Texas State University: A Leader In Diversity

Ashley Malcom

SAN MARCOS- As Texas State University’s student population continues to grow with record-breaking numbers so does the diversity on campus.

With new construction underway and a mass of students walking through the Quad it would be difficult not to notice a population growth at the university. For the 16^th consecutive year Texas State has broken its enrollment record. The university news service announced that a total of 35,568 students enrolled last semester compared to last fall’s enrollment of 34,225 students.

“I think it’s good for (Texas State) to grow because it gives it a more diverse community,” said Crystal Flores, a junior and fashion merchandising major at Texas State University.

Along with a steady increase, the school has seen a rise in the diversity of the student population on campus. The current student body is the most diverse in the school’s history.

“... We are most pleased that our efforts to recruit students from all backgrounds has led to a truly diverse population at Texas State,” said Texas State University Provost Eugene Bourgeois in a statement.

Minorities now make up 42 percent of the student body. This includes a 26-percent increase in the enrollment of both Hispanic and African American students.  With the increase in diversity many students are voicing their support.

“…The population growth is benefiting local businesses and helping build the diversity Texas State is proud of,” said Shannon Quay, sophomore at Texas State University.

Texas State is not only welcoming its most diverse student body but it is also enrolling students with higher rankings in their high school classes. More incoming freshman this year were ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class than in previous years. Fourty-nine percent ranked at the top 25 percent of their high school class.

“Things are changing and we are no longer quite the party school that Texas State has been known for since it was Southwest Texas,” said Colby Gober, a student at Texas State University.

Texas State has a statistically more diverse, intelligent student population than ever before giving current students even more of a reason to be proud of their school. With this, the school is on its way to becoming a top contender with the major public universities in Texas, such as The University of Texas and Texas A&M University.

“Texas State continues to be a leading university in the state,” said University president Denise M. Trauth in a statement.

Diversity at Texas State University

Texas State University has announced 2013 as the record-setting year with the most diverse student body in its history.

The enrollment has increased from 34,225 students for the 2012 fall semester to 35,568 students for the 2013 fall semester, which marks the 16th consecutive year Texas State has set a new record for total enrollment.

Not only is Texas State's student body increasing, but it is also becoming more diversified.

Minorities currently make up 42 percent of the student body with the Hispanic enrollment increasing 12 percent to a record 10,682. African-American enrollment increased 14 percent to 2,824 and accounts for eight percent of the university population.

The increasing growth at Texas State creates mixed opinions among the students. Some students like that the university is growing, whereas other students do not because of the problems it seems to be creating.

Chelsey Kidder does not think the university should continue to grow because the classes would increase dramatically and "get out of hand."

Another student that had a similar opinion as Kidder was Shannon Quay, 19 year old education major, she enjoys the campus growth because she has made a lot more friends, but also said, "The downfall of that though would be the competition for classes and the crowding in little ole' San Marcos."

Other students enjoy that the university is continuing to grow cause of the opportunity to meet new people.

Carly Joutraw said that the university should continue to grow so that she can meet more new people.

Stephen Torres, 23 year old junior, said "it would be good for the school to grow, but they definitely need to make accommodations for the amount of students they have enrolled."

Another student agreed with Torres' view on the university's growth. Tyler Stevenson said "I think it should because it is good for our university to get more popular, but they should start making more accommodations for the increase in students."

Increased enrollement

Increased enrollment produces mixed feelings

By Christine Jamieson

Texas State University is in its 16^th consecutive year of record-breaking enrollment, according to a press release issued by the university. The increase has created mixed feelings in students.

With change comes judgment from both sides, and students are speaking up.

Benefits of Growth

With the increase in enrollment, Texas State University has also seen an increase in the number of students in the top 25 percent of their high school class attending, according to university officials. “Of those, a larger number of freshmen from the top 10 percent of their graduating class were among this group than in previous years,” University President Denise M. Trauth said.

Lily Woldehawarai, photo courtesy of Kelby  Keeling

Along with the increase in the size of the student body, the university has also seen a growth in minorities, making the campus more diverse. Minorities now make up 42 percent of the student body population, according to university officials.

