News Summary
Jay Hartzell, the president of the University of Texas at Austin, will transition to Southern Methodist University as its new president starting June 1, 2025. This change comes as Gerald Turner retires after a notable 30-year leadership at SMU. Hartzell’s tenure at UT Austin included significant achievements like the $6 billion capital campaign and a rise in research funding. He now aims to transform SMU into a leading private university, navigating new challenges and opportunities in his upcoming role.
Big Changes Ahead for the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University
Austin, Texas – A major shift in the higher education landscape is set to take place as Jay Hartzell, the current president of the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), has announced his move to Southern Methodist University (SMU) as its next president starting June 1, 2025. This transition marks a significant change for both institutions, particularly for SMU, as it prepares to welcome a new leader after a long tenure.
Stepping into New Shoes
Hartzell is taking over the reins from Gerald Turner, who has decided to retire after a commendable 30-year career leading SMU. Turner’s legacy includes a notable expansion of the university’s programs and facilities, and he will transition into a role as president emeritus following his retirement. Hartzell, having served as UT Austin’s president since September 2020, has impressive credentials and a significant track record of achievements during his presidency.
An Impressive Background
Before assuming the presidency at UT Austin, Hartzell was the 12th dean of the McCombs School of Business, where he helped boost the school’s reputation on the national stage. He holds not only a B.S. in business administration and economics from Trinity University but also a PhD in finance from UT Austin. Over the last four years as president, under his leadership, UT Austin has broken records in terms of applications, enrollment, and graduation rates, emphasizing his ability to drive institutional growth.
Key Achievements at UT Austin
Hartzell has been at the forefront of several remarkable initiatives. He oversaw the launch of the expansive $6 billion What Starts Here capital campaign, aimed at enhancing student experiences and academic performance. He played a significant role in increasing student financial aid and bolstering research expenditures which have now surpassed an impressive $1 billion. Furthermore, he facilitated UT Austin’s shift to the Southeastern Conference in 2024, which is a thrilling development for sports and athletics at the university.
Facing Challenges
Yet, his presidency has not been without its controversies. Hartzell has faced backlash from faculty regarding the cancellation of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) office. He also dealt with campus protests related to pressing geopolitical issues, which have stirred discussions around institutional governance and community values. Despite these challenges, Hartzell’s enduring focus has been on enhancing the student experience and institutional impact.
Excitement for the Future
As Jay Hartzell gears up for his new role at SMU, he expresses palpable enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead. He envisions SMU growing into a leading private university in the nation, leveraging its promising research capabilities and a vibrant alumni network. The upcoming transition will also present Hartzell with a different operational structure, as SMU, being a private institution, could enjoy less regulatory scrutiny compared to public universities like UT Austin.
A Forward-Looking Approach
As the UT System Board of Regents prepares for a successor search in the wake of Hartzell’s departure, they are aware of the current challenges facing public higher education. The new leadership must focus on fostering positive outcomes for students, enhancing research initiatives, and ensuring continued institutional growth amid a changing political landscape in education.
The community at both universities will undoubtedly be watching closely as these changes unfold. The future is full of possibilities, and with Hartzell’s proven track record, there’s reason to believe exciting things are on the horizon for both UT Austin and SMU.
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Additional Resources
- D Magazine
- Wikipedia: Jay Hartzell
- Forbes
- Google Search: Jay Hartzell SMU
- KVUE
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Texas
