Kelly Damphousse was a Canadian with dreams of playing in the NHL, who then became a correctional officer—four-year college was never part of the original plan. Now he’s president of one of the largest universities in Texas. In this episode, he explains how he plans to take Texas State University to the next level of research excellence and explores why new funding for higher education can help raise the bar for some colleges in his state. Before that conversation, Jon and Mushtaq dive into debt ceiling woes and concerns over anti-DEI legislation in Florida.

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Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

Introduction:

Yellen Reiterates That the U.S. Could Run Out of Cash by June 1 The New York Times (sub. req.) | May 15, 2023

House G.O.P. Passes Debt Limit Bill, Paving the Way for a Clash With Biden The New York Times (sub. req.) | April 26, 2023

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs a Bill Banning Dei Initiatives in Public Colleges NPR | May 15, 2023

Interview:

Texas State University’s Run To R1

A New Fund, Called the TUF, Could Boost Research on Four University Campuses Spectrum News 1 | April 13, 2023

Leveling the Playing Field in Texas Inside Higher Ed | April 20, 2023