Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday boosted University of Texas System Regent Wallace Hall’s efforts to dig into admissions at UT-Austin by siding with Hall in a dispute over whether regents can have access to confidential student records.
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
Legislators Likely to End Top 10 Percent Scholarships
A state-funded college scholarship program designed to keep top students in Texas may soon be axed due to lawmaker concerns that it doesn’t have enough money to accomplish its goal.
Posted inState Government
Senate OKs Tougher Rules for Hazlewood Tuition Program
In an effort to contain growing costs, the Texas Senate voted Tuesday to make it harder for veterans to pass free in-state tuition benefits onto their children. Universities have been pleading for help with those spiraling costs.
Posted inState Government
UT Regents Ask AG to Ignore Hall’s Request for Information
In a letter, the UT System says Regent Wallace Hall shouldn’t have “unfettered access” to confidential student information. The letter also argues that Hall didn’t have the right to seek the attorney general’s help in the request.
Posted in
Higher Education
Without Stadium Home, Bats Invade Texas A&M University Buildings
A&M’s football stadium, Kyle Field, has long doubled as one of the region’s biggest bat habitats — or at least it did until recent renovations began. Now, the bats have spread across the rest of campus, showing up in swimming pools, offices and other campus buildings.
Posted in
Higher Education
A&M’s New President Says No “Bloodletting”
On his first day, Texas A&M President Michael K. Young lauded the school’s students and faculty, and said he is thrilled to be in College Station. And, of course, Young had to answer questions about football.
Posted in
Higher Education
Outgoing President Powers Touts UT-Austin’s Gains, Has No Regrets
Outgoing UT-Austin President Bill Powers said this week that he felt he always acted in the best interest of the school and is proud of the reforms he helped implement. He also defended his actions related to university admissions.
Posted inState Government
Senate Passes Ethics Reform of a Generation?
Bill author Van Taylor said SB 19 was one for the history books. Others, including John Whitmire, disagreed.
Posted in
State Government
Running for Office? Urine for a Surprise
Any candidate seeking elected office in Texas would be required to take a drug test when he or she files to run, under a proposal that the state Senate approved Tuesday.
Posted in
Higher Education
To What Degree Should Regents Get Involved?
Texas law isn’t specific about how public university system regents should do their jobs. So regents are largely left to interpret their roles themselves. With some taking a more hands-on approach, debate has grown about the role of regents.
