Texas State University is on its way to becoming a premier research institution

Texas State University is on track to become a top research institution as its officials aim for R1 Carnegie classification by 2027.

The R1 designation measures a university’s public and private sector investment in supporting research conducted by faculty and students.

Texas State is currently classified as an R2 university, but the R1 designation means Texas State has a reputation for research excellence, said Chief Research Officer Shreek Mandayam.

“It’s not about being better, it’s about being different,” Mandayam said.

The big picture

University faculty members receive grants from the state, federal government, or private sector to fund undergraduate and graduate student research. Researchers try to solve problems of interest to society, Mandayam said.

To receive an R1 designation, universities must have at least $50 million in research expenditures and earn an average of 70 doctoral degrees each year for three consecutive years, Mandayam said.

Texas State reached the $50 million mark in 2016 and continues to increase its research spending, investing $160 million in 2024. The 2024 reporting period was also the first year in which the university awarded over 70 doctoral degrees – a milestone that university officials say must continue over the next two years.

We [had] 71 this year and if we keep the momentum going, we will make it,” Mandayam said.

Although the University has met its initial criteria by receiving the R1 award, it must continue to invest in its new and existing doctoral programs.

The view

Mandayam said the university has invested $18 million in the existing thesis. Programs through fellowships, fellowships, and graduate student assistantships. Candidates.

Texas State has also invested $50 million in new graduate students. programs – which will double the amount offered next year.

Mark a milestone

The State of Texas’ Next is Now capital campaign, which ended August 31, aimed to achieve the R1 designation.

According to a press release, the campaign launched publicly in October 2021 and raised a total of over $275 million.

During the 88th Texas Legislature, legislators also passed the Texas University Fund (TUF), which provided for a constitutional amendment – ​​Proposition 5 – to be submitted to Texas voters in November 2023 to grant research universities.

Texas State was one of four universities to receive $1 billion in TUF funding to fund new graduate students. programs, recruit staff and provide teachers with the resources they need to receive federal grants, Mandayam said.

The effect

Mar Huertas Pau, associate professor of biology, said receiving R1 status as a designated Hispanic institution would help the university redouble its efforts in serving the Hispanic community.

Carlton Fong, associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, said the R1 classification would open up additional support, resources and opportunities.

He said it would also enable the university to attract and retain the best talent to help them continue to achieve their goals.

“We work to make education systems more equitable by maximizing the potential for all learners and educators, especially those who have been historically excluded or institutionally marginalized,” Fong said.

Looking ahead

Mandayam said he would like to quadruple the number of graduate students. programs that Texas State offers and will increase research spending by an additional 50% in the future.

The state of Texas will also focus on the semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability and water research, Mandayam said.

“We place great emphasis on the digital humanities and want to recruit scholars from across the country into the humanities,” he said.