The Current

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Monthly video newsletter from President Damphousse

“Each month, I'll share several things that capture the Texas State University spirit: a video interview about a key initiative or priority, a profile of an exceptional Bobcat in NEXT Up, and a closer look at how we are advancing our noble mission to discover, teach, create, and serve. I’ll also share my Top Ten Moments, highlights of my favorite recent experiences exploring our campuses and interacting with Bobcats far and wide.” – Dr. Damphousse

Thursday, May 18, 2023

  • VIDEO: President Damphousse joined Dr. David Coleman for a guided tour of The Wittliff Collections.
  • Mission Moment: Celebrating the Spring 2023 graduating class of 4,500 new alumni was a reminder that Bobcats embody the admirable qualities of those President LBJ called "Can Do" people.
  • Top Ten Moments: Dr. Damphousse gathered with generous philanthropic partners, hosted a Run to R1 Town Hall and 1K Walk/Run, and recognized employees with many decades of service.
  • NEXT Up: Student Anh Adams shared what it's like leading research while double majoring in history and geography.

Read The Current from May 2023

Thursday, April 20, 2023

  • VIDEO: President Damphousse joined Bobcat Day to meet future Bobcats and their families. He also interviewed Dr. Beverly Day, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, about record-breaking Bobcat Days.
  • Mission Moment: On May 1, TXST faculty and staff will literally run to R1 at the R1 Town Hall and 1K Walk/Run.
  • Top Ten Moments: Dr. Damphousse strategized with Round Rock leaders on and off campus, joined in a student’s film project, and celebrated TXST administrative professionals.
  • NEXT Up: Dr. Richard Martinez from the Counseling Center shared how his team helps students prioritize mental health.

Read The Current from April 2023

Friday, March 24, 2023

  • VIDEO: President Damphousse interviewed two student-athletes and celebrated some big wins in Athletics this Spring.
  • Mission Moment: The latest Hopes & Aspirations High update includes recent achievements worth of celebration.
  • Top Ten Moments: Dr. Damphousse joined the grand procession at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and discussed TXST water conservation research aboard a glass-bottom boat. 
  • NEXT Up: Lauren Utley shared what inspires her to serve as co-director of Bobcat Build, the university’s largest service project.

Read The Current from March 2023

Friday, February 17, 2023

  • VIDEO:  This month’s episode of “The Current” showcases one of TXSTs greatest research strengths: public safety. The TXST Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center (ALERRT) and our Texas School Safety Center is saving lives and protecting communities nationwide. 
  • Mission Moment: On February 3, Dr. Damphousse provided an update on initiatives approved by Cabinet, pending review by the Board of Regents. This latest round of funding brings the total proposed investment in student success to more than $14.2 million since the Fall, and nearly $18 million in support of the Run to R1. 
  • Top Ten Moments: Dr. Damphousse returned to the Capitol to testify before state leaders, gathered with Dean’s List honorees, and enjoyed outstanding performances from our School of Music.
  • NEXT Up: Meet Kelley Glover, a Ph.D. student in the College of Education's School Improvement Doctoral Program. She is a published researcher and the creator of a culturally responsive music education cartoon and music game app.

Read The Current from February 2023

Thursday, January 19, 2023

  • VIDEO:  Dr. Damphousse spoke with Dr. Clay Green, director of the Aquatic Resources and Integrative Biology Ph.D. program, about groundbreaking research led by students. It’s one of the three Ph.D. programs that received a $6 million investment to rapidly grow enrollment for Spring and Summer.
  • Mission Moment: Increasing enrollment among international students is one of the goals in Hopes & Aspirations High. To that end, we recently removed a cap that limited funds we could invest to recruit through partner agencies. 
  • Top Ten Moments: Highlights from January's Top Ten Moments include the annual Boko BBQ, meeting concrete industry leaders who fund scholarships, and exploring a TXST archaeology research center.
  • NEXT Up: January is National Mentoring Month, so Jaxson Schoening is NEXT Up. Jaxson is a Lead Peer Mentor in the Personalized Academic and Career Exploration (PACE) Center. TXST peer mentors help welcome freshmen and new students into the Bobcat family. 

