It’s an honor to be in the presence of some exceptional leaders, who’ve been champions of higher education in Texas for many years.  I applaud all of you for being here, and for recognizing that in the years and decades to come, Texas is going to go exactly as far as our people can take us. We have the second largest, and third youngest population in the country – and it’s growing fast.   About 1000 people each day, half births outnumbering deaths, and half people moving here. According to the state demographer, Lloyd Potter, a faculty member at UTSA, we may even double in the next thirty years.

Good afternoon, everyone.  Thank you, Bob.  As James Huffines mentioned, your many years of outstanding service to higher education in Texas will serve the UT System and CCEC quite well, and we’re grateful for your willingness to serve again. 

I also think it’s wonderful that the Chancellor’s Council, after 54 years of existence, finally has a chairman who is known as “Bubba.” We are honored to have you take the helm of this distinguished group. 

I’ve been in Austin now for only seven and a half months, but pretty early on I became aware of the community’s commitment to early childhood development.   I met Libby Doggett at a party and it didn’t take long to realize we knew many of the same people and had many of the same interests.   I suspect that started the chain reaction that led to me being with you this morning.   I think Libby was surprised the UT System Chancellor was even moderately conversant in the subject.   It wasn’t always the case.  

As Chancellor, nothing is more important to me than the safety, health and well being of our nearly 240,000 students, and all of the members of our campus communities. The UT System was created was to serve the people of our state, helping them lead prosperous, productive, and healthy lives. It’s hard to think of many things less helpful to that mission than tobacco.

When I was talking to the search committee, the Board of Regents, and the Governor, something I strongly suspected became crystal clear. It wasn’t the much better weather. It wasn’t tacos for breakfast. It wasn’t even the generous and engaged members of Longhorn Nation. Although all those things are wonderful. The thing that most attracted me to Texas is the ambition, confidence and optimism that is so clearly part of this state’s DNA.

Good morning.  It’s great to be with you.

I want to thank the Chamber and Opportunity Austin for the chance to visit with you today.  And I appreciate the effort you all made to be here on a Friday, and before you’re fully caffeinated.

As Gary mentioned, though I visited many times over the years, I’m a relative newcomer to Austin – almost to the six-month mark.

People often ask about the differences between living in New York and living in Austin.

Thank you, Chairman Eltife. I can’t tell all of you how much of a benefit it is to have a Chairman who is as well respected in the Capitol as Kevin. I’ve already seen on many occasions what a difference it makes. We are going to be very good partners this session and beyond.

I’m pleased to be with you on this special day, as we observe the important, historic tradition of installing a new university president.  My wife’s family is from West Texas, and I’ve visited many times.   But this is my first visit to the Permian Basin and the University of Texas institution here.  Of course, like most Americans, I have become increasingly familiar with this part of the world. 

Today is my three-week anniversary as Chancellor.   Actually, my first day on the job was the USC football game, and we’ve had a pretty good run since then.   In that same three weeks, we announced our latest Nobel Prize and a new MacArthur “Genius” award.   Please don’t hold me to this standard for the next three weeks!