SHPE - Spring 2009 - (Page 21)

who competed in the NSF Graduate Fellowship Program left the state in pursuit of a graduate degree. “If we want to attract high-tech industries to Texas, we must be able to offer a highly educated work force,” Dr. Murano said. “The economic growth of the state depends on students completing their doctorates in Texas universities and then building, maintaining and growing successful business and research programs in the state.” Attracting high-achieving minority students is also important to Dr. Murano. The Class of 2012 includes the highest number of Hispanic and African American freshmen in the university’s history; yet, their consistent underrepresentation, says Dr. Murano, is directly related to the small pool of candidates from which they are drawn. To enlarge that pool, Texas A&M will place counselors at select high schools to help students apply to and transition into college. It will also commission a tour bus to visit major urban and remote rural areas and inform youths on the benefits of a college degree. Another goal is for 25 percent of students to have an international experience prior to graduation and to incorporate such experiences into every curriculum so that students are prepared to thrive in the global economy. “We must find ways for them to develop skills in another culture and to collaborate with colleagues from other countries,” Dr. Murano said. It comes as no surprise that economic accessibility to higher education is included in the strategy. In fact, last year’s tuition increases were held to $7.25 per credit hour, significantly lower than the $10-$16 originally proposed. Last fall, Dr. Murano also announced a new program beginning with the Class of 2012. Incoming freshmen who come from families with a household income of less than $60,000 will have the cost of tuition covered as long as they maintain a 2.5 grade point average. Similar programs at this income level have since been launched at the University of Texas at Arlington and across the University of California system. Obviously, reaching these ambitious goals within the next 11 years will require tremendous collaboration and “enlightened governance.” “As a scientist, I always like to have as much data as I can obtain before making a decision,” Dr. Murano explained. “This enables me to remove emotions from situations and make decisions based solely on the facts in front of me.” She recently formed an advisory council which will enable a cohesive effort www.SHPE.org ❘ Spring 2009 among various university leaders. It will involve working with the A&M Foundation on philanthropic initiatives to enhance fellowships for graduate students, scholarships for a variety of undergraduate programs and special support for international experiences. She will also draw on support from the Texas Legislature. “We will need the continual help of the state so that as costs of doing business increase, our expenses will be able to be met without burdening our students and their families,” she added. An “eternal optimist,” Dr. Murano is confident that all stakeholders will rise to fulfill Texas A&M’s Vision 2020. She is humbled by the opportunity to lead the university to top 10, or even number one, and to set a model of excellence for other universities to emulate. “Having a woman as president of Texas A&M is a tangible symbol that this university is about progress and opportunity,” she said. ■ 21 http://www.pbsj.com http://www.pbsj.com http://www.SHPE.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHPE - Spring 2009

SHPE - Spring 2009 Contents President’s Letter A Letter from the CEO Calendar Browser Diana Gomez, SHPE: The People's President Grace Lieblein, GM: A Driving Force in Mexico Dr. Elsa Murano, Texas A&M: Education with Impact Regions Connect and Explore Common Base 'Learn by Doing' A Grad Degree, for Free? Programs & Services Think, Pair, Share: Partnering to Increase STEM Awareness Inner Circle Employer Profiles STAR Awards: Call for Nominations Regional Roundup

SHPE - Spring 2009

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