Inaugural TXST Family Choice Award Recognizes Local Businesses Serving the San Marcos Community

For first-year and transfer college students, navigating life outside of the classroom is one of the most important adjustments to make in a new city. While utilizing campus resources is essential, being familiar with local businesses and services in the community can enhance one’s college experience.  

The TXST Family Choice Awards was created to help new TXST students easily find reputable businesses and community resources in San Marcos. Created by the Office of New Student and Family Experiences, the TXST Family Choice Award recognizes businesses across several categories such as dining, auto and transportation, personal care, and pet services.

“It’s a great way to connect local businesses in the community and everyone on the Texas State campus,” says Brittany Naylor, Ph.D., assistant director of Transfer and Family Experiences.  

Members of the TXST Family Association, which includes parents of current and former students, many of whom are TXST alumni, submit the names of their favorite businesses for each category. The businesses with the most votes in each category were chosen as the winners.  

A unique aspect of the award is that several of the awarded businesses, such as Jax Burgers and Fries, are owned or operated by TXST alumni.  

Johnson, who graduated from the McCoy College of Business, opened the Jax Burgers San Marcos location during his last semester of college in 2022.

“Receiving this recognition really helps me feel like I'm still involved with the Texas State community, even though I don't go to school here anymore.”

Other businesses, such as On Paws Professional Pet Services, employ many TXST students, forming a strong connection with the university community.  

Founded in 2015, On Paws offers a variety of pet care services including pet sitting, walking, boarding, and bathing. Nelson says that her employees are trained in animal behavior, pet first aid, and pet CPR.  

“We pride ourselves on being an affordable option while being trustworthy and as transparent as possible,” Nelson says, when asked about why she thinks the TXST community nominated On Paws for the TXST Family Choice Awards.

“It’s nice being in this college town because many of our customers are affiliated with Texas State,” she says. “The campus is so beautiful and so is the energy the Bobcat community shows.”

During New Student Orientation, pamphlets listing all 80 of the Family Choice Award winners were given to incoming TXST students and their parents to introduce them to trustworthy businesses, restaurants, and services throughout San Marcos.  

Naylor says she’s hopeful that this award program will continue to highlight and strengthen partnerships between TXST and the San Marcos community.  

“The university makes up so much of the community, but the community also has such an amazing impact on current students and their families and alumni.”