Jay Hartzell Leaves UT Austin for Southern Methodist University

News Summary

Jay Hartzell, the president of the University of Texas at Austin, is set to become the president of Southern Methodist University in Dallas starting June 1. His departure marks a significant change for UT, especially after his accomplishments during a challenging tenure since 2020, including implementing the ‘Change Starts Here’ strategic plan and facing scrutiny over various initiatives. As UT prepares for new leadership, discussions about Hartzell’s impact and SMU’s growth prospects are underway.

Goodbye Austin, Hello Dallas: UT President Farwell as He Heads to SMU

In a surprising move for many in the academic community, Jay Hartzell, the president of the University of Texas (UT) at Austin, is set to take on a new role as the president of Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for both Hartzell and SMU, as he gears up to begin his new position on June 1.

What This Means for the University of Texas

Hartzell, who has been at the helm of UT since 2020, previously held the esteemed title of dean of the McCombs School of Business. His departure brings a significant change, especially considering that he followed a remarkable 30-year tenure of R. Gerald Turner at SMU. Within just a few short years, Hartzell has faced several unforeseen challenges, including a controversial staff layoff spurred by a ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. On top of that, he navigated intense scrutiny from a GOP-controlled state Legislature, who kept a watchful eye on various university compliance issues.

This shakeup occurs amidst a backdrop of increasing competition for UT, characterized by record applicant pools and total enrollment numbers. Despite all the hurdles, Hartzell managed to steer the ship through several tumultuous waters, including the much-publicized “Eyes of Texas” song incident and pro-Palestinian protests that led to arrests on campus.

Achievements Under Hartzell’s Leadership

Diving into his accomplishments, one of Hartzell’s crowning achievements has been his rollout of the “Change Starts Here” strategic plan. His vision emphasized the goal of enhancing UT’s national prominence and research capabilities. Remarkably, the university reached over $1 billion in research expenditures just last year, showcasing the academic prestige that Hartzell aimed to uphold.

Turning the Spotlight on SMU

As Jay Hartzell prepares to head to SMU, he expresses enthusiasm about the new opportunities waiting for him in Dallas. He sees potential in SMU’s growth trajectory, particularly their ambitions around athletic programs and research initiatives. Despite UT’s significantly larger size — boasting around 54,000 students compared to SMU’s 12,116 — Hartzell is eager to step into a role that promises unique challenges and opportunities.

Next Steps for the University of Texas

With Hartzell’s exit, the position of president at UT will now be open, leading to a crucial search for the next university leader. This transition comes during a time when higher education faces various challenges that impact not only institutional policies but also student experiences. The university community will undoubtedly be watching closely as new leadership emerges.

A Fond Farewell

As he prepares to embark on this new journey, Hartzell left a heartfelt goodbye to the UT community, expressing his gratitude for the time spent at the university and his commitment to its vibrant community. His departure from Austin is sure to leave a mark, and many are curious to see how both Hartzell and UT will evolve moving forward.