Hopes & Aspirations High

Dear Colleagues,  

As I have shared in my monthly Hopes and Aspirations High updates, we are laser focused on growing the Round Rock Campus to 10,000 students by 2030. With input from many, we are in the process of creating a seven-year plan, hiring a Dean of Health Professions, searching for a Vice President for the Round Rock Campus (VPRR), and organizing the operational structure of the Round Rock Campus to maximize support of its overall mission.

To help us move forward quickly, I have asked Dr. Janet Bezner to serve as Interim Vice President for the Round Rock Campus, effective immediately. Dr. Bezner will serve in this capacity until a permanent VPRR is hired. As interim Vice President, Dr. Bezner will begin the implementation of organizational changes so that existing, new, and expanded programs are successful in the fall.  Dr. Bezner will also begin work to ensure staff and faculty have the resources they need to support our students, and will assist with outreach and community engagement efforts to cultivate strategic partnerships with community and business leaders.

With a national search underway, the selected VPRR will be supported by a central office, and in collaboration with Vice Presidents for Student Success, Academic Affairs, Finance and Support Services, and Information Technology, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Round Rock Campus - Student Success (including Student Health and Counseling), Academic Services (including University Libraries, Testing Center, and Recruitment), Facilities and Operations, and ITAC.

Dr. Bezner holds a Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Texas at Austin, a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Texas Woman’s University, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She is also a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.

Dr. Bezner has served Texas State for 16 years as faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy, department chair, and associate dean in the College of Health Professions. She was a member and Chair of the Faculty Senate and has served on many university, college, and department committees. Dr. Bezner’s professional experience also includes 9 years at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as Vice President of Education and Deputy Executive Director. Dr. Bezner has also served multiple volunteer/service roles in the APTA and the Texas Physical Therapy Association (TPTA), most recently as Chair of the Reference Committee in the APTA House of Delegates. She is currently a delegate for the TPTA to the APTA House of Delegates. She is the recipient of the APTA’s highest honor, the Catherine Worthingham Fellow award. Dr. Bezner’s research interests include health promotion, wellness, and health coaching.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Bezner on her new appointment as Interim Vice President for the Round Rock Campus. 

Sincerely,

Kelly Damphousse, Ph.D.

President