Dr. Richard Rhodes with a student panel at last year's convocation.
The Texas A&M University–Central Texas Fall Convocation, an all-employee gathering to welcome in the Fall 2024 Semester, will be held Thursday, Aug. 22, at 7:30 a.m. And there will be something special for staff, faculty, and administrators in attendance. More than the usual basket of muffins, fresh fruit, and breakfast tacos. Members of the university’s leadership will be swapping out suitcoats for aprons and serving up pancakes for breakfast, led by President Richard M. Rhodes, now in his tenth month at the university.
“Leaders from the president’s staff, faculty senate, and staff council see examples every day of the tremendous work ethic of our employees and all they do,” Rhodes said. “Because of them, our students are thriving in an environment that embraces them, challenges and supports them, and propels them forward,” he noted. “This is a fun opportunity to express our appreciation and greet folks as we kick off the new semester.”
Kellie Cude, Ph.D., Interim Provost, will welcome those attending convocation, and special guest Dan Silverburg, of Campus Works, will share the results of the updated University Strategic Plan. A panel of students and alumni will also be present to reflect on their experiences as students.
Universities across the U.S. continue to experience declines in enrollment, but this is not the case at A&M–Central Texas, says Rhodes. Preliminary enrollment reports are tracking a near 6% increase in the number of students registered and a 10% increase in credit hours.
“A&M–Central Texas joined the Central Texas region as a stand-alone university within the Texas A&M University System 15 years ago,” he noted. “And in that time, we have added almost 11,000 undergraduate and graduate degrees that have strengthened the workforce in Central Texas, the region, the state, and around the country. That is a lot to be proud of.”
A&M–Central Texas is currently registering for the 2024 Fall Semester. Registration is currently open through the end of August with the Fall 2024 semester beginning on Aug. 26. Spring 2025 applications opened Aug. 1. New and returning students are encouraged to enroll early. For more information, contact the recruitment and enrollment office at 254-279-0421 or visit www.tamuct.edu/admissions.
