Blake Leschber

San Marcos

Managing Editor at The University Star

Managing Editor with The University Star

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Articles

Texas Bill Would Block International Students From Speaking in Support of “Terrorist Activities”

1 week ago | austinchronicle.com | Blake Leschber

Universities that don’t punish students would face huge fines Under this proposed law, if UT-Austin failed to investigate an accused student or staffer, the university would face a $42 million fine Public college students and faculty in Texas would be suspended or expelled for supporting “terrorist activities” if Senate Bill 2233 became law. For student visa-holders, being expelled would likely mean being kicked out of the country as well.
County terminates contract with Austin Pets Alive! for pet resource center

1 month ago | universitystar.com | Blake Leschber

Hays County residents are divided after commissioners court voted to terminate the county’s contract with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) pet resource center and build a new physical shelter on March 25. The contract allowed APA! to partner with the county to run the Hays County Pet Resource, Education and Research Center (PRC).
Students call for administration to make TXST a sanctuary campus

2 months ago | universitystar.com | Blake Leschber

Categories: April 3, 2025 Chants of “from the river to the sea” made their way across campus as around 100 students walked out of class and marched to demand administration make Texas State a sanctuary campus. Hosted by the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) at TXST, around 100 students met at the Stallions statue at 11:30 to rally and march to the JC Kellam Administration Building, demanding Texas State President Kelly Damphousse make Texas State a sanctuary campus.
Students call for administration to make TXST a sanctuary campus

2 months ago | universitystar.com | Blake Leschber

Categories: April 3, 2025 Chants of “from the river to the sea” made their way across campus as around 100 students walked out of class and marched to demand administration make Texas State a sanctuary campus. Hosted by the Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) at TXST, around 100 students met at the Stallions statue at 11:30 to rally and march to the JC Kellam Administration Building, demanding Texas State President Kelly Damphousse make Texas State a sanctuary campus.
TXST investigates vandalism on campus

2 months ago | universitystar.com | Blake Leschber

After numerous buildings were spray painted with political messages across campus, President Kelly Damphousse and Texas State condemned them. According to Vice President for Marketing and Communication Sandy Pantlik, Texas State found graffiti on multiple buildings at the San Marcos campus early morning Thursday, March 20. Some of the buildings impacted include Old Main, Lampasas, Chemistry, Alkek Library and Trinity.
Measles case unlikely to spread in Hays County

Feb 25, 2025 | universitystar.com | Blake Leschber

After an individual who toured Texas State last week tested positive for measles, Hays County Health Department said the risk of the disease spreading in the county is low. Hays County looked at three factors to determine the risk of the measles case: vaccination status with a positive patient, symptom onset of the positive patient and vaccination status within the community. The individual has one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and did not develop rashes until Feb.
Texas State fails to communicate in recent measles case

Feb 25, 2025 | universitystar.com | Blake Leschber

Texas State dropped the ball while communicating with students, faculty and staff about the confirmed measles case and its risk status. At midnight on Feb. 23, the Division of Student Success sent an email stating an individual from Gaines County who toured the San Marcos campus on Feb. 14 tested positive for measles. The University Star reached out to the Senior Media Relations Manager to get more information on the case and plans regarding the infected individual.
Assault suspect arrested on campus

Jan 15, 2025 | universitystar.com | Blake Leschber

Trigger warning: This story has mentions of assault. The suspect who committed an assault yesterday afternoon was arrested on campus this morning, according to Senior Media Relations Manager Jayme Blaschke.
University Police Department looking for suspect after assault outside Lantana, Sterry Halls

Jan 14, 2025 | universitystar.com | Blake Leschber

After an assault, University Police Department (UPD) are looking for the suspect. At 1:21 p.m. on Jan. 14 at the green space between Lantana and Sterry Halls, the suspect spat on a student. A few students who witnessed it followed the suspect leading to a brief altercation. The suspect ran away after producing a knife, according to an email from UPD. According to UPD, the suspect is a white male with long hair, wearing a camouflaged coat, blue jeans, black boots and is heavy set.
SMPD investigates sexual assault, suspicious activity at Mill Street apartment complex

Nov 6, 2024 | universitystar.com | Blake Leschber

Trigger warning: This story contains mentions of sexual assault. San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) are searching for a suspect after sexual assault and suspicious activity was reported at an apartment complex in the 1700 block of Mill Street, according to a city of San Marcos press release. According to the press release, SMPD believes a single suspect is involved, described as “a White or Hispanic male who is approximately 6 feet tall and heavyset with spiked or combed over hair.