The ability to build new academic buildings using Tuition Revenue Bonds, widely seen as a done deal by local lawmakers, didn't happen in the regular session of the 83rd Texas Legislature. Or in the special session that followed. Or the second one. Or the third.In spite of the setback (the last approved issuance of TRBs to allow state college campuses to build academic buildings was back in 2006,) Dr. Dan Jones of Texas A&M University-Commerce believes that higher education still fared well this legislative session. And the next one is just around the corner, in 2015.
Today's program tackles what will likely be the last word on that subject.
Additionally, A&M-Commerce is boasting the largest freshman class in the history of the institution. A new dormitory was built and opened this fall, and a $10 million expansion to the student center cafeteria and meeting space is underway in order to accommodate the growth.
Today's program also highlights a group of students on campus, the New Beginnings Choir, who made a trip to a number of landmarks that are the birthplace of the civil rights movement. The visit was in Spring 2013, funded in large part by generous alumni Frank and Rosalie Turner. After an impromptu choir performance for the mayor of the city of Birmingham, Alabama, these students were asked to return on the 15th of September in order to perform as a part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the start of the civil rights movement. President Barack Obama is expected to be in attendance at this event.
Finally, the Lions open the season this Saturday at home against Sul Ross State, and a listener or reader who make qualifying gifts to KETR may choose, as a thank-you gift, to attend this game as a guest of Dr. Jones and his family in the president's box - an air-conditioned suite with food and drinks. This game will also be the "unveiling" of the new sideline-to-sideline lion head logo - believed to be the largest in football. Make your contribution and check on ticket availability by calling Carinne at 903-886-5841.
The President's Perspective is heard on the first Wednesday of each month, at noon and again at 5pm. The program is produced in association with Texas A&M University-Commerce at the KETR Studios inside historic Binnion Hall on Education Drive in Commerce. Support comes from KETR's Members and from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
