Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education

A strong system of public higher education is critical to the foundation of our great state. Properly governed, higher education has the power to transform lives, build our economy and enhance the future prosperity of Texas. The financial and civic benefits of educational excellence must not be jeopardized by misguided governance. Our colleges and universities, their faculties and student bodies need your support now more than ever.

I am a member of the Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education, a group that formed in June 2011. The Coalition was a response to a growing concern over the advancement of untested reforms that could have long-term damaging effects on our institutions. We remain concerned that there are forces actively working to undermine our public higher education systems.

We believe in the critical importance of both teaching and research, we promote quality in higher education, and we support university leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to a culture of excellence and continual innovation. We also support the efforts of those universities that are working to achieve Tier One status, which would bring additional research and development capabilities, and create jobs and economic opportunity throughout Texas.

The high quality pursuit of research and knowledge should be a state and national priority requiring the presence of top academic and research institutions. I ask that you consider good governance, transparency, and excellence of our public higher education institutions as one of your most urgent priorities.

Please consider the Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education as both an ally and a resource. You can find out more at www.texaseducationexcellence.org.