Kelly Damphousse

Dr. Kelly Damphousse has served as president of Texas State University since 2022, leading record enrollment growth, research prominence, and an expanding athletics profile. Under his leadership, TXST has become the fastest-growing university in Texas, will achieve Carnegie R1 status in 2027, and accepted an invitation to join the Pac-12 in 2026. He serves as Chair of the Pac-12 Board of Directors.

A first-generation college student and community college graduate, Damphousse is committed to expanding access to higher education and helping students turn opportunity into lifelong success. His path—from an associate degree in law enforcement in Canada to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in America—shapes his belief in the transformative power of education.

Before TXST, Damphousse served five years as Chancellor of Arkansas State University. He spent 20 years at the University of Oklahoma, rising from faculty member to Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He also served as OU’s Faculty Athletics Representative and Faculty in Residence in student-athlete housing. His athletics leadership includes service on the NCAA Board of Governors and Board of Directors and as Chair of the Sun Belt Conference Board of Directors.

In 2026, he announced TXST’s women’s gymnastics program, the first NCAA Division I women’s gymnastics team in Texas. Across academics and athletics, Damphousse is focused on ensuring a student’s starting point never determines how far they can go.