Texas State University in San Marcos will host the first of four scheduled Presidential Debates next year.
The Commission on Presidential Debates announced today that Texas State will host the first in a series of four scheduled general election debates on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.
With the announcement, Texas State earns the distinction of being the first location in Texas to host a presidential debate. Texas State is also the only Texas university to claim a U.S. president as an alumnus. Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th president of the United States, graduated in 1930 with a bachelor of science in history with a teaching certificate.
“It’s fitting that the only university in Texas to graduate a U.S. president will be the first university in Texas to host a presidential debate,” said TSUS Chancellor Brian McCall. “This is an exciting time at Texas State, and we can’t wait to showcase our great university before a global audience.”
Founded in 1899, TXST is a national research university on the path to achieving Research 1 Carnegie classification by 2027. TXST’s student body – nearly 39,000 strong – closely mirrors the demographics of the state of Texas. Following President Johnson’s conviction that, “for the individual, education is the path to achievement and fulfillment,” TXST remains committed to serving first-generation students. Approximately 43% of the student body are the first in their families to attend college and TXST is a national leader in strategies and initiatives to enable their success.
“On behalf of our university community, TXST is honored to represent Texas on the international stage and to play a direct role in the nation’s democratic process,” said TXST President Kelly Damphousse. “It is especially fitting that TXST will host the debate as we celebrate our 125th year as an institution of higher learning. Supporting our students in becoming engaged global citizens is core to our TXST values and to our legacy. Our university will provide the perfect environment to debate and share ideas that will shape the future of our nation. Thank you to the CPD for giving TXST and our students this incredible opportunity.”