen the state’s talent pipeline.

At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful belief: every student deserves a clear, affordable pathway to a Texas State education.

Our partnership agreements stretch beyond Texas.

This fall, we marked a significant milestone with the opening of our Mexico Campus in Querétaro, welcoming an inaugural cohort of 57 students.

We’re also expanding strategic partnerships that create more affordable, high-impact opportunities for our students to study abroad.

At the same time, we’re advancing discussions to extend Texas State’s international presence to England, Ireland, India, and Japan. 

Thanks to the exceptional efforts of teams across the university to get these programs launched, we have diversified our enrollment portfolio, driving growth across every category, and achieving record enrollment in Fall 2025—reaching 44,630 students this fall.

As you can see, we are experiencing an upward trajectory across four major areas:  Freshman, Graduate, Online, and International enrollment.

This slide shows something very intentional.

While overall enrollment has accelerated over the past several years, growth at our San Marcos Campus has continued at a more deliberate pace. 

That’s because we’ve focused our fastest growth in areas designed to scale—online programs, Round Rock, and partnerships—while allowing San Marcos to grow responsibly.

Ahead of Spring census day, we anticipate record-setting enrollment, up 11% overall at 41,676 with an impressive 32% growth in graduate enrollment. 

In fact, we will set new highs across the board this spring. 
 
Fall freshman applications continue to outpace national demographic trends. 

While projections show only modest growth in the number of Texas high school seniors statewide, Texas State has already received 56,795 freshman applications—16,000 more than this time last year and already well above the final Fall 2025 total. 

This demand reflects the strength of our academic programs, growing reputation, and the value students see in a Texas State education.

People like Caroline Hope play an integral role in our enrollment efforts. Caroline is a Bobcat alum who chose to return to Texas State to help recruit future Bobcats across the Austin region.

Caroline says helping freshmen and transfer students navigate TXST, create success plans, and accomplish their goals brings meaning to her work.

Her story reflects what our staff and faculty do every day: you open doors, build pathways, and change lives.

Thank you, Caroline, and to our TXST Global team who help open the doors for future Bobcats.

Enrollment growth alone is not enough; it must be grounded in strong, relevant academic programs.

Thanks to the leadership of our faculty and Provost’s Office, TXST has experienced historic academic expansion—adding new degree programs that strengthen workforce readiness, research capacity, and educational quality.

Just yesterday, the Higher Education Coordinating Board approved our tenth new doctoral program—Kinesiology. Marking another important milestone on our path forward.

Faculty across disciplines are leading this work, supported by the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship (CTLS), and developing discipline-specific approaches that strengthen—not replace—good pedagogy.

We are also embracing the integration of AI across our academic experience—enthusiastically, but with care and intention. 

In fact, we have more than tripled the number of courses that integrate AI into their curriculum.

These efforts are delivering real results. More than 1,200 students have earned an AI Foundations credential, while investment in AI research has grown to $48 million. 

Just as importantly, this work reflects strong collaboration across the university—faculty, academic leaders, and the Division of IT—working together to ensure AI is used responsibly, sustainably, and in ways that truly serve our students.

You can see this partnership in action during the AI Teaching and Learning Symposium March 4-5 on our San Marcos Campus. 

This event now draws more than 350 participants from across the region – proof that we are helping shape best practices for higher education in our state.

I know many of you care deeply about course availability and how we support students’ progress to degree as enrollment grows.

We’re addressing this directly. 

We’re using data to better understand student demand and to build schedules that don’t just offer more classes—but the right classes, in the right sequence, at the right time.

At the same time, we reorganized advising with a clear goal: to focus advisors’ time and expertise where it’s needed most, providing more personalized support for students who benefit from it.

Our advisors are among the most student-centered professionals you will find, and I want to thank them for embracing these changes and helping make this work successful.

I know another thing on your mind is the curriculum review. The first step in the process is complete.

In phase one, we reviewed all general education courses and all special topics courses. By the time the next catalog is published, every single course we offer will have been reviewed.

Because curriculum review has become part of the national conversation, I want to be clear: this is not new or unusual work. 

It is a normal, required part of how universities address academic quality. 

This work ensures alignment, rigor, and clarity for students. 

I want to thank our faculty for the significant effort they have invested in this process.

Faculty like Dr. Anthony Torres in our Department of Engineering Technology remind us what Texas State is all about. 

Recently honored with the Graduate College Outstanding Mentor Award, Dr. Torres will tell you that while research, teaching, and service matter, mentoring students is the most meaningful part of his work. 

