Myres on new TSU, Texans partnership: 'This is a win for TSU, this is a win for the Texans'

The Houston Texans and Texas Southern University (TSU) have formed a two-year partnership to help student-athletes, according to a team-issued press release.

Officials representing the Texans and TSU announced the partnership at a reception honoring the franchise's new head coach, Lovie Smith, at the TSU Library Learning Center last Wednesday (April 13), the release said.

TSU Board of Regents Chairman Albert Myres called the Texans' hiring of Smith, who was previously their defensive coordinator under his predecessor David Culley, a "historic elevation." 

"Coach Smith embodies leadership qualities that we work to demonstrate daily," Myres said, per the release. "We appreciate all that he does and all that he is to our community."

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that the partnership is focused on three initiatives: Improvements to TSU's athletic facilities, pumping more funds into scholarship opportunities for female student-athletes and boosting engagement with students, faculty and staff.

"It is an exciting time anytime you can get a partnership between two steady organizations in this city," Myres said, the station reported. “This is a win for TSU, this is a win for the Texans and this is a win for the community. So, I applaud because we’ve got a winner on every side of the aisle here.”

Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair lauded TSU as a pillar in the Houston community.

“At the Texans, we strive to make an impact by creating and supporting programs like this," McNair said, KPRC reported. "We’re excited to be here announcing a special partnership with our friends at TSU to inspire our next generation of Houston leaders.”

University president Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young said the school, which is located in Houston's Third Ward neighborhood just across the street from the University of Houston, has a commitment to "transforming lives," the station reported.

“We are committed to transforming the lives of our students and we’re committed to transforming the lives of individuals in our community. And so today is an outstanding day," Crumpton-Young said, according to KPRC.