Coalition Supports Tier Ones
The Coalition issued a statement in support of the announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that Texas A&M won the contract to develop one of three national centers for biosecurity, the only public university to do so. This is one of the core reasons the Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education was formed – to support and defend the research mission of our Tier Ones. Without long-term investment and good governance of our institutions moving forward, wins like this will not be possible. Continue reading for the statement.
“The Texas A&M University System is to be congratulated for the federal biosecurity contract that was announced today. We hope that critics of our Tier One research and teaching universities take note of the potential benefits this contract will bring to our state and nation. If we don’t support our Tier One institutions, these kinds of successes for the state will become extinct. The quality faculty, researchers and students who drive this type of cutting edge innovation will stop coming to Texas – and so will their jobs and R&D dollars – if we continue down a path of turning our universities into degree mills. The Texas A&M University System was competitive for this contract because of long term endorsement and support of the research mission of Texas A&M. These types of contracts enrich the educational experience of all students, undergraduate and graduate, and have a major positive impact on our economy and our state’s future.”
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Coalition applauds Senate Nominations Committee; congratulates new Regents
Today the Texas Senate confirmed three regents to The University of Texas System Board of Regents. These three join regents from across the state at university systems ranging from Texas A&M, to The University of Houston, among others, who were confirmed in the 83rd Legislative Session. The Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education issued the following statement in response:"We applaud Chairman Hegar and the Members of the Senate Committee on Nominations for a thoughtful and productive process of vetting candidates for the governing boards of our state's public institutions this Legislative Session. The unusually high interest and involvement in this week's nomination hearing from Senators across the state demonstrated the tremendous responsibility that the role of university regent carries, and we commend the Senate for its active engagement in this important process."We congratulate the new regents who went through the process this Session and commend them for their commitment to public service, and promoting and preserving quality and excellence at our state's institutions. Their role in shaping and supporting a higher education system that values research, helps cultivate critical thinking skills and promotes broad-based, diverse learning is essential to developing citizens who will contribute to our state's economy, and our future."Our Coalition was formed to promote excellence in higher education and push back against misguided reforms that could damage the quality of our institutions. We trust the new regents who have responsibility for governing these vital state institutions will be dedicated to strengthening and advancing the quality of higher education for all Texans. It is our hope that the path forward will be marked by good governance at all of our state's institutions and the excellence that it will foster throughout higher education."Continue reading -
Powell, McCombs & The Fog of War
It's been a busy week in Texas higher education news, and as usual The University of Texas stands at the center. Two major stories from the last week warrant mention, beginning with a lengthy two-part Texas Monthly interview with Gene Powell, chairman of the UT Board of Regents.
Powell's interview (Part One, Part Two) comes hot on the heels of an op-ed that ran in the Houston Chronicle under the byline of Red McCombs, the prominent University of Texas supporter from San Antonio and Distinguished Alumnus for whom the business school is named.Continue reading