As higher education in Texas continues to evolve amid shifting legislation, student needs, and post-pandemic realities, collaboration among institutional leaders has never been more vital. Dr. Daniel Maxwell, Vice President of Student Success and Student Life, has recently stepped up in one of the key networks supporting this effort—Texas Council of Chief Student Affairs Officers (TCCSAO)—as chair-elect.
TCCSAO serves as a space for peer support, shared problem-solving, and policy discussion among senior Student Affairs administrators across Texas’ seven public university systems. One of the main priorities of the organization is to monitor state legislation and the possible impact on the universities.
“We monitor what's happening legislatively because we represent public institutions across Texas,” Dr. Maxwell explained. “Our role includes staying informed about policy changes and creating space to talk through what they mean for our respective institutions, campuses, and students.”
The Council uses retreats and regular meetings to explore emergent challenges such as student mental health, staff retention, and the changing nature of student engagement. A major emphasis is on problem solving how different campuses interpret new rules, develop best practices, and support students under evolving constraints. “We’re always trying to find different ways to lean into the relationships that we have on our own campuses as well as at the state level,” Dr. Maxwell said.
Recent examples of TCCSAO’s efforts to maintain a collaborative, solution-oriented space include a meeting with a similar association comprised of academic officers for a legislative update from the Higher Education Commissioner and a conversation about budgeting that explored how partnerships with programs such as university bookstores and other auxiliary operations can be leveraged for the betterment of all involved.
Dr. Maxwell’s leadership term will last two years, and in the latter he will serve as chair. The new position allows him to influence meeting agendas and directly keep communication lines open among members. As Dr. Maxwell helps plan the Council’s next retreat and navigates his new responsibilities, the emphasis remains on connection, clarity, and care—ensuring that conversations ranging from policies to better practices ultimately lead to better student experiences across Texas.