News Summary
Jay Hartzell, president of the University of Texas, has announced he will step down to become the president of Southern Methodist University in 2025. After over two decades at UT, including notable achievements and challenges, Hartzell looks to impact SMU positively, emphasizing affordability and connectivity for students. His departure marks a significant transition for both institutions as he leaves a legacy of advancements and prepares for new opportunities.
A New Chapter in Higher Education Leadership
In the bustling city of Austin, Texas, a wave of change is sweeping through the academic landscape! Jay Hartzell, the esteemed President of the University of Texas (UT), recently announced he will be stepping down from his role to lead Southern Methodist University (SMU)
A Journey of Growth and Leadership
During his time at UT, which began back in 2001, Hartzell wore many hats, from faculty member to administrator, ultimately taking over as president in September 2020. His tenure has been notable for navigating numerous challenges, including the university’s transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under his guidance, the UT women’s swim team has made a remarkable splash with four consecutive top-three finishes at the NCAA Championships. Talk about making waves!
However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Hartzell’s presidency has not been without its controversies. He faced a faculty vote of no confidence due to his approach towards handling campus protests and compliance with new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mandates. This aspect of his leadership sparked heated discussions among faculty and staff, adding complexity to his time at the helm.
Achievements to Remember
No one can deny Hartzell’s significant contributions to the university. He highlighted numerous accomplishments during his presidency in a heartfelt letter to the UT community. Not only did the university experience record-high application numbers, but the graduation rates also saw impressive improvements. His previous role as the dean of the McCombs School of Business involved launching innovative programs like the Goff Real Estate Labs, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence and practical learning.
SMU is Ready for a Fresh Start
As Hartzell gears up for his new role, the board of trustees at SMU expressed unanimous support for his hiring after a thorough national search. He aims to help amplify SMU’s growing national reputation, stating his intent to contribute positively to the university’s upward trajectory. With an enrollment of around 12,116 students, SMU is considerably smaller than UT, which has approximately 51,991 students. This change may present Hartzell with unique opportunities to impact students directly.
Notably, affordability and accessibility will be at the forefront of his agenda as he aims to connect students with job and volunteer opportunities in the Dallas area. This is an important step that aligns with current trends in higher education where students are looking for more than just classroom experiences—they want real-world engagement!
A Gracious Transition
Hartzell’s departure comes at a time of transition for SMU, which will also be bidding farewell to its current president, Gerald Turner, who has dedicated nearly thirty years to the university. As Turner prepares for retirement, it’s evident that Hartzell has some big shoes to fill.
What Lies Ahead?
While Hartzell’s specific compensation at SMU hasn’t been revealed, it’s essential to note that he earned around $1.3 million at UT in 2022. With education always evolving, Hartzell’s leadership experience, including his academic background in business administration and finance, will be crucial as he faces new challenges at SMU.
As Hartzell steps into this new role, he leaves behind a legacy at UT characterized by advancements in philanthropy, research expenditures, and impressive NCAA athletic achievements. The future looks bright for both Hartzell and the institutions he will influence. For UT, it marks the end of an era, while for SMU, it’s the beginning of an exciting journey ahead. Let’s keep an eye on what unfolds in the coming years!
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Additional Resources
- SwimSwam: Texas President Jay Hartzell Leaving to SMU in June
- Forbes: University of Texas President Hartzell Leaving to Head Up SMU
- Dallas News: Exclusive Interview – Why Did Jay Hartzell Leave UT Job to Become SMU President
- KXAN: UT President Jay Hartzell to Step Down, Lead Southern Methodist University
- Wikipedia: Southern Methodist University
