Post by Bornthrilla on Jun 16, 2023 9:54:12 GMT -5
Texas Southern University denies claims of seeking to join system
Samantha Ketterer
Staff writer
June 16, 2023
The Texas Southern University Board of Regents denied claims Thursday that they are considering allowing the HBCU to be absorbed by one of Texas’ larger university systems after a quick turnover in the presidency.
Sen. Borris Miles wrote in an email that he learned the board met with leadership in the Texas House of Representatives to discuss shifting away from its independent governing structure. TSU officials said they could not confirm whether a meeting took place – but they were adamant that the school would remain under its own control.
"The Texas Southern University Board of Regents has shared publicly on multiple occasions the expressed desire for our great institution to remain an independent, public university," a university statement reads. "The board believes the unique history, talent incubation for a diverse Texas, and growing research and academic offerings are just some of the reasons to support the case for independence for TSU."
"We recognize that no actions on the state level take place without the consent and approval of our esteemed elected officials, the statement continues. "We look forward to joining our state legislators to ensure the continued and collaborative path of independent success for Texas Southern University."
Texas Southern alumni have staunchly opposed joining a system for decades, often citing their independence as a hallmark of the institution. TSU is the last four-year university in Texas to operate without the oversight of a broader board that manages multiple universities at once, such as the Texas A&M University System or the University of Texas System.
Miles said he was not aware of a May meeting between TSU regents and House representatives until after it took place, but he said he cannot support TSU joining a system in the future.
“TSU was founded to be an independent Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for African American students,” Miles said in a statement. “Putting TSU under the flag of another university system would go against the very reason this university was created. More importantly, under the leadership of another university system, TSU would be subjected to another system’s priorities that might not be in tune with this HBCU’s unique mission or its priorities. It is crucial that TSU maintain its independence in order for the school and more importantly, its diverse student body, to grow and thrive.”
Discussion about the pros and cons of being in a system have taken new shape recently. Like TSU, Stephen F. Austin State University was independently-run but this year will become a part of the University of Texas System – a decision that Stephen F. Austin board members attributed partly to greater monetary benefits.
And former Prairie View A&M University President Ruth J. Simmons, one of the most well-known figures in American higher education, told the Houston Chronicle in an exclusive interview that she left the institution months earlier than planned with the feeling that the Texas A&M University System did not understand and had a proclivity to "downgrade" Prairie View – the only HBCU in its care.
While TSU alumni haven’t thrown overwhelming support behind joining a system, some have said they hope to see serious changes at TSU.
President Lesia Crumpton-Young announced her departure in late May without explanation, less than two years after taking the position with the hope that she could improve the tarred reputation of the university following an admissions scandal in the law school. (The scandal toppled previous President Austin Lane.)
As the school’s 13th president, Crumpton-Young marked her tenure with broad expansion efforts in research, academic programs and enrollment — as well as several lawsuits and vocal student concerns over the safety and availability of their housing.
The Board of Regents on Thursday approved the resignation of Regent Mary Evans Sias and her appointment as interim president. Sias, who takes the role effective June 30, has spent decades in higher education roles, including as president of Kentucky State University from 2004 to 2014.
“Dr. Sias brings a fresh perspective along with a nationally recognized reputation built on experience, success, and a proven track record of leadership as a chief executive officer and longtime university president," board Chairman Albert H. Myres said. "She is committed to using her wisdom and experience for navigating internal and external opportunities to ensure all our stakeholders: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community supporters…remain TSU Proud. She has 100 percent support from the board."
Read more:
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/texas-southern-university-remain-independent-18153865.php
Samantha Ketterer
Staff writer
June 16, 2023
The Texas Southern University Board of Regents denied claims Thursday that they are considering allowing the HBCU to be absorbed by one of Texas’ larger university systems after a quick turnover in the presidency.
Sen. Borris Miles wrote in an email that he learned the board met with leadership in the Texas House of Representatives to discuss shifting away from its independent governing structure. TSU officials said they could not confirm whether a meeting took place – but they were adamant that the school would remain under its own control.
"The Texas Southern University Board of Regents has shared publicly on multiple occasions the expressed desire for our great institution to remain an independent, public university," a university statement reads. "The board believes the unique history, talent incubation for a diverse Texas, and growing research and academic offerings are just some of the reasons to support the case for independence for TSU."
"We recognize that no actions on the state level take place without the consent and approval of our esteemed elected officials, the statement continues. "We look forward to joining our state legislators to ensure the continued and collaborative path of independent success for Texas Southern University."
Texas Southern alumni have staunchly opposed joining a system for decades, often citing their independence as a hallmark of the institution. TSU is the last four-year university in Texas to operate without the oversight of a broader board that manages multiple universities at once, such as the Texas A&M University System or the University of Texas System.
Miles said he was not aware of a May meeting between TSU regents and House representatives until after it took place, but he said he cannot support TSU joining a system in the future.
“TSU was founded to be an independent Historically Black College and University (HBCU) for African American students,” Miles said in a statement. “Putting TSU under the flag of another university system would go against the very reason this university was created. More importantly, under the leadership of another university system, TSU would be subjected to another system’s priorities that might not be in tune with this HBCU’s unique mission or its priorities. It is crucial that TSU maintain its independence in order for the school and more importantly, its diverse student body, to grow and thrive.”
Discussion about the pros and cons of being in a system have taken new shape recently. Like TSU, Stephen F. Austin State University was independently-run but this year will become a part of the University of Texas System – a decision that Stephen F. Austin board members attributed partly to greater monetary benefits.
And former Prairie View A&M University President Ruth J. Simmons, one of the most well-known figures in American higher education, told the Houston Chronicle in an exclusive interview that she left the institution months earlier than planned with the feeling that the Texas A&M University System did not understand and had a proclivity to "downgrade" Prairie View – the only HBCU in its care.
While TSU alumni haven’t thrown overwhelming support behind joining a system, some have said they hope to see serious changes at TSU.
President Lesia Crumpton-Young announced her departure in late May without explanation, less than two years after taking the position with the hope that she could improve the tarred reputation of the university following an admissions scandal in the law school. (The scandal toppled previous President Austin Lane.)
As the school’s 13th president, Crumpton-Young marked her tenure with broad expansion efforts in research, academic programs and enrollment — as well as several lawsuits and vocal student concerns over the safety and availability of their housing.
The Board of Regents on Thursday approved the resignation of Regent Mary Evans Sias and her appointment as interim president. Sias, who takes the role effective June 30, has spent decades in higher education roles, including as president of Kentucky State University from 2004 to 2014.
“Dr. Sias brings a fresh perspective along with a nationally recognized reputation built on experience, success, and a proven track record of leadership as a chief executive officer and longtime university president," board Chairman Albert H. Myres said. "She is committed to using her wisdom and experience for navigating internal and external opportunities to ensure all our stakeholders: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community supporters…remain TSU Proud. She has 100 percent support from the board."
Read more:
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/texas-southern-university-remain-independent-18153865.php
