The Current

In the 42nd episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Cynthia Hernandez, vice president for student success at TXST. They discuss her changing majors four times from aerospace engineering to graduating with an animal science degree, discovering her passion for helping students in higher education, how students contribute to the university, and how TXST helps students succeed and graduate on time. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 41st episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to alumnus Yeremi Hykel, reality television competitor, endurance athlete, and signed model. They discuss him serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, his TXST journey through the McCoy College of Business, and the experience of competing on The Amazing Race and The Challenge. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 40th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Don Coryell, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics and director of Athletics at TXST. They discuss his upbringing through sports, how he became the director of Athletics at TXST, why the university joined the Pac-12 Conference, and what the move means for both athletics and academics. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 39th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Carmen Westerberg, psychology professor and chair of the Alliance of Researchers in Aging at TXST. They discuss her academic journey in Minnesota, how she became interested in sleep research as it relates to memory, how memories change and consolidate when we sleep, and tips for how to get better sleep. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 38th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Richard Robichaux, professor of acting and actor. They discuss when he discovered that he wanted to be an actor, the impact that education had on his life, the excellence of TXST’s School of Theatre, Dance, and Film, and his vast career acting in television and film. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 37th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to alumnus Tom Madden, board of directors, Texas State Alumni Association. They discuss his decision to attend TXST from passing through San Marcos on his family vacations at Canyon Lake, his two careers in the oil and livestock industries, his massive collection of TXST memorabilia, and why he continues to support Bobcat student-athletes. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 36th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to alumna Dr. Joann Doering Zadrozny, research associate in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. They discuss her enrolling at TXST for graduate school due to the reputation of the geography department, why she is so passionate about geography education, and her focus on Powerful Geography to help reshape how geography is taught, learned, and applied in the real world. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 35th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to alumnus Nathan McDaniel, chief of staff for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. They discuss why he chose TXST over his other college options, how getting involved with student organizations helped shape the person he is today, and everything he’s doing to stay involved with the university far after graduation. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 34th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Kate Spradley, professor in the Department of Anthropology and director of Operation Identification (OpID) at Texas State University. They discuss why she went into the anthropology field, what happens at the Forensic Anthropology Center (body farm), and the importance of creating OpID to facilitate the identification and repatriation of unidentified human remains along the South Texas border. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 33rd episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to students Chuck Harris, Sully Allen, and Aleah White during a panel hosted at the annual State of TXST address. They discuss what it’s like being a student at TXST, what they are grateful for at the university, what inspires them to continue their education, what they would like faculty to know about them, and more. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 32nd episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Julie Lessiter, inaugural vice president for Texas State University’s Round Rock Campus. They discuss her growing up in England, why she wanted to join TXST after her time in Louisiana, and what she and her team are doing to grow the Round Rock Campus’ partnerships, infrastructure, and enrollment. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 31st episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Zayna Abdel-Rahim and Sebastian Velez, two students in the inaugural Phi Beta Kappa class at Texas State University. They discuss where they grew up, what they are achieving as Bobcats, how it feels to be part of the Phi Beta Kappa inaugural class, and their experience being in the Honors College. Learn more about Phi Beta Kappa with Dean Dr. Heather Galloway and Dr. Bryan Glass on episode six of The Current. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 30th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Ryan Penlerick, professor of practice and program director for the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Program, and Claire Puckett, a CIM major projected to graduate in May 2028. They discuss where they grew up and how they became interested in the construction industry, the creation of the CIM Program, and how the program sets up students for a successful career after graduation. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 29th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Shreekanth (Shreek) Mandayam, vice president for research at Texas State University. They discuss him growing up in remote parts of Southern India, following in his aunt’s footsteps to get his education in the United States, how TXST will achieve Research-1 (R1) Carnegie classification by 2027, and what the designation means for the university. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 28th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to friends and alumni Scott Irvine, president and managing partner of abip CPAs & Advisors, and Rich Stiehler, founder of Creative Visions Landscaping. They discuss their favorite memories of being on campus, how they met each other through Greek life and became friends, opening their own businesses, and the story of buying the local-favorite Grins Restaurant. TXST Athletics also recently announced a pair of $2 million gifts from alumni Scott and Lynda Irvine and Chris and Shannon Rasmussen in support of the $16 million transformation of the university's baseball and softball facilities. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 27th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Teresa Gould, commissioner of the Pac-12 Conference. They discuss how family trips to Iowa State University football games introduced her to the world of college athletics, landing an NCAA grant to intern for a Division I conference in Indianapolis that led to a career in athletics, and how she became the commissioner of the Pac-12 Conference. