Rice University, SMU, Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University all climbed in the U.S. News and World Report college rankings this year. All of the state’s top public universities fell.
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.
Texas A&M Won the Game. But Prairie View Won a $450,000 Payout
Prairie View lost 67-0 to Texas A&M University on Saturday, but the defeat helped pay for the school’s athletic programs. What will those schools do if those payouts go away?
Less Screaming, More Diversity: Aggie Corps Reboots for 21st Century
With women in leadership, more time for students to study and even a Starbucks, the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets is a kinder and gentler version of its former self.
UT Chancellor, a Former Admiral, Asks Athletes to Stand During National Anthem
In an impassioned memo sent after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick ignited national controversy by refusing to stand for the national anthem, UT System Chancellor Bill McRaven urged his athletes not to repeat the gesture of protest.
Texas Students Scramble After ITT Tech Shutdown
More than 3,200 Texas students who were studying at 10 ITT Tech campuses may have to start their educations over. However, they may be able to get student loans forgiven, or switch to community colleges.
University of Texas at San Antonio President to Retire at End of School Year
Ricardo Romo is leaving the top post at University of Texas at San Antonio after 18 years. He oversaw the university during a time of massive growth.
After Student’s Killing, DPS Wants Fewer “Transients,” More Security on UT Campus
The Texas Department of Public Safety has listed several ideas for the University of Texas at Austin to make its campus safer. The proposals are in response to the slaying last year of a student, whose body was found on campus.
Texas Tech’s New President Wants University to be Elite
In an interview, Texas Tech University’s new president describes his vision for the school, his love for Lubbock and the future of the Big 12.
Oral Arguments in Voter ID Case are set for January
Also, a Texas congressman joins the call for a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton.
How UNT-Dallas’ Grand Law School Experiment Could Be Overruled
The University of North Texas at Dallas wants to be a different kind of law school. But could the system that it hopes to change bring it down before it fully gets up and running?




