Higher Ed Coalition Expands Its Dream Team

By Rose Cahalan in Promote & Protect on June 30, 2011 at 3:23 pm | 7 Comments

The two-week-old Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education has announced 24 new founding members who will defend state universities in the face of controversial proposed reforms. The list of heavy-hitters from industry, academia, and public policy reads like a Texas Hall of Fame.

There’s Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, BBA ’77, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, and Texas Monthly founder Michael Levy, JD ’71, Life Member. Among the many politicians from both sides of the aisle are former Third Court of Appeals Chief Justice Marilyn Aboussie, JD ’73, Life Member, and former Texas Exes president and Huntsville mayor Jane Monday, BS ’63, Life Member, Distinguished Alumna.

Texas A&M University is also well-represented by former A&M president and system chancellor William H. Mobley, as well as former chancellor Perry L. Adkisson.

In a press release from the coalition, Gary Kelly said, “Both UT and A&M are world-class leading universities. Both bring not only immense pride to our state, but top-notch talent, economic development, and much-desired jobs. The world faces much uncertainty, as does our nation. Our nation will have to work hard to retain, much less improve, our competitive position in the world. We need government, universities and private business working together.”

See the full list of founding members and learn more about the coalition here.

Gary Kelly photo courtesy Southwest Airlines

Tags: Texas Coalition for Excellence in Higher Education