Jay Hartzell, the current president of the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), has been appointed as the next president of Southern Methodist University (SMU) effective June 1, marking a significant shift within Texas higher education.
The SMU Board of Trustees unanimously voted for Hartzell after conducting an extensive national search, solidifying his transition from one of the largest public institutions to the comparatively smaller SMU. Hartzell has served as UT Austin's 30th president since 2020 and has been affiliated with the university for nearly 30 years.
"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, expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity. "SMU’s stellar – and rising – national reputation, decades of extraordinary internal and external leadership, strong board of trustees, accomplished alumni, and impressively strong and diverse students and faculty made this an opportunity to which Kara and I could not pass up. I look forward to building upon the university’s remarkable momentum and leading SMUinto its next era." Hartzell’s commitment to vying for SMU's advancement sits within the ambitious growth narrative of the university.
Hartzell will replace the long-serving SMU president R. Gerald Turner, who has led the university for 30 years, during which he secured prestigious developments such as the George W. Bush Presidential Center and joined the Atlantic Coast Conference. Turner will transition to the role of president emeritus after Hartzell takes over.
The move to SMU indicates Hartzell's intent to build upon his previous experiences as UT Austin's president. Over the past few years, he has overseen growth in research expenditures, philanthropic support, and graduation rates. Notably, he faced pressures from legislative scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and campus unrest linked to the university's handling of protests.
Hartzell follows advice he often shares with students—advice rooted in pursuing passions and embracing challenges, which resonates with his own professional decision-making. Following his announcement, Hartzell reflected on his time at UT Austin, stating he would be "eternally grateful for my 29 years at UT as a student, faculty member, and administrator." His tenure saw challenges, such as the university's management of protests amid national tumult, particularly surrounding issues of racial and social justice.
Throughout his presidency at UT Austin, Hartzell was noted for addressing issues with transparency and commitment, including the controversial response to student-led protests against various state legislations. During protests addressed by police forces, Hartzell's actions received criticism from faculty members who expressed discontent with his approach toward campus safety and the freedom of expression.
His decisive actions and the ensuing controversies have set high expectations for his adaptability at SMU, where he aims to continue elevational growth amid shifting educational landscapes. Hartzell’s leadership at UT has been characterized by increased competitiveness and national rankings, reaching record numbers of applications and enrollments. While UT serves about 54,000 students, SMU's demographic is about 12,000, giving Hartzell the chance to focus on personalized leadership and institutional flourishing.
Plans for Hartzell's formal installation as SMU's 11th president are already tentatively scheduled for the upcoming fall as he prepares to embrace the substantial opportunity the role presents. Under his direction, SMU is optimistic about bolstering its national reputation and academic endeavors moving forward.
His endeavor to transition from public to private education signifies strategic movements within the Texas higher education system, where cycles of transitions and renewals are common. Departing UT Austin after facilitating extensive progress, including its entry to the Southeastern Conference, Hartzell aims to leave behind a legacy positioned for sustained advancement.
The Board of Regents at the UT System acknowledged Hartzell's accomplishments and expressed gratitude for his leadership. "We congratulate UT Austin President Jay Hartzell on being named the new president of Southern Methodist University," said Kevin P. Eltife, Chairman of the Board of Regents.
The news of Hartzell's departure does not merely signify personal advancement, but rather reflects broader themes of transformation and renewal within educational institutions. While UT faces the prospect of selecting its next leader amid political pressures and societal expectations, Hartzell looks to leverage his extensive experience to cultivate growth and development at SMU.
This significant transition embodies the dynamic shifts present within higher education, as both institutions navigate their unique challenges and opportunities for the future.