General Manager's Note — June 2009

General Manager's Note — June 2009

By Traci Rodriguez Friday, 26 June 2009

Most of my friends who graduated with me from Southwest Texas State University refuse to call the school by its new name — Texas State. The name change was a widely debated issue during my graduating year.

Some rumored that the mission of this change was to remove the “party school” image SWTSU had earned over the years, and others said it was to re-establish the school’s reputation as a first-rate educational institution. The debate was said to illustrate a fondness for the university by its students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Whether or not you agree with the name change, this example indicates the importance a university has to its community. We are fortunate to have well-established universities in our area.

When the job market gets competitive, many people decide to go back for their master’s degrees. Especially with economic uncertainty, some say a master’s degree can give an edge over less educated applicants.

In nearby Round Rock, Texas State University, Austin Community College and Temple College at Taylor partnered to form the Round Rock Higher Education Center and offer full associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs. Other higher education options in the northwest Austin area are included in this month’s higher education focus.

Also included in this month’s issue is a transportation update on the Pond Springs Road project, over which many business owners expressed concerns. Business owners worry about the construction and traffic it will bring, but many agree the project is necessary.

Traci Rodriguez

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