In his 12 years at TXST, Dr. Torres has helped shape the lives of countless students long after a class ends or a degree is earned. His work reflects the very best of what our faculty do.

Thank you, Dr. Torres, and all our faculty who invest their time, care, and belief in our students.

Your mentorship will always be something they carry with them.

All of this growth—online, regional, academic, and institutional—matters for one reason.

Because our students trust us with their future.

Whether you teach in the classroom, support students one-on-one, maintain our spaces, design the tools and technology they rely on, or work behind the scenes, your work matters.

It is a sacred responsibility—and every day, you prove we are worthy of that trust.

One of the ways we are earning that trust is by using data and collaboration to better support students.

Through Navigate TXST, nearly 31,000 students connected with advising and support services last year, completing more than 83,000 appointments across 12 service areas.

And it’s made a difference. Students who received targeted outreach persisted at rates more than 14 percentage points higher than those who did not.

Thank you to our Division of Student Success for driving this effort to ensure our students have the right information at the right time, so fewer fall through the cracks.
 
I want to take a moment to recognize the leadership of our faculty related to retention.

This year, 96 percent of faculty teaching core curriculum classes participated in early progress reporting—a record high.

That allowed us to reach more than 4,000 struggling students early in the semester, connecting them to resources like tutoring when support can make the greatest difference. 

What’s especially important is this: Even with a 12 percent increase in freshmen  we did not see an increase in students ending the fall on academic warning. 

This indicates that early communication and coordinated support are working.

Thank you to our faculty for making this a priority.

We are also listening carefully to our students—and acting on what they tell us.

More than 8,500 first-year students shared with us what helps them succeed.

Their feedback is shaping how we address affordability, housing stability, learning accommodations, food security, and connection. 

Because when we know, we can act.

Last year, $258,000 in continuation and completion grants helped 180 students stay enrolled and on track to graduate. 

We expanded Disability Services to meet growing demand, opened new residential spaces, broadened services, and saw engagement rise across campus.

Students are also connecting—to each other, to campus life, and to a sense of belonging. 

Participation in programs like Jump Start, Homecoming, athletics, and service reached record levels.

And the latest Housing Demand Survey confirms what we’re hearing from students: satisfaction with on-campus housing is up 8% from last year, with 90% of students now reporting they are satisfied or very satisfied.

Marissa Trussell is one of the many stars in our Division of Student Success who is making a real difference for our students.

As a case manager with the CARE Team, she works closely with students as they navigate the realities of college life. And as a parent completing her own master’s degree at Texas State, she is especially proud of her work supporting pregnant and parenting students.

This is the heart of student success at TXST. And it exists because of our staff members like Marissa, and the entire Division of Student Success.  

When we invest intentionally in advising, engagement, and coordinated support, the results are clear.

Our first-year retention rate for Fall 2024 freshmen reached just over 80%—up 2.6 percentage points in three years.

Our four-year graduation rate has risen to 40%, up from 36% two years ago. 

It’s progress that matters—because every percentage point represents students staying on track, feeling supported, and crossing the finish line.

And we saw that progress on full display at December commencement, where more than 3,100 degree candidates participated across six ceremonies—the largest fall commencement in our history.

Even though we measure success in percentages and totals, moments like these remind us what those numbers truly represent—students moving forward, families celebrating, and opportunity realized.

A proud Texas State alum, Kristin McDaniel has supported Bobcats crossing the stage since her own graduation from TXST in 2005. 

Over that time, she has helped lead the production of 268 commencement ceremonies, each one unique and meaningful. 

As Kristin says, “It’s an honor being part of one of the most momentous days in the lives of graduates and their families.”

While our impact begins here – with our campuses and students, it reaches far beyond them. 

Let’s start with research. 

We are at a defining moment for Texas State.

Our research enterprise has grown to more than $183 million in annual expenditures—tripling over the past decade and doubling in just three years.

Even more telling, our research momentum continues to accelerate. First-quarter expenditures this year are up more than 25 percent compared to last year, with new awards also on the rise.

This growth positions Texas State as a catalyst for research-driven solutions—here in Texas and beyond.
 
And, others are taking notice.

According to the National Science Foundation’s HERD survey, TXST now ranks in the 84th percentile nationally, placing us among the top tier of research institutions and ahead of several key regional peers, including UT El Paso, UT Arlington, and the University of North Texas. 

And while rankings are worth noting, they matter most as a signal of our growing capacity to attract talent, funding, and impact. 

