Dear Lobo Family:
As 2018 draws to a close, we have exciting news about your university. Just last week, Sul Ross came to the end of a four year long process of applying for 10 year re-accreditation with SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges). The significance of this process is that it is accreditation that assures the quality of the degrees that Sul Ross awards to its students. Full re-affirmation of accreditation assures our students that the quality of their education and their experience is equal to that of any higher education institution in the country. SACSCOC informed Sul Ross last week that we have been unconditionally re-accredited by fully complying with all 99 standards of the accreditation process. We are particularly proud of the efforts of our faculty and staff, led by Dr. Jeanne Qvarnstrom, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, in developing the evidence that our faculty, our academic programs, our staff and administration, our support programs, our finances, and our facilities meet the very highest standards. This is an exceptional point of pride for your university!
My favorite time of the academic year is commencement. I tell all our entering freshmen that the ultimate measure of success for them and for Sul Ross is when I congratulate them personally as they walk across the stage as the newest graduates of Sul Ross State University. That is exactly what we did this past weekend as over 300 graduates received Masters and Bachelors degrees in ceremonies in Alpine and Uvalde. The greatest honor I have as your President is confirming and personally congratulating each graduate while celebrating their achievements with family members at our commencement ceremonies. We know that Sul Ross changes the lives of our students and commencement affirms that.
My wish for each of you is that you have a joyous holiday, and that 2019 will be your best year ever!
Bill Kibler
President
Merry Christmas and a great new year to all of the Sul Ross State University “familia”.
I could not be prouder being a Sul Ross Graduate! I went to Sul Ross after a four year enlistment in the Army. I served with the 82nd Airborne Division Band and that experience led me to choose Music as my major! I was a member of the band here at Sul Ross getting my BM in 1964 and my Masters in 1969. My first job was in Van Horn Texas for my first 15 years and I achieved a record of Sweepstakes and Class A Honor Band in 1972. I belong to TMEA, TBA, TMAA, ATSSB, and the Hall of Fame of Phi Beta Mu International School Bandmaster Fraternity. I am still teaching even though I have retired four time and after each retirement I have been given the opportunity to work with some friends that extended an invitation to help their programs. Thank you and sincere best wishes for a Merry Christmas and great Holiday Season!
How exciting for all Sul Ross graduates and students! Thanks to everyone involved in the process.