Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDCOCHES, Texas – Texas Gov. Rick Perry will speak at Stephen F. Austin State University’s graduation ceremony at 9:30 a.m. May 10 in William R. Johnson Coliseum.

Perry, a fifth generation Texan, hails from Paint Creek, a small community in West Texas where farming, ranching and public service run in his family. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1972, where he was a member of the corps of cadets, a junior and senior yell leader, and an animal science major. Between 1972 and 1977, he served in the U.S. Air Force flying C-130 tactical airlift aircraft.

From 1985 to 1991, Perry served in the Texas House of Representatives. He was elected commissioner of agriculture in 1990, and served two terms. As lieutenant governor, he worked with legislators to pass a balanced budget that included record tax cuts, teacher pay raises, and a historic school funding increase.

Perry was sworn in as the 47th governor of Texas on Dec. 21, 2000, and was elected to four-year terms in 2002 and 2006. The governor has focused his administration on creating a Texas of unlimited opportunity and prosperity by improving education, securing the border, and strengthening the economy.

Under Perry’s leadership, Texas has consistently been ranked as one of the best places for economic development and expansion in the nation due to low taxes, reasonable regulatory structure and highly educated workforce. In less than five years, Texas has created 1 million net new jobs.

Perry has also led the effort to greatly improve the education system in Texas by increasing standards and accountability, raising teacher pay and overhauling the states school finance structure. Since 2001, he has presided over $17 billion in tax cuts and the largest lawsuit reforms in the nation.

Additionally, Perry has directed millions of dollars to enhance border security through operations integrating local, state and federal law enforcement equipped with enhanced technology.

Perry is an Eagle Scout and a lifetime member of American Legion Post #75. The Perrys are members of Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin. Perry and his wife, Anita, have two children.