UT President Jay Hartzell to Lead SMU in Major Higher Education Shift

Southern Methodist University (SMU) has named University of Texas President Jay Hartzell as its next leader, marking a significant shift in Texas higher education. The SMU Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Hartzell, who will assume the role on June 1, 2025. Hartzell will succeed R. Gerald Turner, who is stepping down after 30 years at the helm of the private Dallas institution.

“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,” Hartzell said in a statement. His departure from UT Austin, a flagship public university with nearly 54,000 students, to lead SMU, a private university with approximately 12,000 students, is seen as a major coup for the Dallas-based institution.

Hartzell’s tenure at UT Austin was marked by significant achievements, including increased graduation rates, expanded research funding, and record-breaking philanthropy. He also navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, legislative scrutiny over faculty tenure, and campus protests related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the war in Gaza.

At SMU, Hartzell is expected to focus on elevating the university’s national profile and strengthening its ties within the Dallas community. SMU, known for its business school and entrepreneurship programs, has seen steady enrollment growth despite its high tuition costs, which are estimated at $86,000 annually for undergraduates. Nearly 70% of first-year students rely on scholarships or grants to attend.

Unlike UT Austin, SMU operates as a private institution, shielding it from state legislative restrictions on DEI programs and faculty tenure. This distinction is likely to provide Hartzell with greater flexibility in shaping the university’s policies and priorities.

Hartzell’s leadership at UT Austin was not without controversy. In 2024, he faced criticism from faculty and students over his handling of campus protests, which led to dozens of arrests. However, his decision to call in state troopers to maintain order was praised by some Republican leaders, including Rep. Jeff Leach, who called Hartzell “the right man at the right time” for UT.

As Hartzell prepares to transition to SMU, UT Austin will begin the search for its next president, a process expected to be highly competitive and politically charged. Meanwhile, SMU looks to build on its recent successes, including its football program’s return to prominence with a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Hartzell’s move underscores the evolving landscape of higher education in Texas, where private institutions like SMU are increasingly competing with public universities for top talent and resources.