In their answers, all four systems boasted about the extra services and perks SFA could access, like academic and research databases, cost-saving contracts and skilled government relations teams who could advocate for SFA at the Texas Capitol. They all also reassured SFA that it would be able to retain its university name, colors and identity as Lumberjacks. Similar to other universities within a system in Texas, the systems also said SFA would retain control of decision-making about hiring, curriculum and academic programs.
But the systems also tried to set themselves apart from each other.
The Texas State University System championed its hands-off approach as a system and the lack of a flagship school under its umbrella as a way to say it treats all universities in the system equally. The Texas Tech University System hyped its commitment to rural universities and its recent experience bringing Midwestern State University under its fold.
The richest university systems flashed their cash — and their access to the Permanent University Fund, assets created by oil and gas revenue from 2.1 million acres of land in West Texas that rake in billions of dollars annually.
The Texas A&M University System envisioned a new state-of-the-art building for SFA’s forestry program and floated SFA as a potential branch location for some of the system’s agencies, like the Texas Division of Emergency Management. They emphasized a focus on health science education programs and included a reminder that A&M already manages SFA’s investments.
The University of Texas System waved dollar signs, too: $1 million more for annual student scholarships and $5.5 million to boost faculty salaries, as well as its system STARS program that provides start-up funding for research equipment, labs and other capital costs. It also emphasized mental health resources for students.
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