Powers to keep job as president of University of Texas at Austin

Regents take no action; Cigarroa's recommendation 'in best interest of university'

No one sang "Kumbaya" when it was all said and done, but The University of Texas at Austin's President William Powers, Jr. (pictured) will apparently keep his job...for now...and if he chooses to stay.

The University of Texas System Board of Regents met Thursday in executive session to address the agenda item regarding the "employment of William C. Powers, Jr., as President of The University of Texas at Austin." It's been no love-fest between Powers and the regents in recent years. Some members of the regents have not been timid in their criticism of Powers, who was named the 28th president of the System's flagship university in 2006. Others accused Powers' detractors - particularly one member of the regents who is facing possible impeachment by a legislative committee for allegedly using his position to force Powers out - of a "witch hunt" to try to remove him from his post.

The controversy escalated to the point that some members of the Texas Senate, among them long-time UT backer Sen. Judith Zaffirini, who in the past chaired the Senate Committee on Higher Education and was vice chair of the budget-writing Senate Finance Committee, practically dared regents to fire Powers. And before three new or reappointed members of the Board of Regents were confirmed by the Senate, they all said under questioning by lawmakers that they would not fire Powers unless that action was recommended by the System's chancellor.

Chancellor Franciso Cigarroa's recommendation came Thursday following the closed-door meeting. He admitted that relations at times have been strained between UT and the UT System administration, but also said Powers continuing as president of UT was "in the best interest of the university."

But, Cigarroa also said the university and administration must continue to work toward creating respect for each other and continue efforts to rebuild trust.

"There are problems," said Cigarroa of the tension between Powers and the System administration. "I've addressed these problems. And, it is my full expectation that President Powers and I will work toward resolving them."

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New merged UT System universities named UT-Rio Grande Valley

It's official! The South Texas university that will merge The University of Texas Pan American and The University of Texas at Brownsville has a new name - The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.

Regents for The University of Texas System Thursday voted on the new name from nearly a half-dozen potential names. Among those suggested were UT-South, UT for the Americas, UT-International and UT-Las Americas. UT System Chancellor Franciso Cigarroa previously stated that the name chosen would be based on the most descriptive and popular recommendation for the South Texas institution.

The moniker UT-Rio Grande Valley was the most popular name among members of the public, according to UT System officials. Coming in as second most popular was UT-South.

The university expects to name its first president early next year. Once the new president is named, he or she will choose the logo and school colors, with input from students and residents of the Valley. UT System rules that the school color must have a shade of orange.

Combs predicts 'slow, steady expansion' of state's economy

"The most likely scenario for our state during the 2014-15 biennium continues to be one of slow, steady expansion," wrote State Comptroller Susan Combs in a letter this week to the state's leadership and members of the Texas Legislature. Her comments were part of her report with detailed information for the revenue estimate Combs used to certify the state budget for 2014-15 and other appropriation bills passed during the last session of the legislature.

Based on collections and disbursements through the end of the fiscal year on Aug. 31, Combs said the state will have $98.89 billion in General Revenue-related funds available for appropriations in the 2014-15 biennium. With General Revenue spending for the biennium set at $96.31 billion, the comptroller said the state will have a budget surplus of $2.58 billion, nearly double what she had previously predicted.

Combs said the state has recovered 100 percent of the jobs it lost during the recession. She said the Texas unemployment rate is currently at 6.2 percent and "continuing to slowly recede." Combs also noted that the oil and gas industry growth in the state "figured prominently in the state's economic and fiscal fortunes these past few years." That continued growth and activity was a major contributor to the $2.51 billion that was transferred to the state's rainy day fund. She added that she expects a rainy day fund balance of $8.07 billion at the end of the 2014-15 biennium.

Texas A&M plans to announce interim president on Saturday

Rumors are flying around the campus of Texas A&M University as the TAMU System Regents prepare to Saturday name an interim president of the university. The interim president will take over for current President R. Bowen Loftin, who is leaving the College Station campus to become chancellor of the University of Missouri. Loftin's final day at A&M will be Jan. 13, 2014.

