Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education

With the 83^rd Texas Legislative Session now in full swing, I ask that you consider the future of higher education among your top priorities.

This year, Governor Perry will once again appoint regents to the governing boards of our state’s public higher education institutions. In fact, 17 regents have terms that expire this spring. This process is crucial to the governance of higher education and will have long-lasting effects. Our colleges and universities, their faculties and student bodies need your support now more than ever. Properly governed, higher education has the power to transform lives, build our economy, and enhance the future prosperity of Texas. The financial and civic benefits of educational excellence must not be jeopardized by misguided governance.

I am a member of the Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education, a group that formed in June 2011, following the 82^nd Legislative Session. The Coalition was a response to a growing concern over the advancement of untested reforms that could have long-term damaging effects on our institutions of higher learning.

We believe in the critical importance of both teaching and research, we promote quality in higher education, and we support university leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to a culture of excellence and continual innovation. We also support the efforts of those universities that are working to achieve Tier One status, which would bring additional research and development capabilities, and create jobs and economic opportunity throughout Texas. 

Great universities are economic engines with a proven capability of bringing in millions in research and development dollars, attracting new businesses and industries, and creating jobs and economic opportunity throughout Texas

I ask that you consider the governance, transparency, and excellence of our public higher education institutions as the upmost priorities in your legislative agenda to protect their standing and ability to accomplish their academic and economic potential.

Please consider the Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education as both an ally and a resource as you further explore these complex issues and what it means for your constituents. You can find out more at www.texaseducationexcellence.org.

Please consider the Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education as both an ally and a resource as you further explore these complex issues and what it means for your constituents. You can find out more at www.texaseducationexcellence.org.