Let the motto do the talking..

By: Lindsey Snoga

Texas State University stands by its motto, “The rising star of Texas,” by setting record-breaking student enrollment numbers for the 16^th consecutive year and establishing the most diverse student body in the university’s history.

Last fall, the university gave 35,568 students the ability to call themselves a Texas State bobcat. This is an increase from the 2012 fall semester enrollment of 34,225 students.

“This new high in student enrollment demonstrates that Texas State continues to be a leading university in the state and that students and their families recognize our institution offers both an outstanding educational experience as well as an exceptional value,” said university President Denise M. Trauth in a statement.

While university leaders herald the university’s growth, some students are frustrated with the lack of infrastructure.

"I have made a lot more friends," said Shannon Quay, an education major at Texas State University.

"I hate getting around campus," said Efrain Balderrama, senior at Texas State.

Some students said the scarcity of parking on campus is a problem they face and some say buying a parking permit is a waste of money.

“You can't find parking anywhere, and buying a parking permit is just pointless now," said Chelsey Kidder, a criminal justice major at Texas State.

Biology major James Ottoman said he read a news article that the school had oversold commuter parking permits by 9,000.

“Parking has become more difficult,” he said.

San Marcos is trying to adapt to the influx of newcomers. With that being said should the university still continue to grow? There are varied opinions about the expansion of Texas State and San Marcos.

Ottoman said growth is a positive thing for any university.

“With more growth comes more funding and more events, things to do,” he said.

Many are concerned that with the university continuing to grow the class registration process is going to get more difficult and competitive.

"I have noticed when registering classes are difficult to get in because of the high demand for certain courses,” said Kelsie Frommel, a physical therapy major at Texas State.

Texas State is doing a great job getting their name out in the public. Due to the university being on the rise, more individuals are showing interest in attending.

“We take our role in preparing the next-generation work force in Texas very seriously, so it is gratifying to see that so many incoming students are choosing to attend Texas State,” Trauth said.

In addition to increased enrollment, Texas State’s student body continues to diversify, with minorities making up 42 percent of the student population.

“As the demographics of Texas continue to shift, it is important that our institutions of higher learning adequately reflect the growing diversity of this state, so we are most pleased that our efforts to recruit students from all backgrounds has led to a truly diverse population at Texas State,” Texas State Provost Eugene Bourgeois said in a statement.