The Texas University Fund, or TUF, has been a key driver in growing that capacity.

By qualifying for our full share ($1.4B) of TUF, we will now be investing $300 million over the next five years in our research enterprise. This investment will accelerate innovation, expand opportunity, and amplify our impact for generations to come.

This is an investment not just in TXST, but in the future of Texas itself.

Last semester, the Division of Research brought the university community together around a shared research vision with two town halls to determine our five future research areas .

We will continue to convene town halls in five priority areas—water and the environment, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital humanities, and aging and dementia.

These efforts will guide the recruitment of senior scholars to TXST with strong records of research success, strengthen extramural funding, and elevate our university’s national research profile in areas critical to Texas and the nation.

In fact, a national campaign touting our research enterprise and attracting research teams in these areas has launched in the Chronicle of Higher Education and on other platforms.

There is no doubt our innovation ecosystem is also gaining powerful momentum.

This past year, we nearly doubled licensing revenue. 

And our faculty are moving ideas to impact at an unprecedented pace.

We have generated a 57% increase in invention disclosures and a 147% increase in patent applications year-over-year. 

This same unprecedented growth can be found at every level of the university. While it’s impossible to capture every achievement here, I want to highlight a few.

We jumped 16 places in national rankings in the U.S. News & World Report, were named one of “America’s Top Colleges for 2026” by Forbes, and one of Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges for 2026.” 

We also received the Gold Designation from the Texas Veterans Commission for the 5th consecutive year.

TXST was also named a top drama school in the world by The Hollywood Reporter for the second year in a row, moving up three spots to No. 22.

The St. David’s School of Nursing was named the No. 2 nursing program in the state by RegisteredNursing.org. And our Graphic Design Program is ranked 46th in the nation and 3rd in the state.

And we’ve won a few national championships this year. Our Advertising, Marketing andDesign team, Sales Team and Mariachi Nueva Generación all received national first-place honors when competing against their peers last year.
 

Our impact extends through our alumni.
 

Most Texas State graduates build their lives and careers here in Texas, strengthening the state’s workforce and communities.
 

At the same time, our national alumni footprint continues to grow— with strong concentrations in major metropolitan areas and an expanding presence on the West Coast—positioning the university for greater national visibility as we move into the Pac-12.
 

Soon, we’ll release the results of our latest economic impact study.
 

The findings will underscore what we already know: Texas State contributes billions of dollars annually to the Texas economy, supports tens of thousands of jobs, and delivers strong returns for students, taxpayers, and society.
 

For every dollar invested, the returns multiply—through lifetime earnings, tax revenue, and social benefit.
 

And if we want to sustain this momentum, we must continue to take care of our own. I really believe that.
 

That’s why investing in our people has been such an important focus for me and the entire leadership team.
 

As enrollment increased by 18 percent, faculty grew by 22 percent and staff by 19 percent since 2021.
 

Bottom line: We have 1,000 more employees than we did in Fall 2021, moving toward our goal of doing more with more.
 

At the same time, we’ve made meaningful salary investments, particularly for our lowest-paid employees, and provided raises for our faculty of instruction.
 

These actions are about something more than the bottom line. They are about respect, fairness, and living our values.
 

We know there is more to do, and we are committed to continuing this work—listening, learning, and making progress—because when we take care of our people, we create a better experience for our students and a stronger TXST.
 

Becoming an employer of choice is a long and intentional process—and listening is central to what comes next. 
 

We are committed to continuing this work thoughtfully and transparently, balancing the realities we face with our responsibility to the people who make this university run every day.
 

In the months ahead, we will launch university-wide employee surveys to better understand what’s working, where we can improve, and where you believe we should focus next.
 

Your voices matter. And your input will help shape the future of Texas State.
 

Your commitment and dedication don’t stop at our campuses. 
 

They are reflected in how TXST is represented—on the field and courts, in communities, and on the national stage.
 

Let’s take a look at a few other areas where our recognition is growing.
 

Across every sport, for example, Texas State Athletics continues to build sustained momentum.
 

Winning the Sun Belt’s Bubas Cup, the SBC’s all-sports championship trophy, three of the last four years reflects broad-based excellence—not just in one program, but across the entire department.
 

At the same time, student-athletes are succeeding academically, with graduation rates well above NCAA benchmarks.
 

NIL agreements are helping ensure roster stability, and philanthropic support is fueling major facility investments.
 

Combined with record attendance and strong television viewership, this reflects the level of excellence we’re building at TXST.
 
