Top Ten Moments: September 2023 : Office of the President : Texas State University

1. Starting Strong

Alkek Library on a sunny day with students walking to and fro.

We had a record-setting start to the academic year. For the first time in our history, TXST is the most-applied-to university through the ApplyTexas application. We also set multiple enrollment records, including the largest first-year class, most freshmen in the Top 25%, and the most doctoral students. It is a great time to be a Bobcat!

2. Staff Council's Annual Awards

President Damphousse posing with a group of staff members and awards

I get to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented professionals in the world. It was an honor to recognize the outstanding service of many of them at Staff Council's annual awards presentation.

3. Grand Re-Opening of Career Services

TXST community members celebrating the grand reopening of the Career Services office.

After six months of renovation, TXST Careers Center had its grand reopening. Back on the 5th floor of the LBJ Student Center, they are offering a new level of services, including an expanded Career Café, practice interview rooms, and more. Their staff and leaders are the best.

5. Celebrating HSI Week

President Damphousse poses with Bobcat community members during an Hispanic Serving Institution Week event.

I am very proud that TXST is not only a Hispanic enrolling institution but a Hispanic-SERVING Institution. I enjoyed getting to meet and interact with so many of our academic departments and student organizations during HSI Week’s Community Day. It is wonderful to see how passionate they are about making sure our students know all the resources available to them.

4. Record # of International Students

Dr. Damphousse takes a selfie with TXST students during the International Student Reception.

I was happy to meet so many Bobcats during the International Student Reception. We have a record-breaking number of international students this year (965), some of whom are part of our newest cohort of 111 new Ph.D. students (another record).

6. Bats to Cats Transfer Program

TXST leaders and staff pose with employees from Austin Community College in celebration of the new Bats to Cats Transfer Program.

Congratulations to our TXST leaders who helped to make the "Bats to Cats" transfer program with Austin Community College a reality. As a community college graduate myself, I know how essential these opportunities are for the success of college students. Special thanks to the enrollment management team for making this happen.

7. Trauth Huffman Hall

President Damphousse, Beth Damphousse, Denise M. Trauth, and John Huffman Hall take a photo in celebration of the renaming of University Academic Center to Denise M. Trauth and John Huffman Hall.

It was an honor to recognize and celebrate my predecessor, President Denise Trauth, for all she accomplished during her 20 years of serving TXST. She helped to elevate the university to new heights. Renaming the University Academic Center to Denise M. Trauth and John Huffman Hall is a fitting tribute to her legacy.

8. Inaugural First Lady’s Prize

President Damphousse & Beth Damphousse pose with student Karlina Higdon whose artwork was exhibited in the Damphousse's home.

Beth and I enjoy having art in our home and offices, but we love it even more when it is one of our TXST student’s pieces. The First Lady’s Prize winner will have their art featured at our house for the coming year. Thank you Karlina Higdon for allowing us to feature two of your beautiful pieces in our home this year!

9. Bobcat Kickoff Block Party

President Damphousse plays a game as students look on during the inaugural Bobcat Kickoff Block Party.

Beth and I made wonderful memories kicking off our football home opener with a special event that included students, faculty, staff, and alumni at our first Block Party! The San Marcos community members who participated in our Back the Bobcats business decoration were also honored for showcasing their maroon and gold all week long. Another treat was the wonderful music all performed by TXST students. Can’t wait to do it again next year!

10. Meeting Our Students

Dr. Damphousse talks with TXST community members during the Kindle With KDamp event.

I learn so much when I meet and chat with our students, which is why the Kindles with KDamp are so important to me. It is not only a chance for me to hear about their challenges as students, but also celebrate their triumphs. We held our first Kindle with KDamp of the academic year and have several more scheduled for the semester. I look forward to more conversations to come.

BONUS: Big Wins by TXST Athletics

A big TXST congratulations to our football, volleyball, and soccer teams. Our Bobcats are known for putting in that extra work to perform on the court and fields, and it shows with big wins throughout the month. On the gridiron, we beat Baylor in Waco (our first Power 5 win) and blew out Jackson State 77-34 in front of a big home crowd. Our volleyball team sent #13 University of Houston packing, and women’s soccer has been on a tenacious run. Eat 'em up, Cats!

Thank you TXST Football for another chance to lead our Bobcats onto the field for the home opener game against Jackson State!

President Damphousse rides a motorcycle into Bobcat Stadium during the opening home football game.