News Summary
President Jay Hartzell of the University of Texas at Austin has announced his resignation to lead Southern Methodist University starting June 1. His departure marks a significant change at UT Austin, following a period of unprecedented success in student admissions and academic advancements. Despite facing challenges during his tenure, including controversies and a letter of no confidence from faculty, Hartzell initiated key strategic plans and capital projects. As the UT System Board of Regents seeks his successor, the higher education community watches closely.
Big Changes Ahead for UT Austin as President Jay Hartzell Moves to SMU
In a surprising and significant shakeup for the University of Texas at Austin, President Jay Hartzell has announced his resignation to take the helm at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas starting June 1. This decision marks the end of Hartzell’s leadership at UT Austin, where he has served since 2020, and it opens up a new chapter for both institutions.
What This Means for UT Austin
Hartzell’s last day at UT will be May 31, and his departure comes at a time when the university is experiencing unprecedented success with its student admissions. This semester is particularly noteworthy as it has seen the highest ever applicant pool and total enrollment in the school’s history. This spike in interest is a testament to the hard work and innovative strategies implemented during Hartzell’s time as president.
Interestingly, Hartzell is no stranger to UT. He first joined as a faculty member in 2001 and served as dean of the McCombs School of Business before becoming president. His leadership was put to the test during the Covid-19 pandemic, a time of uncertainty for many universities across the country.
Controversies and Achievements
While Hartzell has been credited with record-high applications, graduation rates, and research expenditures—exceeding an impressive $1 billion last year—his tenure was not without its challenges. His administration faced scrutiny, particularly regarding the controversial handling of the “Eyes of Texas” song issue, compliance with state legislation affecting diversity programs, and the fallout from pro-Palestinian protests that garnered significant attention earlier this year.
A letter of no confidence, signed by around 600 professors, criticized his administration’s decisions and the termination of staff in diversity roles, highlighting the challenging atmosphere Hartzell navigated throughout his presidency.
Strategic Plans and Future Endeavors
Amid these challenges, Hartzell made strides in enhancing the university’s future with initiatives like the “Change Starts Here” 10-year strategic plan and the expansion of university housing scholarships. These measures demonstrate his commitment to improving student life and the overall educational experience at UT Austin.
Hartzell’s leadership also initiated significant capital projects, including a $70 million renovation of the iconic UT tower and plans for a new Academic Medical Center, ensuring that UT Austin continues to develop and expand its facilities in the years to come. Furthermore, the university is set to join the Southeastern Conference in 2024, a step up that promises to enhance its competitive edge in collegiate athletics.
What’s Next for Hartzell and SMU
As he prepares to take on the role of SMU’s 11th president, which was approved unanimously by their Board of Trustees, Hartzell will be transitioning to a significantly smaller campus with approximately 12,000 students, compared to UT Austin’s sprawling population of about 54,000. This shift presents a new set of challenges and opportunities as he embarks on his next adventure.
The UT System Board of Regents expressed gratitude for Hartzell’s dedicated service, confirming their commitment to a smooth transition as they look for his successor. Mayor of Austin, Kirk Watson, also praised Hartzell for his contributions to both the university and the city during his time in office.
A Fond Farewell
With the end of his presidency looming, Hartzell has expressed his appreciation for the time spent at UT Austin and his intention to maintain ties with the university as an alumnus. Meanwhile, the current SMU President, R. Gerald Turner, who has been in the role for a remarkable 30 years, will transition to president emeritus upon Hartzell’s arrival.
As both UT Austin and Hartzell gear up for this transition, the higher education community will be watching closely to see how these changes play out. Here’s wishing all the best to both President Hartzell and the future of UT Austin!
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Additional Resources
- WBAP News
- Wikipedia: University of Texas at Austin
- Statesman
- Google Search: Jay Hartzell
- D Magazine
- Google Scholar: Jay Hartzell
- Fox 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southern Methodist University
- KVUE
- Google News: UT Austin president