Bobcat Football capped the season with a 41–10 victory over Rice in the Armed Forces Bowl—our third straight bowl win—in front of more than 28,000 fans and 2.1 million television viewers, the most-watched Armed Forces Bowl since 2017.
 

At the same time, Texas State Soccer captured its first Sun Belt Tournament Championship and earned an NCAA Tournament berth, marking another milestone for our athletics program.
 

And one of the exciting developments for our future: in July 2026, TXST will join the new Pac-12 Conference.
 

This move expands our national footprint, strengthens recruiting, and elevates our brand on a much larger stage. 
 

But most importantly, it elevates TXST as an institution – academically, culturally, and nationally. 
 

This year’s launch of the Light the Star capital campaign reflects a shared commitment to moving Texas State Athletics into its next era.
 

On the field, Aidan Pool and her team provide support and care to all of our student-athletes.
 

A proud alum, game days are her favorite because she gets to see all the hard work from the students and her staff pay off as they take the field or court to compete at the highest level.
 

Working in Athletics has given her the opportunity to give back to the place that grew her as a student and young professional.
 

The impact of Aidan’s work on our student-athletes can never be measured in yards or feet. 

Thank you, Aidan, and our Athletics staff for getting our students gameday ready.

The strength of our brand is also reflected in the generosity of the Texas State community.

Last year, more than 15,000 gifts—including nearly 3,000 first-time donors—contributed nearly $31M in support, with the majority directed toward scholarships.
 

That generosity is changing lives and strengthening the future of this university.
 

Looking forward, we are preparing for a transformational $20M campaign to create a permanent public home for The Wittliff Collections as part of the Spring Lake Welcome Center outlined in our Master Plan for the university.
 
When I say excellence everywhere, I mean excellence everywhere. We want the world to know about it. 

Over the past year, the university generated tens of billions of global media impressions and more than 18,000 positive media mentions worldwide. 

Engagement across our social platforms now exceeds the national average for higher education by more than three times. 

Simply put, Texas State’s story is being told—and it’s being heard on a national and global stage.
 

To tell Texas State’s story, you need storytellers.
 

People like Nicole Hefner, who has spent the last decade bringing her expertise to our Division of Marketing and Communications.
 

As a copy editor, much of what Nicole does is invisible when it is done well, but its influence is everywhere. It ensures our story is clear, credible, and worthy of the work happening across this campus.

Nicole says she knows her role in spotlighting TXST amplifies the good work Bobcats are doing in their communities, and that is very meaningful to her.

People like Nicole are helping make that spotlight on our university even brighter. Thank you for all the work you do.

As we look ahead, the question is not whether Texas State will continue to grow—but how we will shape that growth for the future.

This year, we launched our University Master Plan with broad input from across our community—including many of you in this room.

When that planning began, our most optimistic projection was reaching 49,000 students by 2033. Instead, we now expect to reach 50,000 students as early as next year—driven largely by growth in online programs and at Round Rock.

To keep pace, we expanded our master plan, and this work is already underway. 

The plan calls for 30 new buildings on the San Marcos Campus and six new buildings on the Round Rock Campus – ranging from research labs to student housing and cultural amenities.

Today, we have nearly $1 billion in active construction across our campuses, with our new hotel breaking ground this summer and major projects such as Hilltop II, a new STEM building, and Esperanza Hall already underway.

What is my favorite part of the plan? -- The priority we put on enhancing green spaces to foster gathering, connection, and reflection. I am also proud that we’ve made accessibility central to our vision. 

Speaking of green spaces, our recent purchase of 128 acres in the Sink Creek watershed not only grows the size of our San Marcos Campus by 25%, but it adds a unique research asset to the university. 

We are proud of our investment to protect and preserve this environmentally-sensitive area for our community and the region.

As we look ahead—to the next year, the next decade, and the next 125 years—I want to come back to where we started.

To the idea that each of you is a star in our constellation.

None of us does this work alone. Student success doesn’t happen in a single office. Research breakthroughs don’t happen in isolation. 

Community isn’t created by policy—it’s created by people.

It’s created when advisors stay late, when faculty rethink how they teach, when staff solve problems no one else sees, and when teams quietly make this university run every single day.

That’s how constellations are formed—not by standing apart, but by each of us working together.

Texas State is entering a new chapter. One defined by growth, by national visibility, and by opportunity.

But what will always matter most is that we continue to move forward as one, guided by our shared mission and our shared belief in what this university can be.

Thank you for being the light that guides Texas State.

