The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Nov. 20 the first presidential debate of four scheduled leading up to the general election will take place at the Texas State campus in San Marcos.
A closer look
Texas State will be the first location in Texas to host a presidential debate and is partnering with the city of San Marcos to organize the event. The university also has the distinction of being the only Texas university with a U.S. president as an alumni. The 36th U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson graduated in 1930 with a Bachelor of Science in history with a teaching certificate, according to information from the university.
“It’s fitting that the only university in Texas to graduate a U.S. president will be the first university in Texas to host a presidential debate,” said Brian McCall, Texas State University System chancellor. “This is an exciting time at Texas State, and we can’t wait to showcase our great university before a global audience.”
The specifics
Fundraising efforts for the event will be led by Jack Martin, chair of the Texas State Presidential Debate Committee, alumni and former chair of the TSUS board of regents.
“On behalf of our university community, Texas State is honored to represent Texas on the international stage and to play a direct role in the nation’s democratic process,” Texas State President Kelly Damphousse said. “It is especially fitting that Texas State will host the debate as we celebrate our 125th year as an institution of higher learning."
More information about Texas State and the presidential debate can be found at https://debate.txst.edu.
“Supporting our students in becoming engaged global citizens is core to our Texas State values and to our legacy,” Damphousse said. “Our university will provide the perfect environment to debate and share ideas that will shape the future of our nation. Thank you to the CPD for giving Texas State and our students this incredible opportunity.”
