UT Austin President Jay Hartzell Resigns to Lead SMU

Hartzell will assume the presidency of Southern Methodist University in June after five years leading Texas' flagship institution.

Jay Hartzell has announced his resignation as president of the University of Texas at Austin to take on the same role at Southern Methodist University starting June 1, 2025.
Hartzell's tenure at UT Austin included achievements such as record enrollment, increased graduation rates, and the university's transition to the Southeastern Conference.
His leadership was marked by challenges, including faculty criticism over the closure of the DEI office and his handling of campus protests regarding the war in Gaza.
Hartzell cited the opportunity to lead a private institution like SMU as a compelling next step, particularly given its rising national reputation and independence from state legislative oversight.
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has not yet announced an interim leader or timeline for appointing Hartzell's successor.