Top Ten Moments

April 2024

From a fun launch of the new River State product line to swearing in our new student body president and vice president, April featured so many events that make me proud to represent TXST as president.

Student Body Vice President Donovan Brown, left, TXST President Kelly Damphousse, and Student Body President Olivia Alexander pose for a photo in front of the LBJ statue in The Quad.
President Damphousse, right, poses for a photo with Yvonne Moody in front of the Terry Foundation sign.

March 2024

From visiting the nation’s capital to share all the exciting news happening at TXST to catching some spring Bobcat Baseball at the Astros Foundation College Classic with 250 alumni, March gave me a boost of energy and inspiration.

February 2024

From highlighting 20 years of the McCoy Foundation to celebrating Black History Month at the annual Soul Food Dinner and researching historic rock art, February offered many opportunities to explore what makes TXST so special. 

President Damphousse poses for a group photo in a classroom
President Damphousse, left, poses for a photo with Pawfficer Brady, UPD Officer Kendra Marsteller, and Chief Matt Charmichael.

January 2024

From recognizing UPD Officer Kendra Marsteller and Pawfficer Brady to honoring MLK Day and opening the new Bobcat Trail, January was a wonderful start to the spring semester.

December 2023

From announcing TXST as a 2024 site for the Presidential Debate to honoring Shirley Harris and encouraging future educators, December was an amazing month at TXST.

President Damphousse, left, poses for a photo with students and First Lady Damphousse at Late Night Breakfast.
President Damphousse giving a speech at a panel event

November 2023

From recognizing our López Scholars and honoring our Bobcat alumni and faculty at award ceremonies to a bowl-eligible river jump, November was a month full of celebration. 

October 2023

From celebrating the nearly 60 students receiving $1.3 million in scholarships from the Terry Foundation to catching the final performance of the Department of Theatre and Dance’s “She Kills Monsters,” October just keeps getting better. 

Texas State University Terry Scholars
TXST staff with ACC staff celebrating Bats to Cats partnership

September 2023

From new academic partnerships, like the Austin Community College Bats to Cats, to new traditions that include our community members, it has been an eventful first month back on our campuses. Take a look at just a few favorite highlights from my top moments this month.

August 2023

We welcomed a record-breaking freshman class for the third year in a row. Gathering with thousands of freshmen for our first-ever Jumpstart event was a thrill I’ll never forget, and definitely one of my Top Ten Favorite Moments. I’m especially proud to share that for the first time in TXST history, Texas State was number one among Texas universities in freshman applications submitted through “Apply Texas” for Fall 2023.

Texas State University Class of 2027 on Bobcat Stadium field in the shape of a star
President Damphousse smiling with Cat Camp counselors

July 2023

We are just weeks away from welcoming thousands of freshmen for the start of the fall semester. Meeting our newest Bobcats at Cat Camp and New Student Orientation was heartwarming. Plus, traveling in Spain with a jet-setting study abroad group definitely made the list of my top moments this month. 

June 2023

The summer semester at TXST is heating up. I enjoyed visiting a chemistry lab where students are making advanced catalysts that can be used to create clean hydrogen. Connecting with alumni across Texas and as far as New York has been a thrill. Plus, we’re breaking ground and launching programs in this month’s Top Ten Moments.

President Damphousse smiling with 4 male graduates
President Damphousse smiling with 4 male graduates

May 2023

The last few weeks have been such a thrill. I had the honor of gathering with our generous philanthropic partners, hosting a Run to R1 Town Hall and 1K Walk/Run, recognizing employees with many decades of service, and serving students breakfast for dinner.

April 2023

This month I witnessed a wide range of the scholarship and activities that make TXST an exceptional university — from celebrating our graduate students to welcoming new student-government leaders and recognizing Ramadan with the Muslim Student Association. I also visited the Round Rock Campus to engage with local leaders and made a trip to the state Capitol to discuss the Texas University Fund, a measure that would help TXST build on our successes as we Run to R1.

President Damphousse smiling with Round Rock leaders
President Damphousse smiling with interviewer on glass bottom boats

March 2023

“I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could.” That expression came to mind when I had the privilege of speaking at the naturalization ceremony for new U.S. citizens (a milestone I celebrated 21 years ago), and when I joined the grand procession at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (which generously supports our student scholarships). Discussing TXST water conservation research aboard a glass-bottom boat was another highlight this month.

February 2023

Over the past few weeks, I returned to the Capitol to testify before state leaders, gathered with our Dean’s List honorees to celebrate their success, honoured faculty members for excellence in online teaching and research, and enjoyed outstanding performances from our School of Music.

President Damphousse smiling with students while one holds up a t-shirt that says: Deans List
President Damphousse smiling with a TXST staff member

January 2023

Classes began this week and our campuses are full of activity again after a restful holiday break. The first few weeks of Spring brought memorable moments at the annual Boko BBQ, meeting concrete industry leaders who fund scholarships, exploring a TXST archaeology research center, and setting my intentions for 2023 with one word, “subtract.” The age-old expression is true: sometimes, less is more.

December 2022

There is never a dull moment at TXST, especially in December, with the holiday break quickly approaching, commencement this weekend, and holiday traditions brightening our days. Check out my Top Ten Moments for highlights of my favorite recent experiences, from serving a midnight breakfast to students, and marking the 50th anniversary of our College of Health Professions, to ringing in the season with our Bobcat community. 

President Damphousse smiling and using the TXST hand signs with Santa
President Damphousse smiling with Beth Damphousse in front of voting sign

November 2022

This month, our Run to R1 took us to the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment; the spotlight shined on our School of Music at an exclusive Steinway event; and we connected with university partners who provide scholarships, community programs, and boundless inspiration for our students. Check out my Top Ten Moments for highlights of my favorite recent experiences.

October 2022

Between thrilling victories for Bobcat Athletics, tours of our cutting-edge research sites, and fun student events, there is never a dull moment at TXST. Check out my Top Ten Moments for highlights of my favorite recent experiences engaging with Bobcats across our community.

President Damphousse smiling at a podium
President Damphousse riding a motorcycle on the football field

September 2022

I love my job because every day I get to engage with Bobcats and work alongside faculty, staff, alumni, and partners to help TXST make an impact in the world. To share a glimpse into some of the ways we do that each month, I’ll share my Top Ten Moments, highlights of my favorite recent experiences exploring our campuses and interacting with Bobcats far and wide.