The TXST Update
Dear Friends,
As this academic year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the special ties to people and place that make our university so remarkable.
Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, work every day to fulfill our mission as a TXST employee, or have partnered with us in service, research, or community-building, you are part of the Bobcat family – and that connection lasts a lifetime.
I’m excited to share some major updates that reflect where we have been—and where we are headed together.
Celebrating Bright Futures and Honoring Distinguished Leaders
Commencement ceremonies just wrapped up—a defining moment for more than 4,600 new Bobcat alumni. Shaking hands with our graduates as they cross in front of the stage is always moving for Beth and me, but this year’s celebrations were especially inspiring. (Here is the story of an octogenarian Bobcat earning his master’s degree!)
We also awarded four remarkable individuals honorary doctorate degrees—the 19th through 22nd to receive this recognition in our 126-year history. These distinguished leaders reflect the values we hold dear:
- Richard A. Castro (1970) – entrepreneur, civic leader, and champion for education.
- Jack Martin (1973) – renowned communications strategist and advisor, and dedicated supporter of higher education.
- Taylor Sheridan – award-winning filmmaker and storyteller who attended TXST as a theatre student.
- Nathali Parker Weisman (1998) – business leader and visionary advocate for TXST Athletics and the arts across Texas.
Their stories and achievements remind us of the broad and lasting impact our Bobcat community makes every day.
The New TXST Campus Master Plan
Over the past 18 months, we’ve listened closely to more than 5,000 students, faculty, staff, and community members to create a vision for the future of our university. The result is our new Campus Master Plan—a bold blueprint that will guide growth at our San Marcos and Round Rock campuses and help us welcome more than 50,000 students over the next decade.
Some highlights include:
- 30 new facilities and 20+ green space projects to enhance the student experience.
- Major growth in the STEM and Hilltop neighborhoods, including new residence halls, a dining facility, and a future Integrated Science & Discovery Building.
- Renovations of 22 existing facilities, including historic academic halls.
- Redevelopment of Spring Lake, Sewell Park, and surrounding river assets into world-class natural areas.
- A four-phase expansion of the Round Rock Campus to eventually serve up to 15,000 students and potentially house the entire TXST online program.
At every step, it is a bold, student-first plan that honors our deep roots, our commitment to the communities we serve, and the lifelong bonds that begin here.
In Case You Missed It
Expanding Horizons
One of my priorities as president has been to open more doors for our students to explore the world—and this summer, that vision is coming to life.
More than 600 Bobcats are packing their bags for 31 traditional study abroad programs, while another 114 students are taking part in TXST summer hubs—a unique initiative that lowers financial barriers and makes international study more accessible than ever.
From Edinburgh to Madrid to Melbourne and beyond, our students are experiencing new cultures, broadening their perspectives, and building skills that will shape them for a lifetime.
Looking Ahead
Even as the summer begins, our campuses are buzzing with activity—student orientations, summer classes, research breakthroughs, and exciting upgrades.
Wherever this message finds you, I hope it brings a sense of pride and connection.
Thank you for continuing to believe in the mission and promise of TXST. Your support fuels everything we do—and helps shape a lifelong Bobcat experience and connection for generations to come. States Up!
Sincerely,
Kelly Damphousse
President
