When Bill Powers’ second-in-command was appointed to replace him as president of UT-Austin this year, it would have been reasonable to expect continuity in the school’s upper ranks. But that’s not the situation Greg Fenves inherited.
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
After Error, Hays County Groundwater Legislation Gets New Life
A bill designed to protect western Hays County residents’ water wells received a surprising, last-minute reprieve Thursday night — after a procedural error killed the legislation the day before.
Posted in
Higher Education
Hopes Fading for New Limits for Tuition Growth
With the death of all legislation specifically aiming to re-regulate tuition costs at Texas’ public universities, proponents of the idea see few avenues for implementing the idea this year.
Posted in
Higher Education
House Votes to Preserve Free Tuition for Some Veterans’ Kids
At the last minute, the House voted to scrap changes to the Hazlewood program that would have made many children of veterans ineligible for free tuition. The bill will still need to be reconciled with the Senate’s more restrictive version.
Posted in
Economy
Facing Cuts, Community Colleges Plead for More State Funding
The state’s 50 community college systems are one of the few areas targeted for cuts in state funding over the next two years. As a final budget is hashed out in the Legislature, school leaders are hoping to reverse their fiscal fortune.
Posted inState Government
Senate Approves $3 Billion in Bonds for Campus Construction
Senators on Tuesday approved House Bill 100, which would authorize $3 billion in debt to pay for construction projects on university campuses.
Posted inState Government
Promise of Free Tuition Could Vanish for Some Veterans’ Children
As lawmakers are working to rein in the cost of the Hazlewood program, some veterans are wondering how they’ll pay for kids’ tuition that they once thought would be free.
Posted inState Government
Hall Denied Access to Student Records — Again
Even after an attorney general’s ruling in his favor, Regent Wallace Hall was told that he can’t see confidential student information related to admissions.
Posted in
Higher Education
Panel Defends Powers’ Role in Admissions but Recommends Changes
A panel of former chancellors and university presidents defended the University of Texas at Austin president’s role in admissions Thursday, but warned that students’ connections shouldn’t be a factor in whether they are admitted.
Posted inState Government
UT Finalizes Contract With Basketball Coach Shaka Smart
In his first year, Shaka Smart will earn $2.8 million. That salary will increase by $100,000 each year until the terms of his contract run out in 2022. The final year, in which he’d be paid $3.4 million, is not guaranteed.
