A proposal to substantially weaken the Top 10 Percent Rule took an important step forward Wednesday.
Matthew Watkins
Matthew Watkins began serving as editor in chief of the Tribune in September 2024. He is a Texas native, born in Houston and raised in Austin. He attended Texas A&M University and has spent his entire professional career in Texas journalism, including stints at The Eagle in Bryan-College Station and The Dallas Morning News. Matthew joined The Texas Tribune in 2015 has held various roles, including higher education reporter, breaking news editor and politics editor. He has helped guide the Tribune's award-winning journalism that has included coverage of six legislative sessions, multiple election cycles, natural disasters and political scandals. He lives in Austin with his wife, Susan, and their two children.
Posted in
Higher Education
In aftermath of rape scandal, Baylor hires its first female president
Baylor University has named Linda Livingstone as its next president.
Posted in
Higher Education
Hazlewood plan would leave benefits for current veterans untouched
Colleges are asking the state to pare back the state program that offers free tuition to veterans or their children. But key lawmakers in the Texas House don’t want to mess with what’s being offered to current veterans and their families.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas lawmakers might let community colleges offer bachelor’s degrees
More than a dozen bills have been filed this session that would let more two-year colleges offer four-year degrees.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas senators mull eliminating Top 10 Percent Rule
The Senate Higher Education Committee on Wednesday reviewed the state’s automatic college admissions rule, which is popular among minorities but loathed among many suburban students and parents.
Posted in
Higher Education
Senate approves two-year tuition freeze, 1% cap on increases after that
The Texas Senate voted 29-2 to freeze tuition for two years, and then cap tuition increases at 1 percent plus inflation after that. The idea will now go to the House, where leaders are skeptical of tuition freezes.
Posted in
Higher Education
Frustrated Texas senators call for transparency from Baylor after rape scandal
Baylor University leaders faced strong criticism Wednesday from Texas senators who are pondering whether to require the private university to comply with state open records laws.
Posted in
Higher Education
Former UT System administrator Woodley to lead UT-Permian Basin
Sandra Woodley, The UT System’s former vice chancellor for strategic initiatives, will take over as president of the growing University of Texas of the Permian Basin at the end of August.
Posted in
Higher Education
Will Texas universities face perfect storm of cuts?
The top three sources of revenue for Texas public universities are all being targeted for reductions or freezes by federal or state government leaders.
Posted inState Government
How a college student election got the attention of the energy secretary
Thanks to some glow sticks and a strict interpretation of election rules, the student body president election at Texas A&M University has gained national attention — and the suspicion of former Gov. Rick Perry.
