A Nobel Prize-winning physicist at the University of Texas at Austin declared Monday that he will try to ban guns from his classroom this fall, even if university rules and state law say he can’t.
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
Energy
Looking to Expand International Programs, UT-Austin Eyes Mexico
One of University of Texas at Austin President Greg Fenves’ top priorities in his first year in office is to expand UT-Austin’s international presence. And a key part of that mission will be Mexico, which Fenves will visit this week.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas Wesleyan Opts Out of Campus Carry
Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth announced Friday that it will opt out of the state’s new campus carry law, making it the 21st private college to decide to continue to ban guns.
Posted in
Demographics
UT System Chancellor McRaven Blasts Top 10 Percent Rule
Texas should consider scrapping its top 10 percent automatic admissions rule for universities, which hurts the prestige of the University of Texas at Austin, UT System Chancellor Bill McRaven said in two separate public appearances this week.
Posted in
Higher Education
McRaven: I Should Have Consulted Coordinating Board on Houston Land Buy
University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven told the state’s higher education oversight board Thursday that he probably should have consulted with them before buying about 100 acres for a new campus in southwest Houston.
Posted in
Higher Education
Chancellors: University Expansion is Good for Texas
The chancellors of Texas’s top university systems defended their ambitious expansion plans to lawmakers Wednesday and some pushed back against the idea of more oversight of their growth.
Posted in
Higher Education
University Officials to Defend Expansion Plans
University leaders from across Texas may face tough audiences this week as they are asked to explain their ambitious expansion plans before two key higher education policy boards.
Posted in
Health care
Is Texas Building Too Many Medical Schools?
Texas universities are racing to build new medical schools, but without enough slots for post-graduate residents, some worry they’re building a pipeline that will funnel new doctors out of state.
Posted inState Government
Eyeing a New Campus, UT System Buys Houston Land
Even though some lawmakers and state officials have urged it to slow down and reconsider, the University of Texas System on Friday completed the purchase of 100 acres of land for a new Houston campus.
Posted in
Higher Education
Trinity University Becomes 20th Private College to Opt Out of Campus Carry
Trinity University in San Antonio became the latest private school in Texas to decide it doesn’t want guns on its campus, despite a new state law that allows for that option.