The future is bright—because of you.

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us today.

I’m Dr. Julie Lessiter, the vice president for the Texas State University Round Rock Campus.

This State of TXST Round Rock is happening during a very special year for us.

We’re celebrating 20 years of Texas State University in Round Rock.

Before we go any further, I want to take a moment to recognize the elected officials, business leaders, alumni, and community partners in the room.

I’m happy John and Nelson Avery are here with us today.

The location of this beautiful campus is only possible due to their generosity and belief in our vision for this campus and for our students.

I would now like to bring out Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse for his annual State of TXST Round Rock address.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Twenty incredible years of Texas State University being in the great city of Round Rock.

Two decades of growth, of opportunity, and of building something that looks a little different from a traditional university campus… by design.

I’m so happy you all have joined us today to hear about the bright future ahead for our Round Rock Campus and our entire university.

It’s great to see so many of you here because your support and collaboration are what make this campus not only possible, but powerful.

For some perspective, let’s do a little time travel and look at where we started.

From our first classes in 1996 held in portable buildings in a lot next to Westwood High School . . . 

To the groundbreaking for the Avery building in 2004, the addition of the St. David’s School of Nursing in 2010 and the opening of Willow Hall in 2018, we’ve come a long way.
And, I believe the best is ahead of us.

The State of Texas and TXST have invested $450 million over the past 20 years in the buildings and infrastructure of this campus. 

As we look forward, our current University Master Plan for the Round Rock Campus outlines an investment of $1 billion in buildings and infrastructure, including parking lots, over the next decade. 

These investments are a clear statement of intent—TXST Round Rock is committed to growing, evolving, and meeting the needs of this region for decades to come.

To pay tribute to the last 20 years, we are honored to have Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan, with us today to read and deliver a proclamation.
 
We will place it into this time capsule along with other items unique to Texas State and Round Rock in this academic year.

A copy will also be placed in the new Esperanza Hall in an area where everyone can see it.

Mayor Morgan, please join me on the stage.

[Mayor Morgan reads the proclamation.]

[President Damphousse and Mayor Morgan place the proclamation into the time capsule.]

Thank you, Mayor Morgan for that honor.

Now, let’s take a look at our new university video, which reflects a brand campaign developed by our Division of Marketing and Communications to help us tell our story—across Texas and beyond.

That video is an inspiring look at Texas State University as a whole, and it paints a powerful image of who we are. 

While we have two campuses separated by about 60 miles, Round Rock is not a copy of San Marcos.

It’s not meant to be.

Round Rock is a metropolitan workforce campus where students are being prepared to thrive in an AI-driven world. 

It’s also steadily evolving into a residential university in its own right—and I’ll have more to say about that shortly. 

Everything we do here is focused on one outcome: helping students move from education into meaningful careers, right here in Central Texas.

That brings us to the next portion of State of TXST Round Rock: our student panel.

Please welcome students Ana Ramirez, Corrigan LeValley, Devin Amaya, and Melissa Bernal

Thank you to Ana, Corrigan, Devin and Melissa.

Now, it is my honor to report to you—our faculty, staff, and friends—that because of your work and your dedication, the state of Texas State University—and especially Texas State Round Rock—is stronger than ever.  

With Texas State poised to enter the Pac-12 Conference, on the path to R1 status, and experiencing record enrollment and graduation rates at a time when much of higher education is struggling, ours is a story worth telling.

It is the story of a thriving, access-oriented public research university—committed to the ideals of opportunity, excellence, and service—at a time when the world needs us most. 

Most importantly, this is a story told not in words, but in action – in how we work, meet challenges, and serve the world each and every day.

That spirit has defined TXST for more than a century. 

It’s worth pausing to reflect on the vision we set for TXST three years ago. 

These pillars remain our compass—shaping our decisions and guiding the progress we continue to make together. 

They will also continue to evolve as we anticipate and respond to the rapid transformation of the workforce driven by AI.

I want to tell you about the big-picture things happening at Texas State University as a whole, and I will get to that, but right now I want to focus on why you are all here: our Round Rock Campus.

During the Fall 2025 semester, Round Rock served more than 2,900 students, which is a 65 percent increase in two years.

These students took in-person courses, online classes, or a combination of both. And demand continues to grow. 

Enrollment at Round Rock this spring is at more than 3,400 students, which is nearly a 50% increase from where we were this time last year.

And Fall 2026 applications are approaching 4,100. This is an astounding increase of more than 50% over Fall 2025.

