Texas State’s Dr. Kelly Damphousse on Connection & Student Success

For our 100th episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Damphousse, the 10th president of Texas State University. A sociologist by training, President Damphousse talks candidly about the midnight moment that set the tone for his presidency.   He shares his personal journey – from growing up in a trailer court with no plans for college to becoming a university president.

We also discuss the university’s momentum — from a campus master plan to the research trajectory toward R1 and a move to the Pac-12 that reshapes TXST’s national profile.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why athletics is the “front porch” of a university 
• The power of mentorship and paying it forward 
• What belonging looks like in practice: presence, notes of gratitude, and saying “yes” to students
• Highlights of TXST’s 10-year master plan 
• Practical advice for students: engage beyond class, build faculty relationships, and find your “why”

Quotes -  Dr.Kelly Damphousse

• “You belong here.”
• “If someone poured into you, your job is to pay it forward.”
• “I’m duty-bound to show up — not for me, but because the presidency matters to people.”
  
  

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