Community colleges want a funding overhaul this legislative session, and four-year universities are hoping for a boost in research funds. Meanwhile, faculty are bracing for a potential threat to tenure and limits to conversations about race.
Kate McGee
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.
Posted in
Higher Education
In lawsuit, student claims six Texas medical schools are illegally considering race and sex in admissions
The plaintiff is represented by a group created by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller and former Texas Solicitor General Jonathan Mitchell, the architect of the state’s six-week abortion ban.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Texas universities propose two-year tuition freeze in exchange for nearly $1 billion in additional state funding
The leaders of the state’s six biggest university systems are seeking the money to fund instruction, university operations and employee health insurance and to cover a free tuition program for veterans and their children.
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Higher Education
UT fires head basketball coach Chris Beard after domestic violence arrest
Beard was hired by UT in 2021. The university paid $4 million to buy out his contract at Texas Tech University. He was one of UT’s highest-paid employees.
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Higher Education
Stephen F. Austin State University moves to join the University of Texas System
Regents said they chose the UT System because of its access to the Permanent University Fund, which consists of oil and gas assets.
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Higher Education
Tomikia LeGrande chosen as next Prairie View A&M University president
The announcement kicks off a required 21-day period before she can be formally appointed. If approved, LeGrande will take over at the end of the current academic year.
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Higher Education
Collin College professor reinstated at school in free speech lawsuit settlement
Suzanne Jones is the second professor to settle with the North Texas college over accusations that the school fired her over protected speech in which administrators disagreed.
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Higher Education
How four Texas university systems are pitching themselves as the best new home for Stephen F. Austin State University
The SFA Board of Regents is expected to decide whether to join a system before the end of the semester. The Texas A&M, Texas State, Texas Tech and University of Texas systems have all expressed interest in adding the Nacogdoches school to their folds.
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Higher Education
Texas commission recommends tying community colleges’ state funding to their performance
State higher education leaders are pushing for the changes as community colleges face greater workforce demands and financial pressures. The commission’s report now goes to lawmakers, who are expected to file legislation on the matter next session.
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
In Texas, where money has long dominated politics, Greg Abbott is in a league of his own
The two-term governor’s donors enjoy access, appointments to boards and commissions, and a chance to bend the ear of a politician who may harbor bigger ambitions.
