UT Austin President Jay Hartzell Shocks Campus with Move to SMU

AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell‘s decision to leave the university for Southern Methodist University (SMU) has sent shockwaves through the campus community. Hartzell, who has served as UT Austin‘s president since 2020, will assume his new role at SMU in June after being unanimously voted in by the SMU Board of Trustees.

During a virtual media availability on Tuesday, Texas women’s basketball head coach Vic Schaefer expressed his surprise and admiration for Hartzell. “God almighty,” Schaefer said. “I’ve worked for some really good presidents, he’s the best. Man, I love that guy.” Schaefer praised Hartzell’s accessibility and support for athletics, noting that the president often attended games and assisted with recruiting efforts.

Hartzell’s departure comes amid growing political pressures on public universities in Texas. Since 2021, UT Austin has faced scrutiny over its handling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as its response to pro-Palestine protests on campus. Hartzell’s leadership has been a focal point of these controversies, with some faculty and students criticizing his administration for aligning too closely with state mandates.

In an interview with The Texas Tribune, Hartzell denied that political pressures influenced his decision to leave. However, he acknowledged that his new role at SMU, a private institution, would allow him to be more “nimble” and avoid frequent trips to the Texas Capitol. Hartzell also confirmed that SMU has no plans to eliminate its DEI office, a stark contrast to the DEI ban enforced at public universities in Texas.

Hartzell’s move has sparked concerns among UT Austin faculty about the future of the university’s leadership. Some worry that his departure could weaken the university’s ability to advocate for its interests during the upcoming legislative session, which begins next week. Faculty members are also concerned about potential efforts to further restrict academic freedom and faculty governance.

Meanwhile, conservative leaders see Hartzell’s exit as an opportunity to install a president who aligns more closely with their values. State Rep. Brian Harrison, a vocal critic of UT Austin’s DEI policies, said, “This presents an opportunity to get real bold conservative leadership and get back to the basics, which is educating the workforce of tomorrow and strengthening the Texas economy.”

Hartzell’s tenure at UT Austin began in 2020, following a career that included roles as interim president, provost, and dean of the McCombs School of Business. His departure marks the latest in a series of high-profile exits among university presidents nationwide, many of whom cite political interference and declining public support as key factors in their decisions to leave.

As UT Austin begins its search for a new president, the university faces a critical juncture in its history. The next leader will need to navigate an increasingly polarized political landscape while upholding the institution’s academic mission and values.