Relating to the change of the name of Texas A&M University--Kingsville to Texas A&I University.
Impact
The impact of SB2376 on state laws includes modifications to the Education Code, specifically altering references throughout several sections to reflect the new name. Changes are made in the establishment and designation of the institution under the Texas A&M University System, which includes acknowledgments of the university's governance by the board of regents like any other institution within the system. This bill does not just change a name but also reinforces the institution's status as a significant component of higher education in Texas.
Summary
SB2376 proposes the renaming of Texas A&M University--Kingsville to Texas A&I University, a change that reflects the institution's historic roots dating back to its founding as Texas College of Arts and Industries. This bill aims to honor the legacy and identity associated with the original name, which was used until the university was incorporated into the Texas A&M University System. The renaming is positioned as a way to reconnect the university with its heritage, aiming to enhance its identity and potentially attract students who may resonate more with the A&I name.
Contention
Discussion surrounding SB2376 has raised various viewpoints. Advocates for the bill argue that the renaming is crucial for the university's branding and identity which can lead to growth in enrollment and community engagement. However, some critics express concerns about the implications of such a name change, especially its potential impact on alumni identity and continuity. The contention lies in whether the name change will indeed generate tangible benefits or if it could alienate alumni and current students who have built their identities around the existing name.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Relating to the creation of a new university in Nacogdoches, Texas, within The University of Texas System and the allocation of the annual constitutional appropriation to certain agencies and institutions of higher education; abolishing Stephen F. Austin State University.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to entitle all component institutions of The Texas A&M University System and The University of Texas System to participate in the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating a university research fund to support emerging research universities in The University of Texas System or The Texas A&M University System and disqualifying all component institutions of those university systems from receiving money from the national research university fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment reducing The University of Texas System's share of the income and other benefits of the permanent university fund, transferring to the national research university fund and general revenue fund a portion of the annual distribution made from the permanent university fund to the available university fund, appropriating the portion transferred to the national research university fund, and dedicating the portion transferred to the general revenue fund to provide for the support and maintenance of public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.
Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital needs of educational programs offered by the Texas State Technical College System and certain component institutions of the Texas State University System and repealing the limitation on the allocation to the Texas State Technical College System and its campuses of the annual appropriation of certain constitutionally dedicated funding for public institutions of higher education.