"The more diversity the better," freshman Lilly Woldehawariat said when asked if the university should continue to grow.

Not only is the growth providing more diversity, the local economy of San Marcos has been given the opportunity to grow as well. Texas State student, Rhodes Coons has noticed the addition of buildings on campus, and the added housing throughout San Marcos. Sophomore Shannon Quay has approved of the change as well. When questioned of the growth continuing Quay agreed with the progress.

 "Yeah, because there are so many apartments and not enough kids to live in them,” Quay said. “Yes, the population is growing but it is benefiting local businesses and helping build the diversity Texas State is so proud of.”

A larger student body size garners more attention from prospective work places as well. With more graduates entering the workforce employers should take notice, "Yes because that way, when students get degrees from our university, it's more recognized on a nationwide basis,” senior Kate Sincerbox said.

Growing Pains

With the rapid growth of the university, the town of San Marcos has undergone major construction and expansion. While necessary, it has put a bad taste in the mouth of many students and residents alike.

Stephen Torres, photo provided by Jenna Hawkins

Criminal justice major, Clint Krehmeier has grown with the university in the last four years he has attended. “Driving around the town, you can’t help but notice the amount of traffic, and finding parking on or near campus is practically impossible," Krehmeier said when asked how the increased enrollment has affected him.

Parking seems to be a major concern to many students and many feel that if the university is to continue growing, these problems need to be sorted out. 

Junior Stephen Torres, feels that in order for the university to grow, some key infrastructure issues need to be solved. "They should add more buses and more parking so it’s easier to get to and from the campus."

As the student body size has increased, so has crime. According to university police, in 2010, police cited 55 students as minors in possession, in 2012, there were 168 students cited as minors in possession. The increase can be attributed to a larger student body size.

Situated between two major cities in Texas, San Marcos attracts attention from prospective students around the state. With all eyes on "The rising star of Texas," Texas State shows no sign of slowing down.

Texas State sets record enrollment for 16^th consecutive year

By Madelynne Scales 

Texas State University, most commonly known for its party reputation, has achieved a new reputation of record-setting enrollment and growing diversity of the student body.

Texas State has surpassed its party reputation by setting an enrollment record of 35,568. This is the 16^th consecutive year that Texas State has set a total enrollment record.

“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 President Denise M. Trauth.

This growth was largely driven by a 22 percent increase of incoming freshman since 2012. Of these incoming freshman, roughly 49 percent were in the top 25 percent of their class.

Although the growing size of enrollment is beneficial to Texas State, some students are feeling the repercussions. “You can't find parking anywhere, and buying a parking permit is just pointless now." Said Chelsey Kidder.

Not only has the population grown, but the diversity of the student body has too. Now, minorities make up 42 percent of the university.

“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.

Colby Gober, believes that the university should continue to grow. “I think with the increase in number of students it will set the standards higher and Texas State can become a better school.” Said Gober.

The Impact of Texas State's Growth

Texas State University is among one of the most diverse universities in Texas, and with a record-setting 35,568 students for the 2013 fall semester, Texas State continues to grow. The school has been consistently growing and for 16 consecutive years, Texas State has set new records for enrollment. 

Students at Texas State were asked to share their opinion on the persistent growth of the school. The students found both positive and negative effects to the development of Texas State. 

“I have made a lot more friends! Sophomore Shannon Quay said. “The downfall of that would be the competition for classes and the crowding in little ole’ San Marcos.” 

The city of San Marcos is relatively small which can cause traffic on and off campus. The school buses have also been packed. 
“I live in the Heights 2 the buses are always crowded because we are one of the last stops on my bus route,” said Tyler Stevenson, 21. 

Students also voiced their opinion on the issue of parking on campus. The parking on campus is a major problem for students at Texas State. 

Chelsey Kidder, Texas State student said, “Yes, you can’t find parking anywhere, and buying a parking permit is just pointless now.” James Ottoman third semester graduate student said that he read the school had oversold commuter parking permits by some 9,000 permits.” 

