Texas universities seeking top research status will have a clearer path under new rules
Texas universities trying to earn the coveted Carnegie “R1” title might be closer than before after a major overhaul this week. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/80edcf23dbab9b5a8d3dd820ea21514f/Baylor%20University%20JV%20TT%2013%20.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/Kate_McGee_2025_2x3-2.jpg)
Kate McGee is an Austin-based enterprise and investigative reporter. She joined the Tribune in October 2020 as a higher education reporter. She was a three-time finalist for the Education Writers Association's Beat Reporter of the Year award, winning the title in 2024. She was also a Livingston Award finalist for her coverage of the University of Texas at Austin. Before the Tribune, she spent nearly a decade as a reporter at public radio stations nationwide, including in Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Austin; Reno, Nevada; and New York. Kate was born in New York City and primarily raised in New Jersey. She earned her bachelor's degree from Fordham University.
Latest Contributions
-
![Yellow leaves fall on a gusty day on the campus of Baylor University in Waco, TX on Dec 23, 2020.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
Proposition 5 on Texas ballot would create new endowment for ‘emerging’ research universities
If approved, the new fund would provide tens of millions of dollars to the University of Houston, Texas Tech, Texas State University and University of North Texas. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/067e43d34e7c195a6b3706ae3b3ee41e/HARVEY-UH0455.jpg)
![University of Houston students back on campus in Houston Tuesday, September 5, 2017 after the labor day holiday and Tropical Storm Harvey.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
As Texas bans diversity and equity offices at public colleges, Rice University’s inclusion efforts march on
DEI efforts have become a lightning rod for debate in American higher education. At the private Houston university, officials admit impact is hard to measure — but they also see progress from their work. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/e4e86e0b7e60f6ceac934a4b25405cc1/0926%20Rice%20University%20DEI%20CO%2009.jpg)
![Alexander Byrd, the vice provost for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Rice University, poses for a portrait on campus in Houston, Texas, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023. In June, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that prohibits diversity, equity and inclusion offices in Texas public colleges and universities starting in 2024.]()
Credit: Callaghan O'Hare for The Texas Tribune -
San Marcos forced to pay $175,000 to Wendy Davis, other Democrats after “Trump Train” incident
Four people on a Biden campaign bus accused police of ignoring requests for help as they drove on Interstate 35 surrounded by Trump supporters. They alleged that officers “joked about the victims and their distress.” A second lawsuit related to the incident remains pending. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4f6191ebb9159ec7c94d504846c9e810/Biden%20Bus%20Tour%20REUTERS%20TT.jpg)
![Colin McLaren, an advance staff member for the Biden-Harris campaign in Texas, speaks to Democrats at Vera Minter Park Wednesday in downtown Abilene on Oct. 28, 2020. The campaign bus swung through the Key City for a brief stop to support local candidates, as well as promote the Presidential campaign of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.]()
Credit: Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News via REUTERS -
West Texas A&M University receives $20 million gift for new institute to promote “Texas Panhandle values”
University leaders say the new Hill Institute will promote values like family life, the free and open exercise of faith, and rugged individualism. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7b2530b617a53c4d7ddd45aad76b8caa/0323%20West%20Texas%20Protest%20DB%2008.jpg)
![Clock tower on campus at West Texas A&M University on March 23, 2023.]()
Credit: David Bowser for The Texas Tribune -
Interim Texas A&M University president sets new tone for reforms planned under his predecessor
Mark Welsh said that Texas A&M will stay the course on many controversial changes made by former President Kathy Banks. Professors welcomed Welsh’s commitment to faculty input moving forward. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/958debbb1362b404127f687a9cca1db8/0802%20TAMU%20Welsh%20Eagle%20MS%20TT%2004.jpg)
![Retired General Mark A. Welsh III, interim president of Texas A&M University, speaks at a press conference in the Flag Room of the Memorial Student Center on the Texas A&M campus in College Station, on Aug. 2, 2023.]()
Credit: Meredith Seaver/The Eagle -
Can John Sharp protect his maroon empire?
The savvy ex-lawmaker has expanded the Texas A&M University System and mollified state leaders. Some faculty, alumni and students say that accommodation has come at a cost. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d1b21c68f3e663c51e19be7b78cdc087/0327%20John%20Sharp%20Office%20SF%2003.JPG)
![Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp poses for a portrait in his office on Monday, March 27, 2023 in College Station, TX.]()
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune -
Federal judge throws out hiring discrimination lawsuit against Texas A&M
The judge tossed the suit after the university argued a new state law that will go into effect in January, Senate Bill 17, already prohibits preferential treatment in hiring at public universities. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/fd7e9cb9ec36cb1739761674c8424c45/1115%20AM%20Achieve%20CTE%20Program%20EL%2010.jpg)
![Students walk to class on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station on Nov. 15, 2022.]()
Credit: Evan L'Roy/The Texas Tribune -
Texas A&M student president impeached, removed from office
The 35-15 vote by the student senate was based on accusations that Hudson Kraus changed a job description so his brother could qualify for a cabinet post. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/605743b6799b1bae79909d7eb6c09257/Tamu%20Impeachment%20BATTALION%20TT%2010.jpg)
![The Texas A&M Student Senate meets in College Station on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023.]()
Credit: Courtesy Kyle Heise/The Battalion -
These 2 senators were the only Republicans to vote for Paxton impeachment articles
Kelly Hancock and Robert Nichols broke from the rest of their party, but longtime observers said they weren’t surprised. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/ff6ead0cc60065dfd17dd584333090b1/0916%20Nichols%20Hancock.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune