This month our Frontier View focuses on reasons to love Sul Ross and how the university continues to change lives in our region and state. Sul Ross offers opportunities to people who want to break barriers, challenge themselves, and find new frontiers. As I start my fifth year as the President of Sul Ross State University, I continue to reflect on the many ways that Sul Ross changed my life. Sul Ross plays an integral role in the lives across the region at our campuses and across the state as a place where individuals strive to improve their educational, professional, and familial ties. For me, higher education served as a chance to position myself to accomplish greater things. I stand as a first generation student from my family, so I relate to our students in numerous ways but most importantly as an example of how education changed my life.
Every day, I remind myself that our mission must always be to offer students opportunities to earn a valuable education at an affordable price so that they ALL have the opportunities that I had. I worked at several large institutions throughout my career and while they paved the way for me to develop a career in higher education, my experiences at Sul Ross give me greater personal and professional satisfaction than anywhere else. Our students come to us hoping for a chance to earn a degree and when they do, their celebration becomes our celebration. The campuses celebrate the accomplishments with them because we share their determination and spirit for success. We stand with them as the Sul Ross family and adopt them into our Lobo Pack. I have never experienced this type of heartfelt enthusiasm and I am grateful to be part of this institution.
Go Lobos!
President Bill Kibler
I worked in Alpine while attending Sul Ross.
I worked at Alpine TV Cable and graduated in 1960.
I moved back in 1970 and again worked at Alpine TV Cable.
Both of my children were born at Brewster Memorial Hospital.
Yes, Alpine when you live there and leave, it is always in your heart.
I have friends there that are on my Face Book.
We have found a second town that we love, Waxahachie.
But Alpine will always be my favorite place.
I graduated Dec 1971. A BA in sociology with a minor in education, that is where I could get psychology courses at the time. I apparently was studious enough to be asked to continue as a graduate assistant in both the sociology and political science department. I was given the opportunity to earn a MA in political science. I never regretted either degree and the chance to teach at Sul Ross. I eventually went to work for the Social Security Administration. After several years of various assignments I went to Eagle Pass Texas as their Operations Supervisor. At one point Dr. Panel in charge of the new Sul Ross extension asked me to teach a few political science courses there. I enjoyed that. I retired in 1994. Thank you Sul Ross for the opportunity. I follow the developing university. A large restructuring of educational and technical skills have developed. I envy students who have access to computers. Sul Ross provides a great atmosphere for learning and is still the biggest bang for the buck in Texas.
No one could have said it better. I’m so thankful I can say I’m a Lobo. We are so lucky Dr Kibler choose to come to Sul Ross. What a fine job he is doing. Thank you Sir. Jerry Nixon. Class of 67
I was born in Alpine, but did not return until my husband, L. Dale Burns, decided to get his degree. I was always in love with Sul Ross as both my parents were graduates and we spent many summers in Alpine. My husband graduated in 1988 and was Director of Grounds for 21 years at the University, instrumental in many of the native plants that still adorn the campus. When he graduated, he said it’s your turn! I graduated in 1998 and also worked at Sul Ross for 19 years. We are proud Lobos and made our permanent home in Alpine, many saying that we sacrificed higher paying jobs. Our education gave us the opportunity to retire from jobs we absolutely loved! Dale retired from Texas Parks and Wildlife and I retired from the Texas Department of Transportation.