UT President Jay Hartzell Stepping Down

[HornSports Staff]

Big loss for the University.

 

[HornSports Staff]

 

[HornSports Staff]

Announcement from UT, Hartzell:

Dear UT Community,

When students ask for advice, I typically respond thematically: Follow your passions, take some chances, stretch outside your comfort zone, and think of how you would like to make an impact. Today, I am writing to let you know that I am following my own advice, which has led to my decision that this semester will be my last as the president of The University of Texas at Austin. The Board of Trustees of Southern Methodist University has offered me the opportunity to serve as that institution’s next president starting June 1, 2025, and I have accepted their offer. I am very grateful to Chairman Kevin Eltife and the UT System Board of Regents for the incredible opportunity they provided me to serve UT Austin in this role. As I look back on the last five academic years, with their support, our University has accomplished a great deal. This has been a team effort, including the leadership of our great state, the Board of Regents, the Chancellor and UT System staff, UT Austin’s faculty, staff, students, and their families, and of course, our amazing alumni. Working together, we created many highlights that give us all reason to be proud, including: Achieving all-time highs in applications, enrollment, graduation rates, research expenditures, and philanthropic support. Announcing and planning for UT Austin’s Academic Medical Center, driven by the Dell Medical School, that will also bring an MD Anderson Cancer Center hospital to Central Texas. Delivering the next phase of innovation in semiconductors, led by the Texas Institute for Electronics, with unprecedented investments by the State of Texas and DARPA. Offering more accessible UT housing, including our first housing scholarship program, the acquisition of Dobie, a new residence hall underway on Whitis, our first new graduate housing project in roughly 40 years, and our first foray into faculty housing given our acquisition of the Boulevard on Town Lake apartments. Harnessing the breadth and depth of expertise across the Forty Acres to increase our reach and impact across key research areas, including Artificial Intelligence, Computing, and Energy. Commencing construction for two new, important academic facilities – the Engineering Discovery Building and the McCombs School’s new undergraduate and faculty building, Mulva Hall. Commemorating and communicating about our history, including the pending East Mall space dedicated to the Precursors, and the important work to help us better understand the history of our school song, The Eyes of Texas. Kicking off the renovation of our most iconic building, the Tower. Creating many new academic programs, including the School of Civic Leadership, and an innovative honors program for undergraduates in robotics. Investing in our students’ experiences, including the arts, live music, and the West Campus Ambassadors program. Navigating COVID, while protecting our core academic and research missions. Winning 11 NCAA national championships (and counting) and three Directors’ Cups, and joining the Southeastern Conference. Behind all of these, at the core of our University, are exceptional people. There are too many for me to properly thank or recognize here, but I am continually inspired and energized by the talented individuals I have the honor of working with and learning from. I will be eternally grateful for my 29 years at UT as a student, faculty member, and administrator. My wife, Kara, and I will always be Longhorns — as alumni, parents, passionate supporters, and fans — even when we are no longer on the faculty or staff. Thank you all for enriching our lives, and for all you continue to do for this great University and our students. Hook 'em!

Jay Hartzell President

 

[BruiseLee]

 

[Sirhornsalot]

 

[HornSports Staff]

The following is a statement from UT System Chairman of the Board of Regents Kevin P. Eltife and Chancellor J.B. Milliken:

"We congratulate UT Austin President Jay Hartzell on being named the new president of Southern Methodist University. We greatly appreciate his service as UT Austin’s president since 2020 and on its faculty since 2001. His last day on the Forty Acres will be May 31.

UT Austin is one of the world’s outstanding universities, with an exceptional faculty, staff, and leadership team in place to position it for even greater influence in the years ahead. We have worked closely with UT Austin during Jay Hartzell’s five years as president, and will continue to do so in the months ahead to ensure a smooth transition.

We wish President Hartzell our very best on his new leadership role in Dallas, and we thank him for his many contributions to UT over the past 24 years."

 

[Baron]

Is it because of the fewer restrictions in the private sector or did SMU money whip him?

 

[Kmed]

Is it because of the fewer restrictions in the private sector or did SMU money whip him?

Probably more of it being tired of the politics (and politicians) at the flagship public school. At SMU, he’ll just have to deal with rich alumni who think they run the show (which he also has to deal with at UT).

 

[HornSports Staff]

Probably more of it being tired of the politics (and politicians) at the flagship public school. At SMU, he’ll just have to deal with rich alumni who think they run the show (which he also has to deal with at UT).

BINGO (to your first sentence).

SMU is a step-down from UT Austin.

 

[HornSports Staff]

 

[Baron]

BINGO (to your first sentence).

SMU is a step-down from UT Austin.

SMU has deep pockets. It's what funded the Pony Express teams.

 

[lakeman74]

Let's see. Hartzell had to deal with state troopers and mounted patrol teargassing and strong-arming Israel/Palestine protestors on campus, followed by protestors showing up in his front yard (he has a wife and kids), followed by all the DEI changes mandated at the state level, in addition to having to play politics while trying to focus on his Higher Education priorities for UT Austin (his alma mater). Seems like a tough but easy decision to leave.