Texas State University

⏰ 🌷Daylight saving time starts this Sunday, Bobcats. Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour!

🗳️ Bobcats, Election Day is TODAY! Polls are open on the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses today from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Make your voice count! Find a list of other polling locations and see who's on your ballot here: https://studentinvolvement.txst.edu/vote.html

Happy Texas Independence Day, Bobcats! On this day in 1836, brave Texans declared their independence, forever shaping our state’s proud history. Let’s honor that legacy and the spirit of freedom that defines us.

The spring issue of Hillviews magazine explores TXST’s future with stories about a new Campus Master Plan, Bobcat Athletics’ move to the Pac-12 Conference, and faculty research in fields like semiconductors and brain health.

Read the newest issue: https://hillviews.txst.edu/

The Wittliff Collections at TXST celebrates 40 years of preserving the stories, art, and culture of the Southwest with The Spirit of The Wittliff in 40 Objects, a new anniversary exhibition showcasing iconic literary, music, and photography artifacts.

Read more: https://ow.ly/AUsM50YgMVV

TXST launches BobCatalyst to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship The new initiative leverages the university’s expanding network of innovation, commercialization, and venture-support programs.

BobCatalyst provides a university-wide framework for accelerating technology development, prototype funding and industry connections to expand TXST’s role in the innovation ecosystem.

https://ow.ly/lJlN50Y7J8g

In this episode of The Current podcast, President Damphousse talks with VP for Research Dr. Shreek Mandayam about TXST’s path to R1 Carnegie classification by 2027 and what achieving R1 will mean for the university’s future.

🎧 Spotify: https://ow.ly/qs8450YiSrN
🎧 Apple: https://ow.ly/nvsy50YiSrT

Texas State University posts record research growth, enters new era of impact Total research expenditures at the university exceeded $183 million, the strongest research year in TXST history.

TXSTs research expenditures reached an all-time high in FY2025, underscoring the university’s trajectory toward broader influence, innovation and real-world solutions.

https://ow.ly/wtfO50Y7Jul

TXST leads the way: Shaping the future of AI in the classroom The 2026 AI in Teaching and Learning Symposium will also offer panels featuring current students as well as TXST alumni who already are navigating AI's impact across their respective industries.  

The 2026 AI in Teaching and Learning Symposium at TXST highlights faculty-driven sessions, expert keynotes and panels featuring students and alumni navigating AI’s impact in education.

https://ow.ly/26Vv50Y7JqS

Episode 28 of The Current Podcast brings President Damphousse together with TXST friends and alums Scott Irvine and Rich Stiehler to swap campus memories, Greek life connections, & the journey from students to business owners.

🎧 Spotify: https://ow.ly/foYM50YewbP
🎧 Apple: https://ow.ly/iBCG50YewbR

From Rescues to Pawfficers: TXST Police Welcome New Therapy K9 Partners Mando and Baloo Texas State UPD welcomed therapy K9s Pawfficer Mando and Baloo to support student well-being. The certified dogs patrol campus, providing calm, connection, and trauma-informed support.

Meet Mando and Baloo 🐾 TXST’s new certified therapy K9s are now officially part of the TXST family!
https://ow.ly/tOVQ50YbZOq

Campus is starting to look like spring again 😺

Meadows Center launches Texas One Water Hub, a first-of-its-kind statewide resource for integrated water management The Meadows Center will host a live virtual “tour” of the hub on Feb. 23, featuring a guided walkthrough and Q&A session to help users navigate the new platform

The Meadows Center has launched the Texas One Water Hub, a first-of-its-kind statewide online resource designed to advance integrated water management and support resilient, sustainable practices across Texas.
https://ow.ly/VwNo50Y7Jj9

Spring '26 grads - only 100 days remain until it's your time!

U.S. News lists six Texas State online programs among the best in the nation for 2026 The Best Online Program rankings are based on assessments for 1,850 online degree programs.

The latest U.S. News & World Report rankings list six TXST online programs among the top nationwide for 2026, underscoring the university’s commitment to excellence in online education.
https://ow.ly/rRyX50Y7IXW

From Freshmen to Future Leaders: Inside Texas State University’s Jack Martin President’s Leadership Class Through mentorship and experience, participants develop the confidence, connections, and skills to lead on campus and beyond. 

