Board of Regents

Texas Southern Board of Regents holds meeting February 18,2011 and vote in acceptance of the new stadium and changes impacting the university.


The meeting kicked off with a role call and a recall of the agenda and what would be discussed. After a quick overview of the day, Charles McClelland approached the podium to give the proposal for the new TSU/Dynamo Stadium .

With over 22,500 seats, the stadium will hold more eager tiger fans and expand the locker room for the football players. Included in those seats are over 1000 club seats, 360 suites, and even 300 wheelchair spaces to accommodate all game goers. Ticket prices for students will not change and a TSU will keep all revenue from ticket sales.

“TSU keeps 100 percent of all ticket sales which was huge” said McClelland. “We get 100 percent of paraphernalia and sponsor sales.”

Seeking a $1.5 million dollar upfront payment from TSU, McClelland explained to the board about the ticket and broadcasting revenue. Already in collaboration with Comcast, the university has a opportunity to keep 100 percent of Broadcasting Revenue.

The Houston Dynamo will be putting up $60 million toward the project and will receive 100 percent of stadium sponsor ship revenue. Dynamo needed the ability to go out and generate those funds so while the stadium won’t be named after TSU the Tiger presence will be very apparent.

“As you walk in the stadium we will be all maroon and grey and have all our sponsors erect but it will be very clear that this is Texas Southern universities stadium” said McClelland.

The addition of this new stadium will not change student fees and students with valid Tiger One cards are still free to enter the games. With no additional cost to the projected proposal, TSU will also be able to have graduations, concerts, and even soccer games in the stadium.

McClelland also told the board about the exposure this will bring to Texas Southern and may also help recruitment. This will also help TSU Athletics to be self sufficient.

Shortly after 10:00 a.m., Lorence Snowden the Director of Programs for the Barbara Jordan School of Public Affairs took the stand to honor and celebrate what would have been the 75th birthday of Barbara Jordan. The university will be a part of the ongoing celebration and the official unveiling of the Black Heritage Stamp.

“On Monday, even though it’s a holiday for the school we will come back for the “I Barbara Jordan” performance.” said Snowden. “The celebration will continue with the Women for Barbara activities in March which deals with immigration and carry on until the unveiling in September.”

A flower presentation was held during the meeting for Jordan’s sister Rosemary McGowan and she spoke a few words about continuing her sister’s legacy.

The topic of the Academic Village was the next item on the agenda. After debate and “friendly amendment of the proposal , the Board of Regents voted in acceptance of the grant. With this approval the Academic Village will receive a grant for $2.74 million.

Also approved in the Board of Regents meeting was a painting by John Biggers . At a value of $295,000 TSU alumni Gerald Smith made moves toward getting the painting presented to TSU.

“He is not only distinguished himself, but he is giving back to the school.” said Glenn Lewis , a Board of Regents member.