The Bryan-College Station Eagle reported that there are two major contenders for the job - Guy Diedrich, the TAMU System's vice chancellor for strategic initiatives, and Mark Hussey, the system's vice chancellor and the university's dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Diedrich is a friend of Gov. Rick Perry, whose office issued a statement that said, "While the decision is ultimately up to the chancellor and board of regents, the governor believes Guy Diedrich is a qualified candidate with a vision for the future of Texas A&M."

Five new canine teams graduate from training, join DPS forces

Five troopers and their dogs have graduated from an eight-week training program and are now new canine teams with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

They join 39 other DPS teams that are stationed throughout the state. The teams include six that are stationed in Austin and are experts in explosives detection.

The recently graduated dogs include two Labrador Retrievers, two Belgian Malinois and one Portuguese Water Dog that will all be used for drug detection.

A Labrador/Border Collie mix also graduated, and will be assigned to an existing handler. The dogs come from private individuals, shelters, rescue groups and the U.S. Department of Defense.

In 2012, DPS canine teams assisted in the seizure of approximately 22,000 pounds of marijuana, 535 pounds of cocaine, 69 pounds of heroin, 198 pounds of methamphetamine, 26 pounds of other drugs and $11.2 million in cash.

Monica Martinez appointed as TEA associate commissioner

Monica Martinez is the newest associate commissioner at the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Martinez was recently appointed by Commissioner of Education Michael Williams as Associate Commissioner for Standards and Educational Technology. She will oversee the TEA department that includes division areas related to Curriculum, Instructional Materials and Educational Technology and Federal and State Education Policy.

Martinez has been an employee of TEA since 2004, and has been in charge since September on an interim basis of the department she will now head. While at the agency, she has held a variety of positions, including curriculum director, policy director and managing director within the Standards and Programs Department.  Martinez earned an undergraduate degree from Brown University and a master's degree in Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin.

Smatresk named president of University of North Texas

After having been named the lone finalist for president of the University of North Texas on Nov. 20, Dr. Neal Smatresk (pictured) was officially named president this week by the UNT System Board of Regents. He will succeed V. Lane Rawlins, who has announced that he will retire at the end of 2013. Smatresk will take over the reins on Feb. 3, 2014.

Smatresk comes to UNT after serving as president of the University of Nevada Las Vegas for four years. At UNT, he will seek to build stronger community partnerships and strengthen the university's research, scholarship and artistic endeavors while expanding the quality of the university's student body and faculty.

Smatresk spent the first 25 years of his higher education career at The University of Texas at Arlington, serving as a faculty member and chair of biology and dean of science. He was also the chief academic officer for the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The new UNT president holds a bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College, a master's from State University of New York at Buffalo and a Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin. He also did post-doctoral work at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Texas sales tax revenue increases for 44th consecutive month

Sales tax revenues in Texas continue to climb - and for 44 consecutive months. Texas Comptroller Susan Combs this week announced that sales tax revenue in November was $2.41 billion, up 2.8 percent over figures for last November. The sales tax figures represent October sales.

Combs described the growth as being "a moderate pace," aided by increases in wholesale trade and the services and restaurant industries. As a result, cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts will share $579.6 million in tax allocations for December, up 5 percent over December of last year.

Included are $377.1 million to be shared by cities, up 4.5 percent from December 2012; $38.2 million to be shared by counties, up 26 percent over last year's figures; $131.3 million to be shared by transit systems, a 4.8 percent increase over December of last year; and $33 million to be shared by special purpose taxing districts, up 13.8 percent for the same month last year. The allocations may be viewed by both cities and counties.

Former CPRIT chief commercialization officer indicted

Jerald "Jerry" Cobb, former chief commercialization officer for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), has been indicted on a state jail felony charge for his role in an $11 million grant being issued by the agency to a Dallas-based firm, Peleton, without the grant application undergoing the required scientific or business review. Cobb is accused of deception in securing execution of the document. He resigned from CPRIT in November of last year. The indictment follows a criminal investigation into CPRIT that resulted in the reorganization of the agency. All grants were put on hold at that time and a new governing board was named. 

