Greg Abbott sworn in as 48th governor of Texas
Texas Capitol Building, Austin
Texas Capitol Building, Austin
Share this Story(Jan. 21, 2015) -- Greg Abbott was sworn in as Texas' 48th governor Tuesday, becoming the state's first new governor in more than 14 years and pledging to make transportation, water, education, the border and economic opportunity his top priorities.
Abbott took the oath of office in front of the state Capitol in an inaugural ceremony that kicked off a daylong celebration. The events included a barbecue on the Capitol lawn with four tons of brisket and 4,500 pounds of potato salad, an inaugural parade and the Future of Texas Ball.
The first Texas governor to take the oath of office in a wheelchair, Abbott said his path to the governorship shows that Texas is a land of opportunity.
"Texas is the place where the improbable becomes the possible," said Abbott, who was paralyzed when a tree fell on him in 1984. "Our state truly is exceptional. I am proof that a young man's life can be broken in half and still rise up to become the governor of Texas."
Abbott said he will work with the Legislature to ensure that Texas has good roads, plentiful water and an education system that can maintain the state's growing economy.
"We will keep Texas No. 1 in the nation in job creation," Abbott said. "If Texas is to remain No. 1, we must become the leader in educating our children."
Abbott succeeds Gov. Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history at just over 14 years.
Tuesday's inauguration represented another milestone for the state. Abbott's wife, Cecilia, became the first Hispanic First Lady of Texas.
Prior to Abbott's swearing in, Dan Patrick took the oath as Texas' 42nd lieutenant governor. In that capacity, he will preside as president of the Texas Senate.
------------------------------
For more information, visit the Texas Legislature website.
Connect online with UTSA on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
