University Pushes Several Legislative Priorities Forward

By: Maya Tinajero, Skyline Editor  

ALPINE – On Aug. 20 University President Carlos Hernandez drafted a formal request to Democrat Sen. César Blanco requesting funds for six exceptional item requests. 

“Continued investment from the state plays a vital role in ensuring SRSU can deliver an exceptional, affordable education to the students and communities we serve,” wrote President Hernandez in a letter to Sen. Blanco.  

The request follows the $10 million funding loss from the Department of Education, as well as 7% across-the-board budget cuts quietly implemented last spring.  

The exceptional items range from funding to support the expansion of the Borderlands Research Institute to student success initiatives at the Alpine campus.  

• Borderlands Research Institute  $25 million one-time capital request 

• Student Success Initiatives  $3 million biennium  

• Sul Ross State University Law Enforcement Academy $3 million biennium  

• CCAP (For the renovation, modernization, and expansion of the Agriculture Life and Physical Sciences facilities on the Alpine campus) $75 million  

• International (RGC) (Construction of second academic building and learning commons at the Eagle Pass campus)  $150 million  

The Senate Committee on Education will meet on Oct. 6, while the regular session will begin on Jan. 12, 2027.