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 26th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Eric Algoe, executive vice president for operations and chief financial officer at Texas State University. They discuss his changing career path and how it led to TXST, the process of creating the new 2025-2035 Campus Master Plan, and all of the exciting changes coming to the university over the next decade. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 25th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Pranesh Aswath, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Texas State University. They discuss his childhood while growing up in India, why his father was the driving force behind him pursuing a career in higher education, his passion for research, and how the university is creating meaningful opportunities for students. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 24th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to alum Katie Krupinski, Planters “Peanutter” and driver of the Planters NUTmobile. They discuss her time in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, finding her place at TXST through student organizations, how she landed her job with Planters, and the experience of traveling around the country in the Planters NUTmobile. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 23rd episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Jaymi Elsass, associate professor of instruction in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology. They discuss her academic journey leading up to joining TXST, her research on the moral panic surrounding mass shootings, and the creation of the TXST Cold Case Team with the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 22nd episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Michael O’Malley, dean of the College of Education and professor of Educational and Community Leadership. They discuss how he changed academic paths and landed on education, his journey of becoming a dean, and how the university is preparing the next generation of teachers in Texas and across the country. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 21st episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to his daughter, Dr. Kristen Howell, assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Texas A&M University. They discuss how she changed paths from medical school to epidemiology, the passion she’s had for cancer research throughout her life, and her journey of being a breast cancer patient. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 20th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Selina Lloyd, director of the Texas State Strutters. They discuss how her dream of being a teacher morphed into a dance instructor and how they’re similar, the ins and outs of being a Strutter, and the rich history of the world-renowned dance team. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 19th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Ray Rogers, director of TXST’s Career Services. They discuss how he found his way to the university after spending time at other institutions, how the Career Services staff helps students get their careers started while at TXST and after they graduate, and the importance of being part of an internship. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 18th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks to Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, chancellor for Austin Community College District. They discuss his journey into a career in higher education, his love for working with community college students and advocating for them, and the Bats to Cats guaranteed transfer program between TXST and ACC. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In this bonus episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with GJ Kinne, head coach of the TXST Bobcats football team. They discuss his playing career from high school through the NFL, how his journey led him to wanting to be a head coach, hitting the ground running once he got to San Marcos, and his favorite moments from the recent success of the football team. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 17th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with students Raven Griffin, president of the Bobcat Belles, and Kaison Ward, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Black Presidents’ Council. They discuss the similarities and differences between student organizations and academic student organizations, how to get involved with student organizations, and why Bobcats should join one that interests them. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 16th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with alum Chase Katz and brother Seth Katz, the duo behind popular eateries in San Marcos, including Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery, Zelicks Icehouse, Pie Society, and North Street Curry Shop. President Damphousse and the Katz Brothers discuss why Chase decided to stay in San Marcos after graduating, how Seth discovered his passion for hospitality, how an idea for a burger joint morphed into Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery, and their passion for Bobcat Athletics. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 15th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with alum Dr. Abel Guevara III, an accomplished healthcare executive and member of the Texas State University Alumni Association Board of Directors. They discuss why he applied to be on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, the Health Information Management Program at TXST, and his experience waving the TXST OMG Flag at ESPN’s College GameDay in Austin, TX in Fall 2024. For those interested in waving the TXST OMG Flag at ESPN's College GameDay can fill out the volunteer interest form on the alumni website. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 14th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with artist and activist Matthew Mazzotta. They discuss how he became interested in the intersection of public art and activism, some of his most-known pieces, and how he created the recently installed public art piece at TXST, “Local Habitat” (also known as the Sleeping Bobcat). President Damphousse also talks with Nisa Barger, director of public art for the Texas State University System. They discuss her career leading to her current director position, the art pieces on the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses, and the importance of public art on university campuses. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In this bonus episode of The Current, Athletics Announcer Brant Freeman talks with President Kelly Damphousse and Athletics Director Don Coryell about Texas State University joining the Pac-12 Conference. They discuss why the decision to change conferences was made, what joining the Pac-12 Conference means for the university, and how this milestone propels TXST Athletics to the national stage. Would you like to submit a question for President Damphousse to address on his podcast, The Current? Simply fill out this online form.

