The Austin Leadership program exposed me to the ins and outs of state government and the legislative process in Texas. Participating in meetings and Texas Tech System Day at the Capitol showed me how crucial the Texas Legislature is to higher education funding. I also realized the extensive reach of the Red Raider network within the Tech System. I knew that the Texas Tech System encompassed more than just our university. Still, I hadn’t fully understood that it is the entire system’s responsibility to advocate for the needs of every school. Finally, I took away how much advancement and research the system is actively pursuing. Listening to each university president discuss the incredible advancements their institutions are making to support West Texas and the state as a whole was inspiring as a student.
One issue that stood out to me was water policy and how legislation can support farmers and ranchers in crisis. This issue hits home for me, as I have watched my dad actively advocate for farmers over the past two years, which has been inspiring. Water is complex because the government cannot simply make it rain. However, policymakers can assist farmers and ranchers on the verge of bankruptcy while trying to support their families. House Bill 1400 focuses on creating the Groundwater Science, Research, and Innovation Fund, which the Texas Water Development Board would administer. This research aims to provide better water availability, recharge rates, and sustainable usage data. If this bill allocates research funding to universities, Texas Tech could receive grants to conduct groundwater studies, develop innovative irrigation technologies, or explore ways to improve water efficiency in agriculture. It was also reassuring to hear that water is a priority for many legislators in Austin. While the issue cannot be entirely solved, there are ways to alleviate the economic pressure on farmers and ranchers.
As a student, I never expected to have the opportunity to interact with the people who run Texas Tech. Networking at the reception and the Day of Giving with leaders from the TTU System was a unique experience. Meeting Chancellor Mitchell, Ginger Davis, and Shelly Sweatt, as well as chatting with Dr. Schovanec like old friends, was surreal. One issue that TTUHSC was lobbying for that interested me was the initiative to ensure that a person’s zip code does not determine their access to healthcare. Growing up in a rural area, my family has personally experienced the challenges of rural healthcare. I was especially interested in the cancer center built to serve West Texas residents.
During this trip, I also greatly appreciated how much research the Texas Tech System conducts. The system contributes to national security, One Health initiatives (addressing connections between human, animal, and environmental health), and improving the power grid. Texas Tech System’s commitment to these issues demonstrates its dedication to fostering innovation and tackling both regional and global challenges.
We have discussed the enrollment cliff throughout the semester, and it was interesting to see how it impacts the university financially, both in tuition and government funding. Universities receive funding based on metrics such as the total number of credit hours students take across the institution. If fewer students attend, tuition revenue and government funding decrease. Hearing how Tech is preparing to address this challenge reinforced how complex the issues facing universities can be.
One leadership lesson I learned from former Chancellor Duncan is never to be afraid to admit when you have made a mistake. I dislike admitting when I am wrong or when I haven’t done a job correctly, and it is easy to shift the blame or avoid taking responsibility. However, a true leader is humble, acknowledges their mistakes, and focuses on finding a solution rather than avoiding failure.
Bryan Daniel also challenged me to think deeper about advocacy and agricultural literacy. The traditional message of advocacy has been to educate people about agriculture and bridge the knowledge gap. However, I agree with Mr. Daniel that instead of overwhelming consumers with technical research and scientific details, we should focus on presenting their options for food and fiber in a way that allows them to make informed choices. In meat science and the cattle industry, there is a lot of consumer backlash and misinformation surrounding beef. Rather than preaching the technical aspects of the industry, we should focus on providing clear information about their choices and allowing them to form their own educated opinions.
One of the biggest differences between Austin and Washington, DC, was the pace of legislation. The federal government operates year-round, with continuous legislative cycles, and policy feels like it moves much slower. On the other hand, Texas’s legislature has to create policy for the next two years and get work done, creating a much faster-paced environment where decisions must be made quickly.
No Comments