Regents approve new degree programs, housing and meal rates, insurance authority, bond resolution and three honorary degrees

The Texas State University System Board of Regents approved a package of academic program authorizations, student housing and meal-rate schedules, an insurance delegation, a supplemental bond resolution and three honorary degrees during its Feb. 13, 2025, meeting in Austin.

The actions, moved and presented in committee reports and then brought to the full board, affect several component institutions and fiscal matters that will take effect in fall 2025 or in the 2025–26 policy year.

Why it matters: The approvals expand program offerings across the system, set fees students will face in residence halls and meal plans for fall 2025, delegate short-term insurance authority to system leadership for the 2025–26 policy year, and authorize financing steps for system capital needs. The board also used the meeting to honor three individuals with honorary degrees.

Most important board actions and outcomes

- Academic program authorizations: Regent Gordy, chair of the Academic and Health Affairs Committee, moved multiple degree authorizations to take effect fall 2025 and the motions were approved by the board. Among the items the board authorized were: Lamar University to offer a Bachelor of Arts in education (non‑certification) and a Bachelor of Science in leadership studies; Sam Houston State University to offer a Master of Health Administration and a Master of Science in engineering technology and management and to modify undergraduate English‑language proficiency requirements for international students as outlined in agenda item 2(e); Sul Ross State University (transcript: “Saint Ross/Sol Raul”) to offer a Bachelor of Business Administration in global management, a BBA…