Although parking at Texas State can be a hassle for students, the growth of the school is not necessarily a bad thing. Students find that the growth can help improve the school’s academic program. Ottoman thinks that Texas State should be a competitive regional school. 
“ With more growth comes more funding and more events, more to do,” said James Ottoman. 

With the number of incoming students, San Marcos has been busy building new apartment complexes for student living. Rhodes Coons believes that the number of incoming students is positive, and that the growing number of complexes being built is a positive effect. 
“I think it’s good honestly...like they’re building a hell lot more apartments. I mean the last few years they’ve built like 10 new apartment complexes.” 

The growth of Texas State is inevitable and the school will continue to grow as it has for over a hundred years. Students and parents are recognizing the reputation of the school’s programs. The diversity of the students and faculty is a staple at Texas State University and maybe next year Texas State will make it 17 consecutive years.

Texas State University on the rise

Texas State University certainly is the rising star of Texas, setting a record-breaking student enrollment, and establishing the most diverse student population that the University has ever seen in the past year.

Being said this was the 16^th consecutive year Texas State has set a new record for enrollment. In the fall of 2013, they gave 35,568 students the privilege to proudly call themself a Texas State Bobcat. This is an increase from the enrollment of 34,225 for the 2012 fall semester.  

“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 President Denise M. Trauth.

Everyone knows that along with all the pros always come the cons. When asked about the effects of the increased enrollment of students, we got to listen in on many students voicing their opinions first hand.

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

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

The problem most students seem to be facing after reading the interviews was not finding parking anywhere on campus, or even what a waste of money buying a parking pass is.

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

 “Parking has become more difficult,” said James Ottoman, Biology major at Texas State University, “He mention an article in which he read that the school had over sold commuter parking permits by some 9,000 permits.”

However, the next question is should the University still continue to grow?

“Growth is a positive thing for any University he feels and says that Texas State "should be a competitive regional school. With more growth comes more funding and more events, things to do," said James Ottoman, Biology major at Texas State University.

Many are concerned that with the University continuing to grow that the registration process for signing up for classes is only going to get more difficult and strenuous. Being guaranteed that seat in a class is going to be more competitive.

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

Texas State University is rapidly on the rise, and the large enrollment is only making Texas State shine more.

Texas State reaches Highest Enrollment

For 16 consecutive years Texas State University has experienced record setting enrollment and the 2013 fall semester marked the institution's highest enrollment of 35,568 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 President Denise M. Trauth in a statement.

As enrollment continues to grow and benefit the school’s reputation, many Texas State students fear the growth is happening too rapidly for the university to accommodate demands.

“I have attended Texas State for four years and in this time the campus and the city of San Marcos has flourished. Driving around the town, you can’t help but notice the amount of traffic and finding parking on or near campus is practically impossible,” said senior Clint Krehmeier.

Crystal Flores, a junior at Texas State, commutes from Austin and faces problems similar to Krehmeier.

“I do have trouble with parking. I think they should build more parking spaces,” said Flores.

Due to the rise in enrollment, heavy traffic and limited parking has effected the numerous drivers and students using the Bobcat Tram system.

“I take the LBJ route and many times I have been late to class because the bus has been full and I have had to wait for the next one,” said junior Christina Drifka.

Not only are the buses at maximum capacity, the construction throughout San Marcos is delaying traffic.

"The university should focus on finishing construction on campus and it should also allow the road construction to be complete before the university continues to grow,” said Drifka.

While Texas State students experience the negative effects, student Colby Gober manages to look past it to see the positive attributes of new growth.

“The increase in number of students will set the standards higher and Texas State can become a better school,” said Gober. “Things are changing and we are no longer quite the party school that Texas State has been known for since it was Southwest Texas.”

Sophomore Shannon Quay sees the positivity the growth has brought to Texas State and to the city.

“The population is growing, but it is benefiting the town of San Marcos and helping build the diversity Texas State is so proud of,” said Quay.

Texas State Provost Eugene Bourgeois is also pleased with the diversity on campus from recent enrollment.

“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,” said Bourgeois in a statement. “So we are most pleased that our efforts to recruit students from all backgrounds has led to a truly diverse population at Texas State.”