Barnes named TAMU vice president for business, controller

Doug Shaw selected as TWDB Ag/Rural Texas Ombudsman

Doug Shaw will rely on his early years on a farm to fulfill his new job as the Texas Water Development Board's (TWDB) first Agriculture and Rural Texas Ombudsman. Shaw has previously worked for TWDB in the water planning division since 2006. TWDB Executive Administrator Kevin Patteson said Shaw has worked extensively with rural and agricultural stakeholders regarding regional water planning and has helped educate many Texans about the agency's funding programs. "This knowledge of our agency, along with his understanding of rural Texans, makes him a perfect fit for this new position," said Patteson. Shaw holds bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural economics from Tarleton State University. 

Monroe to retire from Lamar State College-Port Arthur

A distinguished career covering nearly five decades with Lamar State College-Port Arthur will end Aug. 31, 2014, for President Dr. W. Sam Monroe (pictured). Monroe has served 39 of those 49 years as president of the college after succeeding his father, Madison Monroe, as president of Port Arthur College in 1974

Monroe joined Port Arthur College, which later became Lamar State College-Port Arthur, in 1965 as a staff announcer for the college-owned radio station. In 1973, after serving in various management posts at the station, Monroe was named executive vice president of the college. A year later, he succeeded his father as president. The longtime college president holds a bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University and a master's and honorary L.L.D. degree from Lamar University.

Nellis inaugurated as Texas Tech's new president

Texas Tech University this week inaugurated its new president, Dr. M. Duane Nellis (pictured). Nellis officially became the 16th president of the Lubbock university as Chancellor Kent Hance, members of the Tech faculty and staff and Peter McPherson, president of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, looked on. Interim Provost Lawrence Schovanec presided over the ceremony.

In his inaugural address, Nellis spoke about his vision for Texas Tech as a top research university and reflected on the school's West Texas setting. "As we know, at Texas Tech, from here it is possible, and as president, and with this firm foundation, I am committed to a new beginning; working with our outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to move Texas Tech to higher levels of national excellence," Nellis said. He outlined five key themes that Texas Tech should strive for: innovation, interdisciplinary research, student and community engagement, globalization and diversity. 

Finney selected to lead UNT Dallas human resources department

Human resources expert Gary Finney (pictured) has joined the University of North Texas at Dallas as the university's human resources director. He will succeed Warren Kennedy, who is retiring at the end of the year.

Finney comes to UNT Dallas with more than 20 years of human resources experience and has worked in a variety of industries. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce and is past president of the Texas A&M-Commerce alumni association. Finney holds a certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources and taught as adjunct faculty at Richland and Eastfield Colleges.

Georgetown approves $12.5M to help develop conference center

Georgetown City Council members recently approved $12.5 million as the city's share in a public-private partnership to help develop a proposed $64 million conference center with a 16,000-square foot ballroom, a seven-story hotel, a parking garage and a new park. The city funding is allotted to pay for the parking garage, the park and other infrastructure and transportation improvements needed for the proposed conference center complex.

Williamson County officials also agreed to contribute $11.7 million to the project developers, the Novak Brothers and Hines Georgetown Hotel, who also agreed to spend at least $3 million for improvements to infrastructure for the project, Summit at Rivery Park, expected be completed by the end of 2016.

In the agreement, the developers agreed to lease the parking garage from the city for 40 years, with an option to purchase the garage once the lease expires. City officials also will pay the county 50 percent of the1 percent general sales tax generated in the Rivery Park Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. It was created in 2007 to help fund the 32-acre conference center, hotel and park project. The project also is planned to include retail stores, restaurants and more than 200 apartments, including luxury apartments already under construction. 

Whigham will be first director of Paso del Norte Institute

After having served as research nutritionist in the Healthy Body Weight Research Unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in North Dakota, Leah Whigham, Ph.D. (pictured) is moving to Texas to become the inaugural executive director of the Paso del Norte Institute for Healthy Living (IHL).

A four-institution partnership including The University of Texas at El Paso, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston School of Public Health, Texas Tech Health Science Center-Paul L. Foster School of Medicine and the Paso del Norte Health Foundation helped establish the IHL.

Whigham holds a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in nutritional sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In conjunction with her position as the executive director of the Institute for Healthy Living, Whigham will hold an appointment as Research Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences at The University of Texas at El Paso and adjunct faculty appointments at The University of Texas School of Public Health and the Texas Tech University Health Science Center.

