Top Ten Moments: April 2024
1. Announcing the Bats to Cats Partnership with ACC
We recently held a signing event to celebrate our new transfer partnership with Austin Community College. This provides a clear transfer path to TXST from ACC, saves students money, and allows them to reach their higher education goals. This is truly a win-win for students. Did you see us on the front page of the April 19, 2024 edition of the Austin American-Statesman?
2. Swearing in the New Student Body President
It was my honour to swear in our new TXST student body president, Olivia Alexander, in front of our LBJ statue in The Quad. Her and VP Donovan Brown have big shoes to fill in succeeding outgoing president Kiersten Florence and VP Shaelyn Jade – but I know they are up to the task.
3. Receiving an Award at CASE
Many thanks to my colleague Brooks Hull for nominating me for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District IV E. Joseph Savoie Chief Executive Leadership Award. I was especially touched that my friend Joe (for whom the award is named) flew to San Antonio to introduce me.
4. Remembering our University Friends
I was grateful for the opportunity to provide words of comfort at the annual Bobcat Pause event. This is a somber moment, allowing us to honour and reflect on the current TXST students, faculty, staff, and retirees who have recently passed away and touched our lives.
5. Launching our River State Lifestyle Line
I love the look of our new River State lifestyle line. I think our students and campus community will enjoy this fun way to celebrate our special relationship with the San Marcos River.
6. Up in the Air with Coast Flight Training
I had a great meeting with Heath Jameson, president of Coast Flight Training in San Marcos. Heath filled me in with the challenges faced by the aviation industry.
7. Sitting in on the Grad Student Research Conference
I enjoyed sitting in on the faculty panel presentation at the 15th annual Graduate Student Research Conference. They also had a terrific poster session with 99 entries. Grad students are essential to our Run to R1 and to building our research enterprise.
8. Big Turnout for SA 125th Anniversary Roadshow
What a turnout! Over 180 TXST alumni gathered for our biggest 125th anniversary roadshow yet at the Alamo in San Antonio. They were ready to hear more about what’s happening at their alma mater — and believe me, it’s a lot. We also unveiled our special 125th edition Fiesta medal.
9. Recognizing TXST Staff for Deeds of Valor
Inspired by the words in our alma mater, we began our Deeds of Valor monthly recognition program for faculty and staff members this year. Our March honoree is the Operation Identification team from the Forensic Anthropology Center.
10. Record Turnout for Spencer/Lockett Music Program
We had a record turnout for the 9th annual Spencer/Lockett Music Scholarship program. There were many enjoyable performances by TXST School of Music students. Over $250k in scholarships have been raised over the years to help them reach their higher education goals.
BONUS - Talking with PBS NewsHour’s Paul Solman
I enjoyed spending the morning with PBS NewsHour’s Paul Solman about the exciting things happening at TXST. He’s led a fascinating life, and I wish we’d had more time together. We'll share when the segment could air when we know. As a bonus, it was the first official business conducted in the newly renovated 11th floor of JCK.
