AUSTIN, Texas — Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez has filed a bill concerning Sul Ross State University.
Senate Bill 522 would move Sul Ross and its Rio Grande College from the Texas State University System to the Texas A&M University System.
"After speaking with the community at length and having thoroughly researched Angelo State University’s vast improvement after joining the Texas Tech University System, moving Sul Ross State University is the right decision for the institution, the students and faculty, and both Alpine and West Texas as a whole," Gutierrez said.
According to a press release by Gutierrez's office, both Sul Ross and the Rio Grande colleges have been experiencing declining enrollment numbers, with a decline of roughly 20% since 2009.
This is compared to Angelo State University's enrollment jumping nearly 4,000 students from 2010 to 2019.
The senator also states that the A&M University system is known for "rehabilitating and improving institutions".
"I have the utmost confidence that this will give Sul Ross State University and Rio Grande Colleges the stimulus we need for these institutions to grow and prosper," Gutierrez said.
NewsWest 9 spoke to Pete Gallegos, the President of the Sul Ross University System about the matter. He tells us the university wasn't even aware of the proposal until they heard about the bill being filed.
"I will tell you no one here on the campus, on any of our campuses, whether they be administrators or faculty or students, no one had the opportunity to review the bill or comment on the bill before it was filed," Gallegos said.
He also denied the claims that enrollment at the universities was down.
"I will tell you, however, Alpine's enrollment has been pretty stable. Actually, the enrollment in Del Rio and Eagle Pass, and Uvalde has been up for a period of time. So, the campuses along the border we've actually seen increases of enrollment," Gallegos said.
Gallegos said as state employees they're not allowed to take a position on legislation one way or the other, and they'll follow whatever the legislature asks.
We also spoke to Sen. Gutierrez, who said he has been campaigning for this change for about four years.
"I've seen what happens when Texas A&M takes over schools. The fact is they have a much bigger endowment. They have much more degree plans to offer. I think quite frankly, it's a much better fit for the community. This isn't about personalities, this about making sure that we make the right moves for our children," Gutierrez said.
The senator says after speaking to community members, most of them seem in favor of the change.
While he says he would like to see something done with this in the next 45 days, it has a long way to go before it could end up on Governor Abbott's desk.