Update on Presidential Debate

Colleagues:  


As you have seen in the news over the last few weeks, the presumptive presidential candidates have agreed to dates for debates scheduled for this summer. In addition, the candidates have not agreed to the debate dates that the Commission for Presidential Debates (CPD) has scheduled. These circumstances leave many questions regarding the future of the presidential debate originally scheduled for September 16 on our San Marcos Campus. To be good stewards of our public funds and resources, I immediately paused future planning and expenditures related to our work on the debate once these decisions became public.  


While we are in contact with the CPD to assess the situation, it remains unclear if TXST will have the opportunity to host a presidential debate this election cycle. The CPD continues to be publicly confident that the debate on our campus will happen as scheduled.  


I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who worked tirelessly on our planning and preparations to welcome the debate to our university (and to the state of Texas). I am proud of your work, and no matter what happens, TXST will remain the first site chosen in the state to host a presidential debate.    


Throughout this process, TXST’s commitment to support our students as they learn about democracy, engage in civil conversations, and participate in the electoral process has been at the forefront of our planning. I know we will have several academic and student engagement activities this fall that are dedicated to that goal no matter the outcome of hosting a debate at our university. I look forward to seeing those all come to fruition.  


I will continue to keep you updated on this issue as I learn more. On the positive side, I hope this pause in activities lightens the workload for you as we start the summer. I hope you have a chance to take a breath, to relax a little, and to refocus.    

Thanks for all you do.  


Kelly Damphousse
President