Top Ten Moments: March 2023

Nearly 40 years ago, I moved from Canada to the U.S. to attend Sam Houston State University (a sister institution to TXST in The Texas State University System). I became a citizen 21 years ago, so being a speaker at the annual naturalization event brought back a lot of memories. Special thanks to the TXST staff who helped host 348 new American citizens from 75 different countries in the LBJ Student Center.

At the <a href="https://news.txst.edu/research-and-innovation/2023/innovation-lab-sxsw.html">TXST Innovation Lab at SXSW Austin</a>, we showcased fascinating technology projects led by our students and faculty. Our corporate partners are critical in helping students create new tech and bring their research to the marketplace. I was impressed by all the projects on display, especially a satellite designed by our students to orbit the earth.

I enjoyed participating in the Alpha Chi National Honor Society Distinguished Lecture Series. We discussed how first-generation college students navigate higher education – a subject near and dear to my heart as a first-gen student myself. Thanks to Shelby Miranda, a graduate student and president of the honor society, for moderating the Q&A.

I had the honor of representing Chancellor Brian McCall at the annual TSUS reception at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The rodeo organization has provided scholarships to more than 550 TSUS students over many years. Beth and I joined some of my fellow TSUS university presidents in a wagon ride for the grand procession to start the rodeo.

Three years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic first turned our lives upside down. To gather in the spirit of healing and reflection, TXST held a series of events in Alkek Library, including a panel discussion and a showcase of TXST research exploring the ways COVID-19 impacted society. I shared lessons learned in my experience leading Arkansas State through tough times and thoughts on moving forward.

From transportation safety to efficiency, TXST research specialties are timely and impactful. I had the chance to congratulate Dr. Stacey Kulesza from the Ingram School of Engineering in-person for receiving a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. <a href="https://news.txst.edu/research-and-innovation/2023/texas-state-named-university-transportation-center-by-us-department-of-transportation---.html"> TXST was named one of 34 University Transportation Centers</a> to enable the next generation of transportation professionals to make roads, bridges, rail, shipping, and airspace safer and more efficient.

People don’t often see how much time and dedication our Greek Life organizations invest in philanthropy and community service. Many of our fraternities and sororities volunteer and fundraise for worthy causes, with support and guidance from our Dean of Students Office. Thanks to the Delta Zetas for inviting me to their Hoops for Hearing event.

Beth and I enjoyed hosting a reception for the 150+ TXST students who serve as presidents and vice presidents of their student organizations. I’m so grateful for all they do to lead their peers and to make our university better.

I always look forward to my monthly radio show interview with KTSW, “State’s Up.” This month, we took the show on the road… actually, on the lake. Jill Ament and I rode a glass-bottom boat on Spring Lake, where I discussed the critical research underway at the Meadows Center for Water & the Environment. Our research team is working to protect the state’s water supply for future generations of Texans.

Tremendous talent was on display at the inaugural “Young, Gifted & Black Celebration” a few weeks ago. Songs, monologues, and scenes were directed, produced, and performed by over 30 Black TXST artists from the Department of Theatre and Dance. The program was founded by the incredible Anyae Anasia, a musical theatre senior.