We are building our Round Rock Campus to be a strategic engine for access, workforce alignment, and institutional growth. 

We’re not trying to be everything to everyone here.

We’re being very intentional about who we are and the areas we’re focusing on, which are Health, Technology, Business, and Public Service.

Why those four?

Because those are the sectors driving growth in this region.

Those are the industries that many of our partners in this room are recruiting for. 

And those are the careers our students are stepping into. 

We are building this campus with the end user in mind.

When a student comes to Round Rock, they’re not only earning a degree.

They’re entering a pipeline… a pipeline that connects education directly to opportunity.

And that pipeline only works because of all of you here today.

To our faculty and staff members:

Whether you’re in the classroom, mentoring students one-on-one, caring for our spaces, building the tools and technology they depend on, or working behind the scenes—please know this: what you do changes lives. 

You are the reason our students succeed, and we are deeply grateful for your dedication and heart.

To our community leaders: 

Thank you for believing in TXST and for including us in your vision for the future. 

Your partnership helps us grow, innovate, and serve in ways we couldn’t do alone—and together, we are shaping something truly lasting for this region.

And to our industry partners:

Thank you for opening your doors to our students. 

You mentor them. You let them see what their future can look like.

For many of our students, especially our first-generation students, that exposure changes everything.

It turns a possibility into a plan.

Now, there’s another layer to this

We’re not just preparing students for today’s workforce.

We’re preparing them for a workforce that is changing fast.

Which brings me to something that sits at the center of our strategy here at Round Rock: Artificial Intelligence.
 
You hear a lot about AI right now. A lot of excitement. A lot of uncertainty.
 
But here’s how we think about it.
 
We’re not preparing students to compete against AI. 
 
We’re preparing them to leverage it to be the employees you want and the leaders we need. 
 
That’s why we are embedding an AI Workplace-Ready Certification directly into our core curriculum. 

Whether a student is studying business, healthcare, or public service…

They are learning how to use AI tools, how to think critically about them, and how to apply them ethically in real-world situations.

By the time they graduate, they won’t just be degree holders.

They’ll be AI-literate professionals, ready to contribute on day one.

Speaking of AI, we are in active collaboration with Dell to give our students access to an AI interview software tool that will give them the interview preparation skills they need to enter the workforce after graduation.

And, Dell’s partnership goes beyond software access.

They are also providing high-performance computing resources that will empower our students to design and build AI-driven solutions.

This will be integrated into their coursework to expand their skills in meaningful, hands-on ways.

That is a testament to the industry partnerships that make us stronger every day. 

This commitment to AI is seen throughout our academic programs at TXST.  

So let’s take a broader look for a moment.

Faculty across disciplines are leading this work and developing discipline-specific approaches that strengthen – not replace good pedagogy. 

We have more than tripled the number of courses that integrate AI into their curriculum. 

These efforts are delivering real results. 

More than 1,200 TXST students have earned an AI Foundations credential while investment in AI research at TXST has grown to $48 million. 

Now, let me bring us back to Round Rock.

In addition to our new AI Workplace-Ready Certification, the growth of this campus is reflected in the strength and breadth of its academic offerings. 

Today, Round Rock offers two doctoral programs, 11 master’s programs, and 20 bachelor’s programs – all delivered in-person.

That is almost double the number of academic programs offered in Fall 2023.

These programs span multiple disciplines, but they are all grounded in a shared goal: to meet growing workforce demands, to position our students for success in high-impact careers, to expand research capacity, and to enhance the quality of the education we provide.

New programs launching this fall include Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with concentrations in AI and Information Technology, along with a minor in Forensic Psychology.

Alongside our focus on academics and workforce readiness, we’re continuing to invest in the overall student experience.

With the upcoming opening of Esperanza Hall, we will significantly expand access to student support services, collaboration space, and academic resources.

And importantly, Esperanza Hall will also allow us to reach a major milestone for this campus: 

For the first time, students will be able to take in-person science labs right here in Round Rock.

That means smoother academic pathways.

Faster progress toward degree completion.

And ultimately, a better and more seamless student experience.

Beyond the labs, student spaces matter just as much.

One of the most important features of any new building is the space it creates for students to connect, study, and succeed.

With the new Student Learning Commons on the second floor of Esperanza Hall, students will have expanded access to academic support services, including supplemental instruction, tutoring, literacy resources, and dedicated study areas.

The completion of Esperanza is getting closer, and we cannot wait for everyone to see firsthand what this space will mean for our students.

I look forward to welcoming you back for the official dedication.