Read The Current from January 2023

Thursday, December 8, 2022 

  • VIDEO: Dr. Damphousse spoke with Dr. Valarie Fleming and Dan Schumacher about how profound Texas State graduation traditions are for our graduates, their loved ones, and for Bobcat alumni everywhere.  
  • Mission Moment: This fall, we formed numerous presidential commissions and task forces to take a strategic and proactive approach to tackle the challenges we face and leverage areas of vast potential. The new year will usher in exciting changes for our Round Rock Campus (RRC), which has tremendous potential for growth. 
  • Top Ten Moments: Highlights from December's Top Ten Moments include serving a midnight breakfast to students, and marking the 50th anniversary of our College of Health Professions, to ringing in the season with our Bobcat community.
  • NEXT Up: Meet Benjamin Swann, a senior in the Ingram School of Engineering, and learn about his Senior Design Day project, the Fire-Bot.

Read The Current from December 2022

Friday, November 18, 2022 

  • VIDEO: Dr. Damphousse interviewed Jimmy Sellers, the president of our student organization for veterans, about his service to our country and the importance of supporting veteran students.
  • Mission Moment: At TXST, we have more than 3,600 students who are veterans or from military families. Several of our research, academic, and student programs are geared specifically toward serving veterans. TXST has repeatedly been recognized as a military-friendly institution.
  • Top Ten Moments: The president’s favorite recent experiences included an exclusive School of Music event, a trip to The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, connecting with community programs and more.
  • NEXT Up: Meet Ana Espinoza, a Dallas-native majoring in nutrition with a minor in Spanish. She’s an intern at Bobcat Bounty, the on-campus grocery-style food pantry for anyone in the university community experiencing food insecurity. Her service at Bobcat Bounty inspired her to pursue a career in community nutrition.

Read The Current from November 2022

Friday, October 21, 2022 

  • VIDEO: Dr. Damphousse interviewed Katie Bulen, a senior in the School of Music, about her experience, motivation, and dreams for the future.
  • Mission Moment: TXST boasts prestigious accolades in the performing arts. Our theatre graduates are performing on Broadway and in hit movies and TV shows, and numerous Grammy awards and nominations are held by faculty and staff. 
  • Top Ten Moments: The president’s favorite recent experiences included Seal of Excelencia celebrations, an ALERRT Center tour, Kindle with KDamp, and more.
  • NEXT Up: Meet Whitney Okarfor, a sophomore nursing major, who encourages students to find their "home away from home" in the TXST community by joining student organizations.

Read The Current from October 2022

Friday, September 23, 2022 

  • VIDEO: Dr. Damphousse interviewed Dr. Victoria Black, Associate Dean of Student Services in University College, about student support services available to Bobcats.
  • Mission Moment: The Presidential Commission on Student Success was launched to increase retention and graduation rates, as well as students’ engagement, academic achievement, and wellbeing.
  • Top Ten Moments: Testifying at the Texas Capitol, Hispanic Heritage Month, a helicopter ride over the Innovation Corridor, and more.
  • NEXT Up: Meet Gabriel Webb, a California native and chemistry major. He’s one of the many driven and inspiring students who call TXST home.

Read The Current from September 2022

Friday, August 19, 2022 

  • VIDEO: Dr. Damphousse interviewed TXST Chief Research Officer Dr. Shreek Mandayam about the university’s R1 aspirations in a high-tech Ingram Hall research lab.
  • Mission Moment: The Run to R1 website was launched to explain TXST’s trajectory to the Carnegie R1 national research university designation.
  • NEXT Up: Meet sophomore and business major Leslie Olalde, as she shares her experience welcoming freshmen as a Cat Camp leader and advice for fellow students.

Read The Current from August 2022