Wynn Rosser, a bow tie enthusiast with deep-rooted connections in East Texas’s rural communities, is set to lead the state’s higher education agency starting in the new year.
As the new higher education commissioner, Rosser will function as the chief executive officer of the Coordinating Board. This pivotal state agency manages a budget of $2.9 billion and oversees financial aid initiatives while helping to shape Texas’s strategic objectives for public higher education.
Rosser has emphasized the importance of assisting more low-income Texans in their pursuit of college education. He believes that obtaining a postsecondary degree is essential for securing stable employment and can significantly impact the future of families across generations. He elaborated on several strategies, including expanding financial aid, investing in research, and promoting associate degrees along with certificate programs.
During a recent gathering attended by education leaders and policymakers, Rosser shared a personal story about his mother’s humble beginnings, recalling her childhood in a home similar in size to the stage he was addressing and the challenges of using an outhouse due to the lack of indoor plumbing. He highlighted how his father’s pursuit of a degree from Texas A&M University fundamentally altered their family’s trajectory.
Rosser expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him by his parents, revealing the emotional significance behind his role. He acknowledged the weight of his position in shaping the future of Texas, noting the state’s economic ranking as the seventh largest in the world and the responsibility to prepare students for success.
He outlined key priorities including enhancing college affordability for students. Rosser noted that while many students aspire to attend college, the fear of incurring debt post-high school often hinders their enrollment.
“Aspiration isn’t the issue in Texas; however, we still see only about half of students enrolling directly from high school,” Rosser explained. He views this as a major opportunity to improve, focusing on how to turn aspiring students’ dreams into reality, regardless of whether they pursue sub-baccalaureate or baccalaureate pathways.
The board plans to request $340 million from the Legislature to broaden financial aid offerings. This funding would allow assistance for low-income students within the top 25% of their high school classes through the Texas Education Opportunity grant and the TEXAS grant, according to David Troutman, deputy commissioner for academic affairs.
In addition, Rosser highlighted the necessity of educating students and their families about college costs and the qualifications needed for desirable jobs. He pointed out, “We need to help students and families understand, ‘What does it take to achieve that dream?’ and provide this crucial information early and consistently.”
As Rosser steps into his role, he will be advancing the state’s 60×30 plan, which aims to increase the number of Texans aged 25 to 34 holding a postsecondary credential to 60% by 2030. This initiative aims to address workforce requirements given that approximately 71% of jobs are predicted to necessitate a postsecondary education by 2036.
In rural parts of East Texas, the narrative often communicated to students is that they must leave town to find success. However, Rosser emphasized that numerous high-demand, well-paying jobs exist locally, which do not necessarily require a four-year degree but do call for postsecondary credentials.
More students from rural areas are enrolling in dual credit courses, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school, thus helping to bring the state closer to its educational goals. His predecessor, Harrison Keller, previously expanded this plan to cover Texans aged 25 to 64.
Adult learners present unique challenges as they return to school, which means different support strategies are needed. Rosser stated, “Life’s more challenging when you’re juggling work and supporting dependents. How can they manage these responsibilities while attending classes?” This leads to a growing demand for flexible credential options.
Lastly, Rosser is focused on bolstering research initiatives at Texas universities, especially emerging research institutions. He has experience from over a decade at Texas A&M University, a top public research university.
National trends show that universities are proactively investing in research capabilities, which can lead to grants, partnerships, and the recruitment of faculty and graduate students. “We have to ensure we’re preparing students not just for current job demands but also for future opportunities through research funding,” Rosser reiterated.
During the recent legislative session, Texas lawmakers established the Texas University Fund, a substantial $3.9 billion endowment aimed at helping other universities achieve critical research objectives.