Matthew Watkins

Matthew Watkins writes about higher education and the business of college sports for the Tribune. Previously, he has covered local government at The Dallas Morning News and The Eagle in Bryan-College Station. A Texas native, Matthew grew up in Austin and has lived in Houston, Dallas and Bryan. He earned his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University in 2008.

Recent Contributions

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Cruz Offers to Speak at Texas A&M International Graduation

by Matthew WatkinsApril 2, 2015 75

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has approached Texas A&M International University about speaking at the Laredo college's spring commencement, the A&M System confirmed Thursday.

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Huston-Tillotson University Names New President

by Matthew WatkinsApril 1, 2015 3

Colette Pierce Burnette will be the first woman to run the private school since Tillotson College and Samuel Huston College merged in 1952.

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UH to Pay $135,000 for McConaughey Speech

by Matthew WatkinsMarch 31, 2015 25

Call it the Houston Buyers Club: The University of Houston is paying $135,000 plus travel expenses to get Matthew McConaughey to speak at its spring commencement. The actor is donating the money to charity.

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Grand Jury Recommends UT Regent's Removal

by Matthew Watkins and Terri LangfordMarch 31, 2015 28

In an unusual, strongly worded report, a Travis County grand jury recommended this week that University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall be removed from office.

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Zachry Group to Donate $25 Million to Texas A&M Engineering

by Matthew WatkinsMarch 31, 2015 4

Zachry Group, a San Antonio-based construction and engineering firm, is donating $25 million to Texas A&M University’s engineering college, aiming to help the college's plans to become the country's largest engineering school.

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