Top Ten Moments: May 2025
1. Partnering with San Jacinto College
It was a quick drive to Houston for a good reason. We just signed a transfer agreement with San Jacinto College so their students can complete their four-year TXST degree at San Jacinto, in San Marcos, in Round Rock, or online starting in Fall 2025. Ravens to the River!
2. Carolyn Conn is a Piper Professor
I enjoyed presenting Carolyn Conn, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Accounting, with the Piper Professor award in my office. There are only 10 Pipers recognized in Texas each year, and Carolyn is the first accounting faculty member at TXST to be named one.
3. Hosting the TSUS Board of Regents in San Marcos
We accomplished so much during our Texas State University System Board of Regents meeting in San Marcos. We showed off our 2025-2035 Master Plan, hosted them for dinner at the Damphousse house with our new gaillardia garden, and enjoyed student performances.
4. Celebrating New Grads, Honorary Doctorates
Thousands of new Bobcats are now entering the workforce after our eight Spring Commencement ceremonies. I had the honor of awarding posthumous degrees, shaking so many hands, watching students achieve their higher education dreams, and celebrating our new honorary doctorates.
5. Welcoming Santa Gertrudis Breeders
It was a pleasure to welcome Santa Gertrudis breeders from all over Texas to TXST’s Freeman Ranch in May. Our agriculture researchers love working with these breeders to build the brand. Thanks to Heather and Kevin Blewett for making this happen.
6. Dinner with Grad College Students
Many thanks to all the international Graduate College students who planned a potluck supper composed of their favorite meals at the Damphousse house to celebrate the end of the semester. The food was delicious, and the company was even better!
7. Musical Theatre with President’s Associates
Our President’s Associates insiders allow me to say yes when an unexpected need arises at TXST, like creating the Gold Star Society or supporting our new President’s Leadership Class. It was nice to treat them to a Musical Theatre production!
8. Visiting with Kyle Leadership, Eco Development
It’s always a productive visit with the City of Kyle and Kyle Economic Development. I love that the playground at the new Brick and Mortar development has a new Bobcat slide that points toward our campus. Their growth plans complement our goals.
9. River Jumping with Track and Field
If you win a championship, you jump in the river. Thank you to TXST Track and Field for inviting me to participate in this tradition. Congrats to the men’s and women’s teams on winning the Sun Belt Track and Field Championships!
10. Congrats to Softball for Another One
Congrats to TXST Softball on winning yet another regular season championship after a road sweep against ULM. Super proud of Coach Ricci Woodard, her coaches, our wonderful players, and all the fan support.
BONUS: Creating an SNL-Inspired Skit about TXST’s First President, Kudos and Karaoke
Our TXST theatre students are so talented! Thank you to our Division of Marketing and Communications team for creating this fun opportunity for me to participate in an SNL-inspired skit about the school’s first president (and Boko). We debuted the video at our annual Kudos and Karaoke event where we celebrated our wonderful staff who are the engine of TXST. Thank you for all you do for our students and mission.