Today is my first meeting with the Board of Regents. In my eight weeks on the job, I’ve learned a fair amount about the University of Texas System. I’ve been on every campus and I’ve been impressed by our institutional leadership, our faculty, and especially our students. This system of diverse, extraordinary institutions is well positioned for the beginning of the 21st Century. There’s much work to do, as we all know, but I feel very good about our prospects. What drew me to Texas originally and what fills me with hope every day is what I see as a central part of the ethos of this special place: a sense of ambition, confidence, and above all, optimism. I emphatically share this outlook, and it’s what gives me such high hopes for Texas and the UT System.
Thank you, Chairman Eltife. I can’t tell all of you how much of a benefit it is to have a Chairman who is as well respected in the Capitol as Kevin. I’ve already seen on many occasions what a difference it makes. We are going to be very good partners this session and beyond.