So, when you step back and look at it all, here’s what you see: 

A campus that is focused, aligned with regional needs, deeply connected to industry and the community, and designed to launch students into successful careers.

That’s what Round Rock is.

Even though we’ve come such a long way – especially in the last five years -- in some ways, we are still just getting started.

The next chapter is about scaling what works. 

Strengthening partnerships. Expanding opportunity. 

And continuing to ask a simple question: How do we serve our students and our region even better?

And we’re already taking that next step.
 
We’re moving quickly toward construction of our first student housing on this campus, starting the design and planning process later this year.

From the beginning, our shared vision has been to build a full residential university here. 

And, after welcoming freshmen for the first time last year, we believe we’re ready to take the next step—bringing on-campus housing to life.

Our job… together… is to make sure that the future our students see for themselves is within reach.

And thanks to the work happening here in Round Rock, I can say with confidence: It is.

While our main focus today is on our Round Rock Campus, it’s important that I paint a picture of the momentum of Texas State as a whole —because this campus plays a major role in our future.

Our university’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable—across enrollment, student engagement and support, academic excellence, innovation, national visibility, and our physical campuses. 

And today, I want to focus not just on how much we’ve grown—but why we’re growing, and how we’re ensuring that growth remains intentional, balanced, and grounded in our mission.

Our campuses sit at the center of one of the most rapidly growing regions in the country.

I don’t think that’s news to anyone in this room.

Williamson County consistently ranks among the top 10 fastest-growing counties in the U.S.(now at #9), and the population is expected to double by 2050.

The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area ranks #6 in growth among Top U.S. Metro areas. (July 2024-2025)

More than 1,300 people move to Texas a day.

64% of the state’s population resides in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

With that growth comes tremendous opportunity—but it also brings profound responsibility.
A responsibility to serve the higher-education needs of this region and to prepare career-ready, well-rounded graduates who will contribute as citizens and leaders across Texas.

Online education is a key strategy in our efforts to expand access.

After a period of little change from Fall 2021 to Fall 2023, we’ve accelerated our momentum—launching 45 new online programs in high-demand workforce fields over the past two years, with 14 more set to launch in Fall 2026.

These programs are expanding access for working adults and place-bound students, while also generating revenue that we reinvest directly back into our mission—supporting faculty, programs, and student success.

Our growth in online degree production strengthens the entire institution.

Access also means meeting students where they are.

Through TXST Local and our growing network of co-enrollment and 2+2 partnerships with community colleges across Texas like ACC, students can pursue TXST degrees without leaving their home communities.

These partnerships expand opportunities for place-bound students and strengthen the state’s talent pipeline.

At the heart of this work is a simple but powerful belief: every student deserves a clear, affordable pathway to a Texas State education.

Our partnership agreements stretch beyond Texas.

This fall, we marked a significant milestone with the opening of our Mexico Campus in Querétaro, welcoming an inaugural cohort of 57 students.

We’re also expanding strategic partnerships that create more affordable, high-impact opportunities for our students to study abroad.

At the same time, we’re advancing discussions to extend Texas State’s international presence to England, Ireland, India, and Japan.

Thanks to the exceptional efforts of teams across the university to get these programs launched, we have diversified our enrollment portfolio, driving growth across every category, and achieving record enrollment in Fall 2025—reaching 44,630 students this fall.

As you can see, we are experiencing an upward trajectory across four major areas: freshman, graduate, online, and international enrollment.

This slide shows something very intentional.

While overall enrollment has accelerated over the past several years, growth at our San Marcos Campus has continued at a more deliberate pace. 

That’s because we’ve focused our fastest growth in areas designed to scale—Round Rock, online programs, and partnerships—while allowing San Marcos to grow responsibly.

This is how our strategy has impacted enrollment growth at Round Rock.

Following a record-breaking spring enrollment, freshman applications to TXST continue to outpace national demographic trends. 

Earlier, I highlighted the excitement about enrollment at Round Rock and the increase in applications for Fall 2026.

While projections show only modest growth in the number of Texas high school seniors statewide, Texas State has already received more than 63,000 freshman applications total—up 17% over last year’s record. 

We are also seeing an 18% increase over last year in the number of students who rank among the top 25% of their high school graduating class being admitted to TXST.

This demand and quality of student reflect the strength of our academic programs, growing reputation, and the value students see in a Texas State education.

Enrollment growth alone is not enough; it must be grounded in strong, relevant academic programs.

