THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON HOSTS THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ON 21ST CENTURY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PUBLIC HEARING

HOUSTON - The Special Commission on 21st Century Colleges and Universities held a public hearing Thursday, March 23, 2000 at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel. The commission was appointed by Lt. Governor Rick Perry to study issues facing Texas' institutions of higher education in the future. James Hooten of Houston was introduced to the commission members. Hooten has been appointed to the commission by Perry to replace Steve Letbetter.

Amarillo Senator Teel Bivins called the meeting commission to order. Bivins submitted a report by the Senate Education Committee to the commission. The topic of the report was K-16 partnerships. Bivins serves as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, a standing committee of the Senate.

Invited testimony was given by Dr. Charles A Ratliff, Ph.D., Consultant, Joint Committee to Develop a Master Plan; former Deputy Director, California Postsecondary Education Commission. Dr. Ratliff briefed the commission on the State of California's current master plan and changes currently in the works to help strengthen their program.

Dr. Judy Hampel, Vice Chancellor, Florida State University System explained the method and reasoning behind the State University System of Florida.

Texas Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Don Brown joined the panel discussion.

There was no public testimony heard. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2000 in Austin, Texas.

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