Top Ten Moments: January 2023
1. Hopes & Aspirations High
I kicked off 2023 by sharing <i><a href="https://www.president.txst.edu/" rel="noopener norefferer" target="_blank"> Hopes & Aspirations High</a></i>, a bold vision for Texas State’s future. Following decades of growth and increased national prominence, it’s time for our university’s NEXT great transformation. <i>Hopes & Aspirations High</i> reminds us of our noble mission to keep students at the heart of all we do.
2. President's Cabinet Advance
This afternoon, I’ll gather with members of my Cabinet to discuss the recommendations submitted by the work groups, task forces and commissions that launched in the Fall. We’ll also examine how to better align TXST’s organizational structure and resource allocation with our top institutional priorities.
3. Honouring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I had the privilege of speaking at the Dunbar Heritage Association wreath-laying ceremony. It was inspiring to visit with students preparing for the on-campus solidarity march, as they made posters in the LBJ Student Center. <a href="https://news.txst.edu/inside-txst/2023/martin-luther-king-jr-day-celebrations.html" rel="noopener norefferer" target="_blank">These community events</a> were moving tributes to the life and legacy of Dr. King.
4. 60th Anniversary Approaching
A historic anniversary is approaching. On February 4, 1963, nearly 60 years ago, the university enrolled its first Black students: Dana Jean Smith, Helen Jackson Franks, Georgia Hoodye Cheatham, Gloria Odoms Powell, and Mabeleen Washington. I shared this milestone in my <a href="https://vimeo.com/788814090/c5bf725809" rel="noopener norefferer" target="_blank">Dr. MLK, Jr. Day video</a>. Later this Spring, we’ll announce how TXST will commemorate the anniversary and honour the courageous First Five.
5. Annual Boko BBQ with Facilities Staff
Joining the annual Boko BBQ was a fun way to start the semester. This event is just one way we strive to show our appreciation to the outstanding staff in Facilities who work hard to keep our campuses operating smoothly and looking beautiful. Special thanks to Associate Vice President for Facilities Dan Costello for his leadership.
6. Concrete Industry Leaders Convene
At the World of Concrete Conference in Las Vegas, I met with the National Steering Committee for our concrete industry management degree. TXST is one of five universities in the nation with this innovative degree. We’re grateful to the industry professionals across Texas who fund scholarships for students in the program.
7. Exploring Center for Archaeological Studies
Today I’m touring the Center for Archeological Studies with Dean Mary Brennan and her brilliant team of faculty and staff. The Center for Archaeological Studies is a research center in the Department of Anthropology that operates as a cultural resources management firm and a top-notch archaeological repository.
8. Bobcat Football Making Moves
Since we welcomed our new head football coach G.J. Kinne in December, he has made some exciting improvements to the program. I especially enjoyed meeting all the members of our football coaching staff – plus several talented and impressive student-athlete recruits. The future looks bright for Bobcat football.
9. Kindles and Coffees Coming Soon
I recently announced the schedule of<a href="https://www.president.txst.edu/student-engagement.html" rel="noopener norefferer" target="_blank"> "Kindle with KDamp"</a> and <a href="https://www.president.txst.edu/presidential-events/coffee-with-kelly.html" rel="noopener norefferer" target="_blank">“Coffee with Kelly”</a> events we’ll hold on our San Marcos Campus, with more to be scheduled on our Round Rock Campus. At these casual, come-and-go events, I’m grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from our students, faculty, and staff about their feedback and ideas.
10. San Marcos Academy Leadership Summit
On January 11, I served as a guest speaker at San Marcos Academy’s annual Student Leadership Summit. I shared lessons I’ve learned throughout my career and tips on how to develop and encourage the colleagues and leaders by your side.
BONUS: My word for 2023 is SUBTRACT
After reading Jon Gordon’s book, “The One Word That Will Change Your Life,” a few years ago, I began choosing a word each year that would define my actions in the coming 12 months. My word for 2023 is based on a recent find, a book by Leidy Klotz, “Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less.” “Subtract” is my word for 2023. In a world that encourages us to think that more is better, I hope this word reminds me that, sometimes, less is more. It’s also a reminder that to do more in some areas, we need to do less in others. To move efficiently through our “to do” lists, perhaps we should identify things to stop doing.