Kelly Damphousse, President, Texas State University
In an interview with Invest:, Kelly Damphousse, president of Texas State University, celebrated the university’s path toward R1 status, aligning growth with innovation related to water, semiconductors, AI, and public safety. He emphasized strong economic impact, rising student success, and expanding industry partnerships as foundations for the university’s future.
What have been some of the key milestones and achievements for Texas State University over the past year?
It’s been a year of incredible momentum for Texas State. One of the biggest milestones was achieving a record $165 million in research expenditures and doubling our number of doctoral degree programs, which recognizes the growth in our research activity. We’ve been investing in research, but more importantly, we’ve been aligning it with our strengths, particularly around water resilience, semiconductors, applied AI, and public safety.
We’ve also continued work on our new R1 Roadmap, aiming to reach R1 “very high research activity” status by 2027. That goal is ambitious but realistic, and it reflects the trajectory we’re on.
Enrollment continues to set records, and we’re proud of the fact that our student population reflects the future demographics of Texas and the nation. At the same time, we’ve continued to focus on student success initiatives, including increasing graduation rates, providing academic support, and making sure our students are supported from the moment they step on campus through to their careers.
How would you describe the role of Texas State University in the broader regional economy?
Texas State is a major economic driver for Central Texas and beyond. We contribute over $2 billion annually to the Texas economy, but the impact goes beyond dollars. Our alumni stay in Texas at high rates; over 80% remain in the state, which means our graduates directly fuel the region’s workforce.
We’re also heavily engaged with industry partners, whether it’s in healthcare, technology, or education. These partnerships not only provide pathways for research and innovation but also ensure that what we teach remains relevant to what employers need.
San Marcos itself has seen tremendous growth, and the university is a big part of that. From startups spinning out of our research enterprise to students launching small businesses, there’s an entrepreneurial spirit that radiates out into the community.
What initiatives are underway to help Texas State continue growing its research enterprise and moving toward R1 status?
Achieving R1 is a strategic priority, but it’s not about chasing a title; it’s about fulfilling our mission to drive innovation and serve Texas. We’re investing in hiring new research-active faculty, expanding doctoral programs, and building infrastructure that supports discovery. One example is our new STEM-focused facilities, designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
We’re also strengthening partnerships with the private sector and with federal agencies to bring in more research funding. A big part of reaching R1 is making sure that research at Texas State isn’t just theoretical but applied to solving real-world problems in energy, water, healthcare, and technology. That’s the future we’re building toward: a Texas State that is nationally recognized for research that matters, while still being deeply committed to teaching and serving students.
What steps are you taking to ensure that Texas State graduates are prepared for the evolving workforce?
We put a lot of emphasis on making sure students leave here career-ready. One way we do that is by embedding high-impact practices into the curriculum — internships, undergraduate research, service learning, study abroad — experiences that develop skills employers are looking for.
We also launched a program called “Bobcat Career Closet,” which provides students with free professional attire for interviews and networking events. It’s a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in student confidence.
We’re also working closely with industry partners to align our academic programs with workforce needs, particularly in fast-growing sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. Texas needs more educated workers, and we take seriously our responsibility to help meet that demand.
How is Texas State University working to increase access and affordability for students?
Access and affordability are at the core of who we are. Over half of our undergraduates are first-generation college students, and many come from families of modest means. We’ve expanded our Bobcat Promise program, which offers free tuition to eligible students from low- and middle-income families. We’re also making financial aid more transparent and predictable, helping families plan ahead. But access isn’t just about dollars; it’s about making students feel they belong here and can succeed here. We’ve invested in student support services, from academic advising to mental health counseling, because the journey doesn’t end once a student is admitted. We want every student who comes to Texas State to feel seen, supported, and set up for success.
How do you see the university’s role evolving as Texas continues to grow and change?
Texas is growing rapidly, and it’s becoming more urban and more interconnected globally, with increasingly diverse workforce needs. Universities like Texas State have a critical role to play in preparing the next generation for that reality.
Our commitment is to stay focused on student success, research excellence, and public service. We’re helping build the workforce Texas needs. We’re advancing discovery in fields that will shape the future. And we’re serving communities — rural and urban alike — in meaningful ways. That’s the mission: to be a university that uplifts individuals and strengthens the entire state.
What are your top priorities for the next few years?
First and foremost, we’ll keep pushing forward on the R1 Roadmap, hiring research-active faculty, expanding graduate programs, and building our research infrastructure.
We’ll continue working to improve student outcomes, especially around graduation rates and post-graduation employment. Access will remain a guiding principle: making sure that every Bobcat, no matter their background, has the opportunity to thrive.
We’ll strengthen our partnerships with industry and government, expand innovation and entrepreneurship, and continue to be a powerful engine for economic mobility and progress. Most of all, we’ll stay true to what makes Texas State special: a community that is forward-looking, a place of belonging, and dedicated to making a real difference.
