Top Ten Moments: April 2025
1. Hosting Jack Martin on Campus
Many thanks to Distinguished Alumnus (and former TSUS Regent and Regent Chair) Jack Martin for coming to campus. He spoke to TXST’s Jack Martin Scholars at the President Leadership Class’s last meeting of the year and joined me for an episode of my podcast, The Current. He’s a great Bobcat!
2. Visiting D.C. with TSUS
I had a great trip up to D.C. with many of my TSUS colleagues. We visited several federal agencies and spent time with members of our Texas delegation. It was great running into some of my University of Oklahoma buddies. One of the highlights was a tour of the National Archives.
3. Celebrating Student Employees
I enjoyed attending the annual student employee celebration in the LBJSC. Congratulations to Kimberly Olivas for being awarded TXST’s Student Employee of the Year and the NSEA National Student Employee of the Year award! Our student employees are all so fantastic.
4. Welcoming Fall 2025 Freshmen
There was no better way to start a Saturday than to welcome over 1,000 incoming admitted Fall 2025 freshmen to campus for a day of exploration. This is the first time we’ve held an event like this at TXST, and it was a massive success.
5. Visiting with CIM Students
Many thanks to our Construction Industry Management Program Director Dr. Ryan Penlerick for bringing two CIM students to visit me. I loved the gifts of the construction helmet, a great (very heavy) centerpiece, and their version of the “Bobcat Oscar.”
6. Wowed by Guys & Dolls Production
Beth and I had a blast at the TXST Musical Theatre production of Guys & Dolls. The choreography by one of our graduate students was made even cooler by meeting her sister who will be a freshman next fall. Our program is top five in the country, and I won't stop until we're number one.
7. Hosting Jerry Fields as Guest Speaker
Welcoming my friend Jerry Fields back to campus is always a pleasure. He served as the guest speaker for the Financial Management Association student organization at the McCoy College of Business. Thanks to Jerry for taking the time for our students.
8. Raising Money for Student-Athletes
Fans from around the country gathered at UFCU Stadium to celebrate our Bobcat sports teams and all their recent success. We had so much fun together and raised a lot of money for student-athlete scholarships across all our sports. Our fans are the greatest.
9. Presenting Rings to Graduates
It may still be new, but our Ring Day Celebration has taken off the last couple of years. We had over 800 students participate in the event, which includes dipping their new rings in a fountain filled with water from the San Marcos River.
10. Riding in the Fiesta River Parade
TXST’s Alanna Sarabia arranged for Boko, Beth, Holly, and me to ride in the annual Fiesta River Parade down in San Antonio. We visited with so many alumni there. Shoutout to San Antonio Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeff Webster (also an alum) for hosting us on his boat!
BONUS: Kristen Throwing out the First Pitch at Softball
The softball game against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns was a special one. Our daughter, Kristen (a cancer researcher at Texas A&M who is battling breast cancer), threw out the first pitch. I’m so thankful for our Bobcat team and Coach Ricci Woodard for touching our hearts and for raising money for St. Jude. We were also so touched by the Rajin’ Cajuns players, coaches, and fans for welcoming Kristen into their circle.
