Financial, logistical and psychological barriers often get in the way of community college students transferring to four-year universities. Lately, universities are trying to change that.
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
As University of Houston Rises, Black Student Enrollment Declines
At the University of Houston, enrollment is up 18 percent since 2009-10. But black enrollment is down 17 percent.
Posted inState Government
UT Regent Hall Appeals to Texas Supreme Court in Fight With Chancellor
University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall has filed an appeal to the Texas Supreme Court to get access to confidential student records that UT System Chancellor Bill McRaven has denied him.
Posted in
Politics
One Day After Endorsement, Cruz Refuses to Say Trump is Fit for the Presidency
One day after endorsing Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz refused Saturday to say whether he thinks the Republican nominee for president is fit to lead the country.
Posted in
Higher Education
On Abbott’s Watch, the Fight for the Soul of Texas Universities Has Cooled
Since Gov. Greg Abbott took office, the fight over former Gov. Rick Perry’s “seven solutions” for higher education in Texas has faded.
Posted in
Higher Education
Amarillo Chips In $15 Million for Texas Tech’s Veterinary School Plans
Officials in Amarillo on Tuesday agreed to chip in $15 million to help Texas Tech University open a new veterinary school in the city.
Posted in
Higher Education
Abbott: Texas Shouldn’t Emulate “No Longer Relevant” Companies
Unveiling the results of a six-month review by a task force devoted to addressing Texas’ evolving workforce needs, Gov. Greg Abbott said Monday that the state needs to establish itself as a worldwide research leader.
Posted in
Higher Education
Weeks After Campus Carry Went Into Effect, an Accidental Misfire at Tarleton State
No one was hurt and there was minimal property damage at Tarleton State after someone accidentally shot off a gun in a dormitory.
Posted in
Higher Education
Fenves Announces $15 Million in Aid for UT-Austin Students
During his annual state of the university speech, University of Texas at Austin President Greg Fenves announced plans to increase financial aid for middle-class students and cultivate diversity among faculty and students.
Posted inState Government
Texas Lawmakers Explore Paring Back Free Tuition for Veterans’ Kids
State lawmakers on Tuesday explored what should be done about the spiraling costs of a veterans tuition program known as Hazlewood.
