Welcome Message to Faculty and Staff

Dear Colleagues:

I am excited that today not only marks my first day as president of Texas State University, but my first day as your colleague. I am humbled and proud to serve alongside you as we serve the noble enterprise that is Texas State.

Under the incredible leadership of President Emeritus Denise Trauth over the course of the past 20 years, you all have worked together to create incredible momentum for our university. As she wrote so eloquently this week, it is your hard work and dedication that powered those achievements. I ask that you continue those efforts now as I seek ways for us to collaborate as we face tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities. There is an old saying that states, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with another.” Working together, I believe we can continue to build on the momentum you have generated to expand Texas State’s reach and to elevate our impact regionally, nationally, and beyond. We will want to go fast (and I confess that I can be impatient sometimes), but we must always keep our eyes on the long-term goals that are in front of us.  

I am looking forward to working closely with you as we move toward accomplishing our shared vision for the future of Texas State. I am committed to partnering with you and your colleagues so that I can support your efforts. Ultimately, that is my main duty as your president. I am also committed to being accessible, staying engaged, and maintaining open lines of communication.  I am eager to learn from you about all the behind-the-scenes operations that make Texas State’s star shine bright. 

Thank you, not only for the warm welcome my wife, Beth, and I have received, but for everything you do to serve and inspire our students. I look forward to what we can achieve, together. 

PS: Here is my welcome message that I shared with our students earlier today.

Sincerely, 
 
Kelly Damphousse, Ph.D. 
President