Texas State University is embarking on an ambitious Campus Master Plan spanning from 2025 to 2035, aiming to adapt to significant projected growth and modernize its facilities. Presented to the San Marcos City Council on December 3, the plan anticipates a 31% increase in student enrollment by the 2032-2033 academic year, showcasing the university's commitment to meeting future educational demands.
The proposed plan reimagines various aspects of the university's environment, including Spring Lake, Sewell Park, The Ponds, and Chautauqua Hall. Dan Costello, Texas State’s associate vice president of facilities, emphasized the need for recapitalization of existing infrastructure. "We will be taking any aged, existing buildings and renovating them," he explained, reflecting the university's focus on improving the current state of its facilities to support increased enrollment.
Central to the master plan are plans for additional parking solutions, as the university recognizes the pressing need for enhanced parking options. Gordon Bohmfalk, the university's architect and director of facilities, planning, design, and construction, detailed plans to construct three new parking garages. Two garages will be strategically located—one near the events center for stadium parking and another close to the new STEM building, with a surface lot on Thorpe Lane expected to break ground soon.
While the university is taking steps to address parking shortages, the exact number of parking spaces and the height of the garages remain uncertain. Bohmfalk remarked, "They're very expensive to build, we're definitely aware of [the financial aspect], but it's a big need." With increasing student numbers and the expansion of campus activities, ensuring adequate parking availability is pivotal.
Reflecting on the broader educational climate, Eric Algoe, executive vice president for operations and chief financial officer at Texas State, mentioned, "The Texas Higher Education Coordinated Board's goal is to educate at least 60% of Texans with some sort of post-secondary degree," prompting all higher education institutions to double their sizes. He explained the university's strategic focus on growing its Round Rock Campus and developing partnerships with community colleges, along with enhancing its online education offerings.
Importantly, Algoe also indicated, "We have no plans to continue to try to grow or buy land in San Marcos," demonstrating Texas State's intent to concentrate its expansion efforts outside of its primary location, amid concerns about land availability and urban density.
Looking forward, the master plan is set to undergo final approval from the Texas State University System board of regents, with discussions slated for February. The outcomes of these conversations will significantly shape the university's direction over the next decade and its ability to adapt to the educational needs of the surrounding community.
The Campus Master Plan signifies Texas State University's proactive approach to tackling both immediate logistical challenges, such as parking, and longer-term growth initiatives, thereby underscoring its commitment to fostering educational opportunities for future generations of students.