TXST has experienced historic academic expansion—adding new degree programs that strengthen workforce readiness.

And, you are among the first to hear this news. 

We’re also modernizing how our colleges are structured. 

Recently, we announced that the College of Science and Engineering will become two distinct colleges: the College of Science and the Ingram College of Engineering.

The College of Science will keep its current departmental structure. 
In engineering, though, we’re taking a more interdisciplinary approach—organizing programs into departments designed to encourage collaboration and better prepare students for their careers.

We’ll launch national searches for the inaugural deans in Fall 2026, and we expect the transition to be complete by Fall 2027.

All of this growth—online, regional, academic, and institutional—matters for one reason.

Because our students trust us with their future.

We have chosen to invest intentionally in advising, engagement, and coordinated student support – and the results are clear.

We see it in real time as we prepare for a record number of degree candidates to participate across eight ceremonies – the largest spring commencement in our history. 

Even though we measure success in percentages and totals, moments like these remind us what those numbers truly represent—students moving forward, families celebrating, and opportunity realized.

While our impact begins here—with our campuses and students, it reaches far beyond them. 

Let’s start with research. 

We are at a defining moment for Texas State.

Our research enterprise has grown to more than $183 million in annual expenditures—tripling over the past decade and doubling in just three years.

Even more telling, our research momentum continues to accelerate. First-quarter expenditures this year are up more than 25 percent compared to last year, with new awards also on the rise.

This growth positions Texas State as a catalyst for research-driven solutions—here in Texas and beyond.

And, others are taking notice.

According to the National Science Foundation’s HERD survey, TXST now ranks in the top 17% nationally, placing us among the top tier of research institutions and ahead of several key regional peers, including UT El Paso, UT Arlington, and the University of North Texas. 

And while rankings are worth noting, they matter most as a signal of our growing capacity to attract talent, funding, and impact. 

The Texas University Fund, or TUF, has been a key driver in growing that capacity.

By qualifying for our full share ($1.14B) of TUF, we will now be investing $300 million over the next five years in our research enterprise. This investment will accelerate innovation, expand opportunity, and amplify our impact on generations to come.

This is an investment not just in TXST, but in the future of Texas itself.

The university has come together around a shared research vision and is now putting that vision into action to grow our research enterprise.

These efforts will guide the recruitment of senior scholars to TXST with strong records of research success, strengthen extramural funding, and elevate our university’s national research profile in areas critical to Texas and the nation.

Round Rock’s St. David’s School of Nursing was named the No. 2 nursing program in the state by RegisteredNursing.org.

TXST was also named a top drama school in the world by The Hollywood Reporter for the second year in a row, moving up three spots to No. 22.

And our Graphic Design Program is ranked 46th in the nation and 3rd in the state.

And we’ve won a few national championships this year. Our Advertising, Marketing and Design team, Sales Team and Mariachi Nueva Generación all received national first-place honors when competing against their peers last year.

Our impact extends through our alumni.

Most Texas State graduates build their lives and careers here in Texas, strengthening the state’s workforce and communities.

At the same time, our national alumni footprint continues to grow—with strong concentrations in major metropolitan areas and an expanding presence on the West Coast—positioning the university for greater national visibility as we move into the Pac-12.

We recently released the results of our latest economic impact study.

What that study showed is Texas State University is a powerful engine for economic growth, generating nearly $8 billion in economic impact throughout the state of Texas for the fiscal year spanning 2023-2024.

It showed that we also simultaneously added $3.2 billion to the Central Texas economy during the same period.

The findings underscore what we already know: Texas State contributes billions of dollars annually to the Texas economy, supports tens of thousands of jobs, and delivers strong returns for students, taxpayers, and society.

For every dollar invested, the returns multiply—through lifetime earnings, tax revenue, and social benefit.

Let’s take a look at a few other areas where our recognition is growing.

Our move to the Pac-12 Conference in July expands our national footprint, strengthens recruiting, and elevates our brand on a much larger stage. 

It also provides opportunities for businesses and our partners  -- like advertising on the field and on players’ jerseys.

But most importantly, it elevates TXST as an institution—academically, culturally, and nationally. 

As we look ahead—to the next year, the next decade—I want to come back to where we started.

Our university and this campus are entering a new chapter. 

One defined by growth, by national visibility, and by opportunity.

But what will always matter most is that we continue to move forward as one, guided by our shared mission and our shared belief in what this TXST can be.

Thank you for being the light that guides Texas State.

The future is bright—because of you.

We have time for a brief Q&A if anyone has any questions.