Staff Report
SAN MARCOS - During her last week as President of Texas State University, Denise Trauth sent the following farewell message to the university community.
Dear Friends,
As I enter my final week as president of Texas State University, there is only one thing left to say -- thank you.
Many times, a university president is credited for an institution’s accomplishments, but I know that I achieved nothing by myself. It is the hard work and dedication of so many that have carried Texas State to extraordinary heights over the past two decades. I want to express my sincerest appreciation to everyone who has contributed to these achievements -- and most importantly -- to the success of our students and future Bobcats.
Together, we have made tremendous strides in not only becoming a national research university but in finding solutions that improve the lives of our neighbors, our communities, and the world. We have enhanced student support, launched new academic programs, raised our national profile, exceeded fundraising goals, built new facilities, and strengthened our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
I am grateful to Chancellor Brian McCall and The Texas State University System Board of Regents for their guidance and the role they have played in advancing our university.
To my President’s Cabinet and the staff in the Office of the President, thank you for your steadfast commitment to this university. You have been my trusted colleagues and helped me find true north on many issues and initiatives.
To our world-class faculty, there is no other group of individuals so dedicated to advancing academic disciplines through research and expanding our students’ minds and opportunities. I remain in awe of your ability and willingness to meet the challenges of teaching during the pandemic with innovation and determination.
To our Texas State staff, for two decades I have witnessed your making this university run smoothly and efficiently. You make it seem effortless, but I know how hard you work. Whether you are taking care of students, our employees, our budgets, or our buildings and landscapes, please know you make a major difference in the life and reputation of Texas State.
I truly believe we have the best alumni in the world. Thank you for representing your alma mater so well, for making a difference in your professions and communities, and for being loyal Bobcats.
To our many supporters, donors, and friends, thank you for helping us change the lives of our students. Your support has made all the difference in growing our national profile and creating lifelong impact. We are forever grateful.
And finally, but most importantly, thank you to our incredible students for inspiring me with your boldness, resilience, innovation, compassion, and enthusiasm. You have shown us all what it means to be a Bobcat. You were the very best part of my job and the reason we are all here.
It has been the gift of a lifetime for John and me to be part of this wonderful community. Now we are making a new home in San Marcos and look forward to the upcoming adventures we have planned with family and friends.
On Friday, July 1, Dr. Kelly Damphousse will begin as the 10th president of Texas State. I know we are all excited to welcome him and his wife, Beth. I’m confident President Damphousse will take this university that we all love so much to even greater heights.
It has been my honor to serve this amazing university. Thank you for your kindness and for believing in Texas State.
Sincerely,
Denise M. Trauth
