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.
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 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.
Posted in
Higher Education
Senate Committee Backs Hazlewood Program Changes
Amid concerns raised about the rising costs of a college tuition program for military veterans, a Texas Senate panel on Wednesday backed a plan that would tighten eligibility rules.
Posted inState Government
UT Regent Asks Attorney General for Access to Confidential Info
UT System Regent Wallace Hall is questioning whether it is legal for the chancellor to restrict Hall’s access to confidential student information. In a letter, he asked Attorney General Ken Paxton to weigh in.
Posted in
Higher Education
Fenves Named Next President of UT-Austin
By an 8-0 vote, Gregory Fenves has been named the next UT-Austin president. He’ll take over the job June 3.
Posted inState Government
Dream Act Opponents Face More Obstacles
Also, the House-Senate brinksmanship on tax relief shows no sign of resolution.
Posted in
Higher Education
A&M Chancellor Requests Resignation Letters at Flagship Campus
Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp has asked all vice presidents at the system’s flagship College Station campus to submit letters of resignation prior to the arrival of the school’s new president.
Posted in
Higher Education
Universities Plead for Help With Hazlewood
School officials say the cost of providing free tuition for veterans and their dependents is growing at an unsustainable pace. Lawmakers in the House are considering tweaks to the law.
