Sul Ross State University Considering Switch To Texas Tech University System
By: Dylan Brooks
Updated: November 1, 2012
ALPINE -- Sul Ross State University could soon be leaving the Texas State University System.
The Big Bend-based university is seeing a decrease in enrollment -- due in part to the oil boom in the Permian Basin.
The enrollment decrease has also led to a graduation decrease -- which officials say has been seen in other Texas universities as well.
Since graduation numbers are down at Sul Ross State University, the Texas Legislature has mandated that the university receive fewer state funds.
With the decrease in funding in mind, many in the Alpine community have been pushing for a move out of the Texas State University System.
According to The Big Bend Sentinel, several Big Bend business owners and Alpine I.S.D. Superintendent Steve White sent letters to Texas Tech University System Vice Chancellor Dr. Joseph Rollo in support of a switch of Sul Ross State University to the Texas Tech University System.
Community members also met with 83rd District Attorney-elect Rod Ponton last week in Alpine about the potential switch in university affiliations.
However, officials from the Texas State University system reportedly came to the meeting unannounced and dominated the discussion.
A move to a different university system would not be unprecedented in West Texas.
Angelo State university made a switch from the Texas State University System to the Texas Tech University System in 2010.
The Big Bend-based university is seeing a decrease in enrollment -- due in part to the oil boom in the Permian Basin.
The enrollment decrease has also led to a graduation decrease -- which officials say has been seen in other Texas universities as well.
Since graduation numbers are down at Sul Ross State University, the Texas Legislature has mandated that the university receive fewer state funds.
With the decrease in funding in mind, many in the Alpine community have been pushing for a move out of the Texas State University System.
According to The Big Bend Sentinel, several Big Bend business owners and Alpine I.S.D. Superintendent Steve White sent letters to Texas Tech University System Vice Chancellor Dr. Joseph Rollo in support of a switch of Sul Ross State University to the Texas Tech University System.
Community members also met with 83rd District Attorney-elect Rod Ponton last week in Alpine about the potential switch in university affiliations.
However, officials from the Texas State University system reportedly came to the meeting unannounced and dominated the discussion.
A move to a different university system would not be unprecedented in West Texas.
Angelo State university made a switch from the Texas State University System to the Texas Tech University System in 2010.
