Jay Hartzell, the president of the University of Texas at Austin, is set to leave his post and take on the presidency at Southern Methodist University (SMU) come June 1, 2025. His departure follows a tenure embroiled in controversy, including criticism around his response to campus protests and conflicts with state legislators.
Migrating from the public sphere of UT Austin, where he rose through the ranks as faculty member and business school dean to become president since 2020, Hartzell now embraces the private university sector. In a news conference, Hartzell noted the opportunities that Texas offers, stating, "Whatever you feel about certain things that happen in the Legislature in the state, being in Texas has huge advantages," according to Inside Higher Ed. He added that the agility of a private institution like SMU offers a distinctive canvas for innovation.
During his years at UT Austin, Hartzell oversaw a period of peak performance, with all-time highs in various metrics, from student applications and enrollment to graduation rates and philanthropic support. These accomplishments have not gone unnoticed as reflected in the official statement from SMU officials, who highlighted these achievements in their announcement, as reported by CBS Austin.
However, not without his share of discord, Hartzell has been a figure around whom controversy seemed to swirl, from the handling of pro-Palestinian protests to the staffing decisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Having cut the figure as a supportive president, he was appreciated by various student groups, including the Longhorn Students for Israel. "SMU is very lucky to have him," said Jasmine Rad, a leader of the group, in a sentiment echoing the respect many held for his leadership, as per CBS Austin.
Hartzell's move to SMU, an institution with over 12,000 students and a $2.2 billion endowment, marks a significant transition from the state's flagship university which boasts more than 51,000 students. "I am honored to serve as the next president of an exceptional institution like SMU in one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing cities in the nation, and excited to see how I can make the greatest impact as a leader," Hartzell declared in a statement that Inside Higher Ed captured.
With Hartzell's transition slated after the UT Austin graduation ceremonies on May 10th, the shift in leadership will mark a new chapter for both universities. The outgoing and incoming leadership at UT Austin conveyed their gratitude and well-wishes, with the University of Texas chancellor and board chairman recognizing Hartzell's valuable contribution and expressing confidence in the university's trajectory, shared in a joint statement to Inside Higher Ed.