In the 13th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with Dr. Michael Cardona, San Marcos Consolidated ISD superintendent. They discuss his changing interests while in college, how he landed on pursuing education administration, the new dual credit program with TXST and San Marcos CISD, and the importance of mentorship. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 12th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with Jack Martin, TXST Distinguished Alumnus and thought leader in communications, politics, and business. They discuss how he became interested in politics while running for Student Senate at TXST, meeting LBJ during his visits to campus, his time as a Regent, and his support of the Jack Martin President’s Leadership Class Scholars. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 11th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with Dr. Christine Norton, professor in the School of Social Work. They discuss why she entered the field of social work, her path to becoming a professor at TXST, her work with outdoor behavioral therapy, and the creation of the Foster Alumni Creating Educational Success (FACES) program. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the 10th episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with Richard Castro, Texas State Distinguished Alumnus, philanthropist, and civic leader. They discuss his family’s journey from Mexico to starting a neighborhood schoolhouse in Del Rio, why he chose to attend TXST, how he became a successful McDonalds franchisee, and why he continues to give back to help TXST students succeed. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the ninth episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with Steven Trout, head coach of Bobcat Baseball. They discuss his unique story to becoming head coach of the baseball team, his days of playing ball after graduating from college, how his style of coaching differs from others, and upcoming improvements to Bobcat Ballpark. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the eighth episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with Nathali Weisman, co-owner and CEO of KLP Construction Supply and TXST alum. They discuss her days as a student-athlete, the story behind changing the spelling of her first name, her interest in the construction supply industry, and supporting Bobcat football with the new Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center at UFCU Stadium. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the seventh episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with Brian McCoy, chairman of the board of McCoy's Building Supply and chairman of the McCoy College of Business Development Foundation. They discuss his family’s journey from Galveston to San Marcos after Hurricane Carla in 1961, how he made his way up through the family business, and the establishment of the Emmett and Miriam McCoy College of Business and the McCoy College of Business Development Foundation. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the sixth episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with Honors College Dean Dr. Heather Galloway and Professor of Instruction Dr. Bryan Glass about their TXST journeys, the years-long process of becoming a Phi Beta Kappa university, and what it means for TXST to now have a chapter of the oldest academic honor society in the United States. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the fifth episode of The Current, President Damphousse talks with students Alexa Zavala, education major, and Sage Drinkard, digital media innovation major, about why they chose to attend TXST as first-generation students, the resources and programs TXST has for first-generation students, and how new students can set themselves up for success. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the fourth episode of The Current, Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse talks with Richard Garcia, Distinguished Alumnus (‘75) and former FBI agent, about his decision to go to TXST as a first-generation student, how his college journey differed from other students, and why he chose a career in law enforcement. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the third episode of The Current, Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse talks with Zenarae Antoine, head coach of the women’s basketball team (Coach Z), about her days of being a student-athlete in the 90s and how that experience led her to coaching at TXST, the current state of women’s sports, and how coaching and parenting can often times intertwine with each other. President Damphousse also talks with Hannah Rucker, daybreak traffic and news anchor at KVUE and TXST alum, about why she decided to pursue a degree in electronic media, how her professors helped shaped her professional development, and her passion to highlight children in the Texas foster care system in need of adoption with her weekly segment Forever Families. Beth and Kelly Damphousse started the Kelly and Beth Damphousse Educational Support Endowment, which provides financial stance beyond traditional tuition coverage, helping with essential needs like clothing, housing, and technology. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the second episode of The Current, Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse talks with Mark Updegrove, president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation and presidential historian for ABC News, about Lyndon Baines Johnson’s story, his ties to TXST, and his legacy as the 36th president of the United States. Updegrove’s upcoming book, Make Your Mark: Lessons in Character from Seven Presidents, releases April 15, 2025. President Damphousse also talks with TXST student Abby Garcia, mariachi music education major and social work minor, about playing mariachi music, her TXST journey, and appearing in the Netflix documentary Going Varsity in Mariachi. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, and States Up. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.

In the first episode of The Current, Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse talks with Squarin’ Around: A Texas State Sports Podcast hosts and alums Jakob Rodriguez (’20) and Andrew Zimmel (’20) about their college journey, starting a podcast, and TXST Athletics. Listen to new episodes of The Current every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, Enlighten Me, States Up, and Big Ideas. For questions or inquiries about the TXST Podcast Network, email podcasts@txstate.edu.