August 12, 2011

Andy Staples

For the second straight year, a university's flirtation with another conference has become a political football in Texas.

The Higher Education Committee of the state's House of Representatives has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, Aug. 16. The intentionally nebulous topic: "...to discuss matters pertaining to higher education, including collegiate athletics." Translation: Will Texas A&M leave the Big 12 for the SEC? And what does that mean for the rest of the schools in the state?

"This is to make sure the legislature has a chance to ask questions about whether any conference move is in the best interests of the state of Texas," said committee chair Dan Branch (R-Dallas). Branch said the meeting might not even be necessary, but if it is, he "would anticipate hearing from A&M and possibly the SEC." Wednesday, Texas A&M did nothing to dispel talk of a move when it released this statement: "President (R. Bowen) Loftin is committed to doing what is best for Texas A&M not only now, but also into the future," the statement said. "We continue to have wide-ranging conversations regarding all aspects of the university, including both academics and athletics."

August 9, 2011

Kelly Bell

With the support of Higher Education Chairs Senator Judith Zaffirini and Representative Dan Branch, Governor Rick Perry has announced the establishment of a subsidiary of Western Governors University (WGU) — WGU-Texas.  This will be a fully accredited, nationally recognized, nonprofit educational facility.

WGU-Texas will provide students a flexible yet prestigious alternative that they can afford when seeking higher education degrees.  Perry also inked a Memorandum of Understanding to further the state government’s hands-on support of this new school.  The governor is upbeat on the college’s potential, positive impact on the education of young Texans.

“Earning a college degree is one of the most effective ways for individuals to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families,” he said.  “By offering online, competency-based courses in key workforce areas, WGU-Texas provides another flexible, affordable way for Texans to fulfill their potential and contribute their talents for years and decades to come without any need for state funding.  Our strengthened collaboration with WGU plays an important role in the effort to insure Texas has an equipped workforce to meet the needs of job creators.”

August 4, 2011

Ross Ramsey and Ryan Murphy

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has been at the top of the cash list in Texas politics for so long that it's not really that newsy any more. The incumbent Republican, who's got a run for governor in his sights if Rick Perry moves along, got to the end of June with $10.4 million in the bank.

He had more money than any other candidate — or any of the state's big political action committees. Among the candidates, Comptroller Susan Combs reached mid-year with $5.4 million in her accounts, followed by Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, at $4.8 million; House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, $2.6 million; and Perry, $2.1 million. Another 13 politicians — all but one of them (former state Rep. Steve Wolens, D-Dallas) still in office — had at least $1 million on hand as of June 30. In all, 18 candidates had at least $1 million cash on hand.

August 4, 2011

Reeve Hamilton, The Texas Tribune

Higher education leaders in Texas have been pushing for more pathways to college degees for Texas. Today, Gov. Rick Perry, along with higher education committee chairs Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, announced a new one: Western Governors University Texas.

The Texas Tribune

Higher education leaders in Texas have been pushing for more pathways to college degees for Texas. Today, Gov. Rick Perry, along with higher education committee chairs Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, announced a new one: Western Governors University Texas.

"Earning a college degree is one of the most effective ways for individuals to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families," Perry said in a statement.

August 3, 2011

Ralph K.M. Haurwitz

Gov. Rick Perry said today that the state is establishing a Texas branch of Western Governors University, a nonprofit, online university that specializes in bachelor’s and master’s degrees for working students.

A news release from the governor’s office said WGU Texas, as the institution is known, is being created through Executive Order RP 75, which calls on state agencies to work cooperatively with WGU to set it up.

“By offering online, competency-based courses in key workforce areas, WGU Texas provides another flexible, affordable way for Texans to fulfill their potential and contribute their talents for years and decades to come, without any need for state funding,” Perry said in a statement.

The news release said the governor also signed a memorandum of understanding with WGU, which was founded in 1997 by governors of 19 states, including Texas.

August 3, 2011

Sandra Zaragoza

Gov. Rick Perry, along with higher education chairs Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Rep. Dan Branch, unveiled on Wednesday the creation of WGU Texas, a nonprofit university.

WGU Texas is a subsidiary of Western Governors University, which is an accredited nonprofit university serving working adults through online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the areas of business, information technology, education and health professions.

“WGU Texas will offer an affordable and flexible alternative for Texans seeking a higher education degree,” a press release said.

WGU Texas is being created through Executive Order RP 75, which calls on state agencies to work cooperatively with WGU toward the creation and establishment of WGU Texas. The university will not receive state funding.

August 3, 2011

Peggy Fikac

Gov. Rick Perry, who has called for a more affordable college diploma, today announced the establishment of a new online university as a way for Texans to get one.

WGU University is a subsidiary of Western Governors University, which was founded in 1997 by the governors of 19 states including Texas, Perry’s office said.

“Earning a college degree is one of the most effective ways for individuals to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families,” Gov. Perry said in a statement. “By offering online, competency-based courses in key workforce areas, WGU Texas provides another flexible, affordable way for Texans to fulfill their potential and contribute their talents for years and decades to come, without any need for state funding.”

August 3, 2011

Reeve Hamilton

Higher education leaders in Texas have been pushing for more pathways to college degees for Texas. Today, Gov. Rick Perry, along with higher education committee chairs Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, and Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, announced a new one: Western Governors University Texas.

"Earning a college degree is one of the most effective ways for individuals to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families," Perry said in a statement.

Rep. Dan Branch (R-Dallas) welcomed visitors to Victory Plaza in Downtown Dallas for the Oncor "Biggest energy Saver Contest".  Branch was joined by fellow legislators Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas) and Rep. Eric Johnson (D-Dallas).