At TXST, leadership starts during your first semester. The President’s Leadership Class is helping TXST freshmen grow into confident, engaged leaders on campus and beyond.
https://hillviews.txst.edu/articles/2026/from-freshmen-to-future-leaders.html

On episode 27 of The Current, TXST President Damphousse talks with Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould about leadership, the future of college athletics, and what TXST’s move to the Pac-12 means going forward.

🎧 Apple: https://ow.ly/f5iP50Y5un6
🎧 Spotify: https://ow.ly/jLLC50Y5un7

Nominate a graduating senior for the Chautauqua Eleven Award and help spotlight students who lead with curiosity, purpose, and impact. Nominations due February 6.
https://ow.ly/Ezmp50Y4oFv

Winter Weather - January 2026

All facilities & offices on Round Rock Campus to remain closed today, Jan. 27. Classes canceled until 5 pm; Evening classes held as scheduled. Students unable to make it to campus due to local conditions, should contact their instructor. https://safety.txst.edu/updates/winter-weather-jan-2026.html

Sign Up for TXState Alerts The TXState Alert system, managed by UPD, notifies members of the university community about emergency situations, including hazardous weather.

Stay in the loop with TXState Alert text messages. Opt in to get fast updates on campus closures, safety alerts, and emergencies. Alert emails are already automatically sent to .edu emails, but texts are optional and recommended. Sign up now: https://ow.ly/rqSj50Y4o4U

Winter Weather - January 2026

TXST returns to normal operations Tuesday, Jan. 27, with different start times by campus:
• San Marcos: Open regular hours; classes as scheduled.
• Round Rock: Open at noon; classes as scheduled the rest of the day.

Details: https://safety.txst.edu/updates/winter-weather-jan-2026.html

Winter Weather - January 2026

Due to winter weather conditions, TXST San Marcos & Round Rock Campuses will be closed on Mon., Jan. 26, 2026. TXST will continue monitoring conditions & will provide an update on Tues.'s schedule no later than 2 p.m. Mon.

More info. https://safety.txst.edu/updates/winter-weather-jan-2026.html

Winter Weather - January 2026

Update for Alkek Library and Jones Dining Hall:
- Alkek Library closes 6 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday.
- Jones Dining Hall now closed on Sunday. safety.txst.edu/updates/wint...

Winter Weather - January 2026

Due to hazardous weather, some campus services have adjusted hours. Dining remains open w/ modified times; LBJSC & Campus Rec close at 6pm Saturday & are closed Sunday: https://safety.txst.edu/updates/winter-weather-jan-2026.html

A decision on Mon., Jan. 26 operations will be shared by 6pm Sunday.

Poet Carrie Fountain Brings Generations of Southwestern Storytelling to The Wittliff Collections A novelist and past Poet Laureate of Texas, Fountain aims to expand the scope and reach of the literary archives.

Former Texas Poet Laureate Carrie Fountain brings her storytelling roots to TXST as literary curator of The Wittliff Collections. Carrie is working on expanding the archives and spotlighting writers who define Texas and Southwest literary culture.

https://ow.ly/SPaN50XWnMR

State of TXST 2026 Celebrates Student-Centric Innovation, Growth At the State of TXST address, President Kelly Damphousse highlighted record enrollment, academic growth, AI innovation, student success and bold momentum for Texas State’s future.

At the State of TXST, President Damphousse celebrated 2024–25 milestones—record growth, expanded access, rising research, TXST’s move to the Pac-12 & featured incredible student performances.

Read more: https://news.txst.edu/university-statements/2026/state-of-txst-celebrates-innovation-growth.html

In the latest episode of The Current podcast, TXST President Kelly Damphousse sits down with Eric Algoe to talk career paths, the new 2025–2035 Campus Master Plan, and what’s ahead for TXST.

🎧 Apple: https://ow.ly/lmSE50Y1s2z
🎧 Spotify: https://ow.ly/Ypvp50Y1s2A

Apply for Graduation Spring 2026Application open: Tuesday, January 20Deadline: Friday, February 27 Please see the academic calendar or visit our FAQ page for future application opening and closing dates.

Graduating Bobcats - the Spring 2026 Graduation Application is now open! Be sure to apply for graduation by Friday, February 27th.
https://ow.ly/57Vk50Y09gR

Happy first day of Spring classes, Bobcats! We're so excited you're back 😺

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This MLK Day, we honor a legacy rooted in courage, justice, and action. Join the TXST community as we reflect, learn, and serve at events happening this week.
https://ow.ly/k8Mi50XY43b