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.
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
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.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT Must Tussle With Outsiders for Strong and Smart Trademarks
The University of Texas at Austin filed for five trademarks related to the hiring of basketball coach Shaka Smart this month. But an alumnus, his neighbor and a Louisiana company beat it to the punch on three others.
Posted in
State Government
Texas Senate Approves $211 Billion Budget
Senators on Tuesday voted 30-1 to approve the state’s two-year budget. It will now go to conference committee to be reconciled with the House version.
Posted in
Higher Education
Universities Try Again on Construction Funding
In 2013, billions of dollars in bonds to pay for new campus buildings slipped through the grasp of state universities and colleges in the session’s closing moments. Another bond package is now moving through the chambers, and university leaders hope not to repeat that fate.
Posted in
Higher Education
UT Regents Will Let Wallace Hall Review More Documents
The University of Texas System Board of Regents will allow member Wallace Hall to see some data and documents compiled during an outside investigation into outside influence on UT-Austin admissions.
