Texas State University Campus
Texas State University in Round Rock has started a new chapter with Julie Lessiter as its inaugural vice president. With a focus on education and community collaboration, the university is expanding its academic programs and aims to increase student enrollment significantly. Lessiter’s leadership highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability, crucial traits for preparing students for the ever-evolving workforce. The campus, now welcoming freshmen, plans further growth with new facilities and programs, setting the stage for a bright future.
On the vibrant campus of Texas State University in Round Rock, a new chapter is unfolding. Taking the reins as the inaugural vice president is Julie Lessiter, a dynamic leader with a passion for both education and athletics. Spanning an impressive 101 acres, this campus isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s about cultivating an athletic mindset that emphasizes resilience and discipline—principles that have shaped Lessiter’s career from her days as a college tennis player to her current role steering the university’s future.
For years, the Round Rock campus primarily served upper-level nursing students. However, with Lessiter at the helm, the university is embracing change. Her collaborative efforts with the community have led to the establishment of new academic programs aimed at supporting economic development in this thriving area just north of Austin.
In a significant shift, the campus welcomed its first cohort of freshmen last fall, bringing total enrollment to 2,200 students. That’s a remarkable 24% increase year-over-year! With 18 academic programs currently available, ranging from computer science and social work to education and psychology, the university is clearly on the upswing. More programs are in the pipeline for next fall—imagine the possibilities!
The need for accessible public four-year comprehensive campuses in the region couldn’t be clearer to Lessiter. She projects that Texas State could swell to as many as 10,000 students over the next decade. To facilitate this growth, the university broke ground on its fourth academic building back in December. Expected to open its doors next year, this new facility will provide even more opportunities for aspiring students.
Growing interest in the campus is evidenced by the increasing applications—currently rising at a remarkable double-digit rate! Such growth indicates a hunger for higher education in the area, a need that aligns beautifully with the rapidly changing workforce landscapes. Lessiter believes that education must adapt to meet these evolving needs, paving the way for students to thrive in tomorrow’s job market.
Lessiter is not just focused on numbers, though. Her experience as an athletics administrator has ingrained in her the importance of teamwork and listening to diverse perspectives. Acknowledging that setbacks can teach valuable lessons, she promotes the idea that resilience—the ability to bounce back from losses—is essential not only in sports but in education as well.
With her love for running, hiking, and even the occasional visit to a winery, it’s clear that she values balance in life. Lessiter has her happy places around Austin, with favorites like Flat Creek Winery and the scenic Brushy Creek Trail. She is also a fan of Whiskey Cake restaurant, which she feels is a perfect embodiment of community spirit.
To refresh her mind, Lessiter turns to audiobooks and podcasts, particularly the wisdom of Mel Robbins and others in the realm of personal development. She recalls an impactful piece of advice that highlights how everyone grapples with moments of self-doubt. How one manages that uncertainty, she argues, is what truly sets leaders apart. For first-time executives, she advises cultivating strong relationships and highlighting the value of collaboration within the institution.
As Lessiter leads Texas State University in Round Rock into a bright future, her vision is clear: a vibrant educational hub that meets the needs of the community while preparing the workforce of tomorrow. With a foundation of resilience and adaptability, the future of this university looks promising, indeed. From Southampton, England to the heart of Texas, Lessiter’s journey is just beginning, and it’s certainly one to watch!
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