Top Ten Moments: December 2024
1. A Special Commencement with Returning 2020 Grads
As it always is, December 2024 Commencement was a wonderful way to end the year as I watched so many Bobcats walk across the stage to receive their degrees. What made it even better was seeing more than 300 2020 grads return to campus to finally get their chance to walk and jump in the river.
2. College of Education’s 125 Years of Excellence
Congrats to our oldest (and original) academic college — the College of Education — on celebrating 125 years of excellence. Our most famous alum (LBJ) graduated with an education degree. TXST holds true to our legacy; we graduate more future Texas teachers than any other university in the world.
3. Breaking Ground for Esperanza Hall
The rain moved us indoors, but it was still a huge day for TXST as we officially broke ground for our newest Round Rock Campus building! With 200 freshmen this fall (for the first time ever) and over 1,300 applicants already for the Fall 2025 semester, we are going to need that new space!
4. Jumping in the River for Volleyball
When we win, we all jump in! Congrats to Head Coach Sean Huiet, the coaching staff, and our volleyball student-athletes on winning the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Championship and earning the AQ for the NCAA tournament. They didn’t drop a single set in the entire Sun Belt Tournament.
5. Waiving the TXST Flag at College GameDay
Shout out to my college buddy Mickey for joining me for six hours of chilly fun at College GameDay in College Station! Thanks to all the TXST alumni who showed up, especially Eric Wiede, who was there the whole time too.
6. Filling up During Another Late Night Breakfast
Another great night of fun with TXST Dining as Beth and I attended the semi-annual Late Night Breakfast. We had another record crowd of students attend. A good time (and pancakes) were had by all. Thankful for all the volunteers.
7. Spreading Holiday Joy with Parties
We had a couple of fun Christmas parties in San Marcos and Round Rock with faculty, staff, and students, including ugly sweater contests. We sure know how to throw a party. I’m so grateful for those who make serving here so fun.
8. Visiting Camp Mabry with Leadership
Many thanks to Army Futures Command Commanding General James Rainey for inviting me and several members of our San Marcos and Round Rock leadership team to the holiday reception at Camp Mabry in Austin.
9. Looking Ahead with our Master Plan
We had an informative open house last night, showcasing the final draft of the TXST Master Plan (pending Board approval). I’m excited about the huge potential that these changes will bring to our campuses and other locations. Thankful for all the input from alumni and our campus community.
10. Lighting the County Courthouse
Beth and I enjoyed joining Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson for the annual lighting of the County Courthouse on The Square! We love promoting the town and gown relationship between TXST and San Marcos.
BONUS: Putting Students Front and Center with George W. Bush
Lots of smiles at our 125th anniversary event with President George W. Bush. I’m so grateful for all the hard work by our teams to pull off this event. Thank you to Chancellor McCall for moderating. The best part of the evening was putting our students front and center. President Bush was so generous with his time, asking each one their name and hometown. The President Leadership Class, Student Government, Gold Star Society, Bobcat Country, and Mariachi Nueva Generación had a blast.
