By Megan Wehring
SAN MARCOS -- Texas State University President Denise Trauth announced that she will retire effective May 31, 2022.
"I have decided it is time to move on to the next chapter of my life," Trauth wrote in an email to Texas State students, faculty and staff. "There are no adequate words to describe the affection I have for Texas State and the first-rate people I have met and worked with here. Together, we have set our university on an incredible trajectory that will continue to serve our students, our community, and our state well into the future. I am proud of you; I am proud of us; and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together."
Trauth joined the university as its president in 2002. Prior to the position, she was provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Under Trauth’s leadership, the university was designated a Texas Emerging Research University; reclassified as an "R2: Doctoral University – Higher Research Activity" under the Carnegie Classification system; became a federal Hispanic-Serving Institution; moved to the FBS subdivision of NCAA Division I; and has experienced its largest construction program since it was founded in 1899. The university has also expanded the its academic programs, external funding of research and philanthropic giving.
"President Denise Trauth leaves an extraordinary legacy that will benefit Texas State University and its students for years to come," said Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall. "During her 20 years as president, she has overseen an era of unprecedented growth, expanded and improved two campuses, elevated the university’s research status, and led its evolution from a regional institution to one of statewide and national prominence. Texas State University is a better place to learn, teach, and work because of her service, drive and vision."
