Texas State University System

Texas State University System
Name	Texas State University System
Established	1911
Type	Public university system
Headquarters	Austin, Texas
Chancellor	Brian McCall
Enrollment	87,000+
Website	https://www.tsus.edu/

Texas State University System. The Texas State University System is the oldest multi-campus public university system in the U.S. state of Texas, established by the Texas Legislature in 1911. Governed by a nine-member Board of Regents appointed by the Governor of Texas, it oversees seven distinct member institutions spread across the state, serving a combined student population of over 87,000. The system is headquartered in the state capital of Austin and is a significant contributor to higher education, research, and workforce development throughout the South Central United States.

History

The system traces its origins to 1911 when the Texas Legislature created the Board of Regents for the Normal Schools, initially governing teachers' colleges in San Marcos, Denton, Canyon, and Commerce. Following the expansion of its mission, it was renamed the Board of Regents, State Teachers Colleges in 1929. A pivotal reorganization occurred in 1965 when the system was officially designated as the Texas State University System by the 61st Texas Legislature. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it incorporated additional institutions, including Lamar University in Beaumont and a component of the former Texas A&M University System. Landmark leadership came from chancellors like Charles A. LeMaistre and Bill Ratliff, with the system's headquarters moving to the historic Stephen F. Austin Building in downtown Austin in 2005.

Member institutions

The system comprises seven member institutions, each with its own unique history and academic profile. Its flagship is Texas State University in San Marcos, the system's largest campus. Other comprehensive universities include Lamar University in Beaumont, Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, and Sul Ross State University with its main campus in Alpine. The system also includes upper-level and specialized institutions: Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont, Lamar State College–Orange, and Lamar State College–Port Arthur. These colleges focus on associate degrees and workforce training, serving key regions along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Governance and administration

The system is governed by a nine-member Board of Regents appointed by the Governor of Texas and confirmed by the Texas Senate. The board appoints the system's chancellor, who serves as the chief executive officer; the current chancellor is Brian McCall. Each member institution is led by its own president, such as Kelly Damphousse at Texas State University and Jaime R. Taylor at Lamar University. The central office in Austin provides system-wide services in areas like finance, legal affairs, and governmental relations, coordinating with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to align with statewide goals like the 60x30TX strategic plan.

Academics and research

Collectively, the institutions offer hundreds of degree programs, from associate to doctoral levels, including prestigious programs in fields like criminal justice, education, and health sciences. Research initiatives are robust, with Texas State University designated as a "Doctoral University: High Research Activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Notable research centers include the Center for Archaeological Studies at Texas State University and the Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies at Sam Houston State University. Collaborative projects often involve partnerships with agencies like NASA, the National Institutes of Health, and the United States Department of Defense.

Campus and facilities

Campuses are located in diverse geographic regions across Texas, from the Hill Country to the Piney Woods and the Chihuahuan Desert. Significant facilities include the Alkek Library at Texas State University, one of the largest academic libraries in the state, and the Montagne Center at Lamar University. The system also manages unique assets like the Chinati Mountains State Natural Area near Sul Ross State University and the Texas State University Round Rock Campus serving the Greater Austin metropolitan area. Recent capital projects have included new science buildings and student recreation centers funded through bonds authorized by the Texas Legislature.

Notable alumni and faculty

System alumni have achieved prominence in numerous fields. In politics and public service, notable figures include former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson (Southwest Texas State Teachers College), former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas R. Phillips, and U.S. Congressman Brian Babin. The arts and entertainment world counts actors like Matthew McConaughey and musicians such as George Strait among its graduates. Distinguished faculty have included historian James L. Haley, chemist John L. Margrave, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Katherine Boo. In athletics, alumni include National Football League players like Ricky Williams and baseball Hall of Famer Joe Morgan.

Category:Texas State University System Category:University systems in the United States Category:Education in Texas Category:1911 establishments in Texas