President Denise Trauth : A Texas State Legend

President Denise Trauth, photo courtesy of Texas State

As we say farewell to Texas State President Denise Trauth, PhD., let’s take a look at the legacy she leaves behind. Dr. Trauth has spent the last twenty years serving Texas State and will be leaving in June 2022.

Dr. Trauth started her presidency at Texas State in 2002, following her time as the provost at University of North Carolina. She studied her way through the midwest, earning her master’s at Ohio State University and then her PhD at The University of Iowa.

She made an impact on Texas State that will last a lifetime. While there are dozens of ways she did this, we’re going to take a look at three major impacts.

1.) TXST was designated a Texas Emerging Research University

Now reclassified by the Carnegie Classification system, Texas State is a “R2: Doctoral University – Higher Research Activity.” This means that Texas State is a high research university and grants dozens of doctoral degrees yearly. In addition, Texas State spends at least $5 million in research expenses.

2.) TXST became a federal Hispanic-Serving Institution

As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Texas State enrolls at least 25% Hispanic students full-time. There is a formal designation process for this, and only about half the states house these institutions. There are many pros to this designation including special grants to expand educational equity.

3.) Our football team moved to NCAA Division 1

Everyone loves college football, especially if they’re high performing and entertaining. Texas State’s football team began in 1904, and they joined the Division 1 Sun Belt Conference in 2013.

Thank you Dr. Denise Trauth for your service to Texas State! We at Stelos Alliance wish you luck in your next adventure.