Top Ten Moments: March 2025
1. Welcoming the first PBK Class
Before March 30, there were only four public universities in Texas with Phi Beta Kappa. TXST now makes five. PBK was founded in 1776, making it the oldest and most prestigious honor society with only 273 chapters. Congratulations to our charter/foundation members and our new inductees!
2. Partnering with Dallas College
Another great job by our awesome Global team as we held another signing ceremony to provide a seamless transfer process for students to earn a four-year degree right from home. This time, we’re partnering with Dallas College. Thanks to Chancellor Lonon for a great experience.
3. Exploring AI in Higher Education
Our faculty, staff, and students came together to host our inaugural AI Symposium on Teaching and Learning with higher education professionals in attendance from across the state. Whenever 70% of employers are seeking new hires with AI experience, we must prepare our students for that future.
4. Hosting TXST Foster System Alumni
This year for my birthday, Beth and I hosted a large group of our 500 TXST foster system alumni students for a special dinner. Only about 2% of foster kids graduate from college, and gifts to their scholarships changes lives. Consider a gift to our Foster Educational Support Endowment to support them.
5. Big Recording Day for The Current
Many thanks to Dr. Michael Cardona, Head Coach Steven Trout, alums Nathali Weisman and Richard Castro, Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, student organizations, PBK students, and our CIM program for recording episodes of The Current.
6. Attending the NABA Conference
It was inspiring to see so many students investing in themselves at the NABA Conference in the LBJSC, which they fully organized themselves. Very thankful for all the speakers who shared their insights on leadership.
7. Being Serenaded at a Senior Recital
Beth and I loved attending Katelyn Segarra’s senior recital as she wraps up her wonderful music career at TXST. If you’ve attended one of our recent graduation ceremonies, you’ve heard her sing the National Anthem for us.
8. Scootin’ w/ Boot Scootin’ Bobcats
A huge thank you to Boot Scootin’ Bobcats for inviting Beth and I to learn “The Pretzel” and a few new spins as part of their weekly country dance practice. We had tons of fun working up with sweat with them.
9. Bobcat Tennis is on Fire
In 2012, TXST Tennis won 14 matches, all non-conference. Their last conference title was 1989. Fast forward to 2025, and TXST has 15 wins this season, setting the record for most wins and SBC wins in a single season. Congrats on the success, Coach Kendall Brooks!
10. Meeting with Lamar Presidents
VP Thilla Sivakumaran and I had a great meeting with current and future Lamar State College Orange Presidents Tom Johnson and Wendy Elmore. You’ve heard of TXST’s Bats to Cats with ACC? Well, maybe we can prepare for Gators to Gatos with LSCO!
BONUS: Bobcats Stepped Up for State This Year
Our Bobcat community is so special. Collectively, they made a major impact during Step Up for State this year with more than 2,100 gifts totaling $1,922,217 to support the programs and initiatives they care about the most. The university is so grateful for our donors’ support. Thank you for being passionate about the success of our students.
