Wentworth Supports Name Change for Southwest Texas State University

Austin - Senator Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio filed a bill today to change the name of Southwest Texas State University to Texas State University at San Marcos at the request of the university's Associated Student Government. "[The students] believe that a name change is the next natural step in the evolving journey to more accurately reflect what actually already exists on the campus in San Marcos, and I agree with them," said Wentworth.

Senator Wentworth said that he was presented with a list of more than twenty reasons for the name change and that the cost would be covered by the $1.4 million pledged by alumni. Among the reasons presented by the Associated Student Government is that the university is not located in the southwest region of the state. Furthermore, the ASG believes that the double-directional name implies a small, regional school, although Southwest Texas State University is a doctoral granting institution of more than 25,000 students.

In session today, the Senate confirmed the nomination of sixty-six appointments from the Governor to a variety of boards and commissions. Geraldine "Tincy" Miller was proposed as Chairman of the Texas State Board of Education, but her nomination was opposed by Austin Senator Gonzalo Barrientos, along with five other Senators. Her nomination was confirmed in one of the last votes of the day.

Legislation which would provide a unified procedure for international adoptions was passed unanimously by the Senate. According to the bill's sponsor, Pasadena Senator Mike Jackson, Senate Bill (SB) 151 would streamline and standardize foreign adoptions.

Also passed to engrossment in session today was SB 263, sponsored by Flower Mound Senator Jane Nelson. The bill would continue the State Board of Dental Examiners (SBDE) for the standard twelve-year period and would provide tools to strengthen it's enforcement activities and improve accountability and more timely disposition of complaints. The SBDE licenses dental professionals to practice in Texas and takes enforcement action against practitioners who violate the law and the SBDE's rules.

The Senate will reconvene Monday, March 10, 2003, at 1:30 p.m.

###