Letter from the President: Building Texas Together

The University of Texas is built on generations of Longhorns. We come to the Forty Acres from different places. We learn and serve on campus through different moments in time. But all of us are lucky enough to call ourselves Texas Exes. And each of us has something special to contribute to the future of the place we love. 

Today, our University is thriving in every aspect of our mission. We are preparing our students to lead successful careers and live purposeful lives. We are the best research university in the world serving the needs of our state and nation. And we are trusted with more funding from the National Science Foundation than any other university. Longhorns ask big questions, solve great challenges, advance new technologies, and discover new cures. And we are changing the course of history with a new, first-of-its-kind academic medical center—a place that will apply all of our groundbreaking work directly to people’s health. We know we will transform individual lives and humanity at the same time. And we know this is just the beginning.

With each new generation of Longhorns, our strength continues to grow. The students in our classrooms today are learning to be citizens and leaders for tomorrow. New Texas Exes graduate in greater numbers each year, ready to make our world a better place. Student demand is at a record high. Faculty applications rise year after year. We are experiencing incredible momentum in this moment. But our task is never finished.

Together, we improve the lives of Texans and shape a better future for all. That mission requires our collective effort and a shared belief in what we can become. As Texas Exes, this is our call to answer. We are this University’s greatest strength. Our time and talents support the mission in endless and enduring ways. We celebrate Longhorn victories. We mentor Longhorn students. We improve our beloved campus. We carry a legacy forward.

Working alongside Arleas Upton Kea in my first year as President was a great honor and joy. I am deeply grateful for her service to the Texas Exes. And I know the future of our alumni association is bright.

When we work as one, we secure the future of our University for all Longhorns to come. Thank you for building Texas together.

Hook ’em!

Jim Davis, BA ’96, Life Member

PRESIDENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN