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Jay Hartzell, the President of the University of Texas at Austin, is set to leave to lead Southern Methodist University in Dallas starting June 1, 2025. His tenure at UT Austin has been marked by significant achievements, including record application numbers and expanded research funding. However, his leadership also faced challenges, culminating in a faculty letter of ‘no confidence.’ As he transitions to SMU, Hartzell is excited about the new opportunities that await him in a different academic environment.
In a move that’s causing quite a buzz in the Lone Star State, President Jay Hartzell of the University of Texas at Austin is gearing up for a new adventure as he steps down to lead Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. Hartzell’s exciting new chapter will officially begin on June 1, 2025, after the SMU Board of Trustees unanimously voted on his appointment on January 7, 2025.
Hartzell has been at the helm of UT Austin since September 2020, marking a five-year journey filled with numerous milestones and memorable moments. He recently shared his departure news in a friendly letter to faculty, making it clear that this semester would be his last at the university.
During his time at UT Austin, Hartzell led the university to impressive heights. He helped achieve record high application numbers, boosted graduation rates, and expanded research expenditures.
Impressively, Hartzell also oversaw the construction of state-of-the-art facilities, like the stunning Mulva Hall, and rolled out ambitious plans for a new Academic Medical Center. His tenure at the university has not only transformed its physical landscape but also solidified its reputation in both academics and research.
With nearly 30 years associated with the university—including more than four years as the dean of the McCombs School of Business—Hartzell is no stranger to the horns of Longhorns. His dedication to the university has left a lasting impact on students and faculty alike.
Additionally, in May 2024, dissatisfaction among students and faculty erupted over how he handled protests and complied with Texas’ DEI ban. The waves of controversy certainly made for a turbulent academic landscape.
SMU, noted for its robust alumni network and growing athletic prowess due to its recent entry into the Atlantic Coast Conference, presents a captivating opportunity for Hartzell. He’ll be stepping into a prestigious community where the current president, R. Gerald Turner, has been a guiding force since 1995 and will be wrapping up his long tenure at the end of this academic year.
As Jay Hartzell prepares for this transition, he is brimming with excitement about his new role. He views it as a chance to contribute to SMU’s aspirations and hopes to leverage his lengthy experience to propel the university to new heights.
While the UT Austin community will surely miss his leadership and vision, they can’t help but feel excitement for Hartzell as he embarks on this new journey. The future holds many possibilities, and as the academic landscape continues to evolve, both Hartzell and the universities he has served are poised for success.
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