Texas State renaming building in honor of former president Denise Trauth and John Huffman

Denise Trauth and John Huffman

Texas State University will host a dedication ceremony on Sept. 14 to rename the Undergraduate Academic Center (UAC) on the San Marcos Campus to the Denise M. Trauth and John L. Huffman Hall.  

The renaming honors Denise Trauth, Ph.D., who served as Texas State’s ninth president from 2002-2022, and her husband, John Huffman, Ph.D. 

Trauth led Texas State to unprecedented growth during her tenure, increasing enrollment by almost 50% and opening the Round Rock Campus. Research and development expenditures and funding grew to record-breaking levels, transforming the university from a regional institution to one of statewide and national prominence. 

Under her leadership, TXST reached several major milestones, including designation as a Texas Emerging Research University, elevation to an R2 in the Carnegie Classification system for research universities, achieving designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution, and moving to the FBS subdivision of NCAA Division I. President Emeritus Trauth was also the university’s first female president.

“President Emeritus Trauth led Texas State to achieve incredible momentum during her 20 years at the university,” said Texas State President Kelly Damphousse. “When I was chosen to fill this role after her retirement, I was fortunate to inherit an institution that was in an enviable position in the higher education landscape. Since then, our university community has worked to build upon the solid foundation Dr. Trauth established and reach for new heights. I’m grateful that a building on the San Marcos Campus will bear her and Dr. Huffman’s names to remind us of her remarkable legacy.”

The ceremony is open to TXST faculty and staff and select community members.