Texas State University has appointed Valerie L. Holmes, Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students, to represent the university on the newly established Hays County Public Health Advisory Board, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to advancing community health and strengthening county partnerships.
The Hays County Commissioners Court created the Public Health Advisory Board in May 2025 to promote collaboration on countywide health priorities and advise on strategies that improve public health outcomes, reduce disparities, and enhance services across local communities.
“My hope is that we continue to strengthen our relationship with Hays County in ways that allow us to support prevention and address ongoing full-range health needs, especially those that impact students,” said Holmes. “I want to ensure students are recognized as a core population in the county’s public health strategy and that we work together to build effective pathways between community and campus systems.”
Holmes will be supported in this work by Dr. Sarah Doss, Director of University Health Services, whose clinical and public health expertise will help align the university’s preventive health initiatives with broader community efforts.
“Hays County Health Department staff have been tremendously helpful when we have public health concerns, like infectious disease exposures,” Doss said. “We look forward to working with them in a planning capacity to address the health needs of our campus community.”
Texas State’s involvement reflects its long-standing commitment to civic engagement and public service throughout Central Texas. “We see this appointment as a meaningful step toward developing a shared health and well-being agenda,” Holmes added. “By focusing on upstream strategies, we can help build a healthier future for both our students and the wider Hays County community.”
The Public Health Advisory Board serves to explore evidence-based public health practices, provide recommendations on policies and programs, address health disparities, and foster community input on county health initiatives. Members report to the Hays County Commissioners Court on their findings and recommendations.
Through this appointment, Texas State continues its mission to promote student well-being and strengthen partnerships that benefit the region as a whole.