San Antonio city manager to merge four departments into two

In a move San Antonio City Manager Sheryl Sculley claims will improve service delivery and increase efficiency, Sculley plans to merge four city departments into two departments to oversee transportation, downtown development and neighborhood redevelopment.

Effective on Jan. 2, 2014, Mike Frisbie, director of the Capital Improvement Management Services (CIMS) and the city engineer, will head the newly merged CIMS and Public Works Department. Lori Houston, currently the director of Center City Development for the city, will head the Downtown Operations Department, comprised of the former Transportation and Capital Improvements Department, Sculley said.

The city manager also tapped Mike Etienne, now an assistant director in the CIMS department, to direct the EastPoint Programs, a $54 million redevelopment project for the east side of the city.

Public relations leader Hunter brings her skills to UH/UH System

The University of Houston and the UH System have hired Richie Hunter (pictured), a recognized leader in strategic marketing, brand development and communications and business strategy, to serve as associate vice president/associate vice chancellor for marketing and communications.

Hunter most recently was vice president of government programs for Coventry Health Care, where she was responsible for the development and implementation of all member experience, engagement, satisfaction and retention strategies. She also is a former chief marketing officer for Health Net Inc., was the staff vice president of marketing management for Well Point and has held several positions in higher education - from assistant director of admissions at the University of Houston to a field representative for student recruitment at Lamar University and a career planning specialist with American College Testing.

Hunter holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and a Master of Business Administration from Lamar University.

State invests $1.75M in TETF funds in Minimus Spine Inc.

The state recently invested $1.75 million from the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF) in Minimus Spine Inc. The company will use the funds to support its non-surgical lumbar disc herniation technology. The company is working with Texas A&M University to develop and commercialize this technology.

Minimus Spine is headquartered in Austin and is developing ozone injection technology for the treatment of spinal disorders related to herniated discs. It will use the state funding award to support commercialization of its TrioJection syringe cartridge that it is hoped will improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of spinal care related to unnecessary injections and surgeries.

"This funding will enable us to build upon the successes we have had this year, support our first clinical work in Europe and pave the way for future growth," said Minimus Spine founder and CEO David Hooper, Ph.D. 

After spending millions of dollars on maintenance costs for the 59-year-old county courthouse, Hidalgo County officials are looking at ways to build a new one. But, doing so without raising taxes is a major concern. Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia (pictured) said he is tired of seeing the county spending millions on the aging building.

The county is currently working with an architect to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the building. Garcia reminded that in 1954, the planning and construction of the current building was $1.6 million. He said the plans and specifications alone in the architectural and engineering phase cost about $1 million. Garcia said the plans for a new facility could be announced by next year.

TASB names Campbell to government relations position

Officials of the Texas Association of School Boards recently tapped Grover S. Campbell (pictured) as the associate executive director for governmental relations.

Most recently a principal in a legislative consulting company, Campbell also was a vice chancellor for the University of Houston System and a special assistant with The University of Texas System.

Campbell has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

Paul Illich selected as president of Nebraska community college

The board of governors of Southeast Community College in Nebraska recently selected Dr. Paul Illich (pictured) of McLennan Community College as the new president, pending final negotiations on his contract.

Currently, the vice president for research, planning and information technology at the Waco-based community college, Illich plans to begin his new job on July 1, 2014. He will replace the current president, who is retiring in June 2014.

Once on duty, he will oversee the three campuses in Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford, Nebraska, operated by the college.

Officials in the Marshall ISD recently participated in a discussion on school facilities and a possible bond election. Meeting with the district's architecture advisors, MISD's trustees heard a plan that calls for new elementary schools and a new junior high school. One elementary building proposed for construction on a new site carried a more than $16.7 million price tag.

Other plans called for using existing sites and building a new William B. Travis Elementary at a cost of more than $16.1 million, a new school at Price T. Young for more than $16.1 million and a new David Crockett Elementary that would cost more than $16.8 million. Another presentation called for building a new school at South Marshall Elementary and using the newest part of the school as part of the new campus, costing more than $17.8 million. A conversion of the Sam Houston school to a new elementary would cost more than $16.8 million. Cost of replacing the Marshall Junior High with a new 185,000-square-foot campus would be more than $38.2 million and would also include two practice fields, two tennis courts and a six-lane practice track with field amenities.

The final proposal was for renovations to Marshall High School, Maverick Stadium and Washington Early Childhood Center as well as a new agriculture facility and making the George Washington Carver school into an early childhood facility. The board, which would make the ultimate decision on the value of a bond election, has until Feb. 28 to decide if they want to call a bond election in May of next year.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD to form bond committee to study election

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District trustees recently agreed to appoint 50 community and staff members to a bond planning committee tasked with reviewing growth, security technology and transportation to determine whether to recommend a bond election in May 2014.

The district has not had a bond election since 2007 and the school-age population continues to grow by about 2,000 students annually, noted Superintendent Mark Henry (pictured). When the parents, community members and district staff on the bond committee begin meeting in January 2014, they will be a step ahead as district staff already assessed facilities needs which will most likely save time, Henry said. Committee members plan to make a recommendation on whether to approve a bond election prior to the deadline on Feb. 27, 2014, to schedule an election on May 2014.

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Denton approves $25 million for new convention center, hotel

Denton City Council members recently approved an agreement with a private developer allotting $25 million to help develop a $25 million, 100-square-foot convention center and $60 million, 300-room, full-service hotel with an adjacent restaurant. The agreement includes a "feasibility period" in which the city and the developer can decide to withdraw from the agreement before construction begins.

A public-private partnership, the new convention center complex is set to be built on 13.5 acres of land near the football stadium owned by the University of North Texas. Under the current agreement, a Missouri-based hotel management company has agreed to build and manage the hotel and restaurant. City officials also are seeking an agreement with Denton County commissioners and officials of Denton Independent School District concerning the use of property tax revenue expected from a proposed tax-increment reinvestment zone created to help fund the project.

City officials plan to seek construction bids for a guaranteed maximum price once preliminary designs are completed, and will then decide whether to issue $25 million in certificates of obligation to fund the convention center project. Once council approves the issue of debt to pay for the project, the decision to participate in the partnership is final, said Jon Fortune, an assistant city manager. 

Roanoke kicking off $4 million in capital upgrades

Roanoke City Council members recently approved $4 million to pay for several capital improvement projects, including $3.4 million in projects to extend and rebuild several roadways.

Current plans call for the road projects to include upgrades to drainage and adding new sidewalks along with curbs and gutters, noted City Manager Scott Campbell (pictured). Other projects include $500,000 for a feasibility study and preliminary design for a new city hall and a $50,000 water line improvement program. Construction on some of the proposed projects could begin in early 2014, Campbell said.

Harlandale ISD OKs $17 million in capital improvement projects

Harlandale Independent School District trustees recently agreed on a 16-month timeline to complete $17 million in capital improvement projects that include a new two-story, $12-million early college high school building and a new $830,220 vocational training facility. Board members are expected to decide soon on whether to ask voters to approve bonds in 2014 to pay for the proposed facility upgrades.

The proposed timeline will begin once a contract to begin construction is finalized, which could be late December or early 2014, said an attorney for the school district. Board members plan to hire a construction manager to oversee all three projects, including a $4.5 million project to add two health and science academies at two existing high schools, said Superintendent Rey Madrigal (pictured). Current plans call for construction of the new high school, two health and science academies and the building for training automotive technicians to be completed as early as April 2015, he said.

Grapevine OKs design for new $40 million public safety building

The Grapevine City Council recently approved architectural designs for a new $40 million public safety building funded by $70 million in bonds approved by voters in November 2012.

After requesting a more historic exterior to the first design for the 108,000-square-foot public safety building presented in May, council members approved the new design (as seen in accompanying artist's rendering) with a style similar to the look of buildings in the1880s to 1920s. Construction on the facility to house the police detention center, municipal court, fire department headquarters and law enforcement facilities is expected to begin in December 2014.

Voters also approved $30 million to pay for upgrades to the community activities center by adding 60,000 square feet to the recreation center to add space for a senior center, indoor swimming pool, game room, meeting rooms, multipurpose rooms and lockers.

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