Both Zerwas and Davis had been serving as interim leaders of the university system and its flagship.
Higher Education
Coverage of universities, colleges, student issues, and education policy shaping Texas’ campuses, from The Texas Tribune.
Fifth Circuit halts West Texas A&M drag show ban as free speech lawsuit continues
In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the school’s prohibition on drag performances, finding students are likely to prove it violates the First Amendment.
Confusion reigns as Texas colleges scramble to comply with ban on in-state tuition for undocumented students
The state isn’t providing schools with guidance and advocates say students who still qualify for lower rates are being asked to pay thousands more.
Judge denies undocumented students’ attempt to challenge sudden loss of in-state tuition
Two groups tried to intervene in a case that blocked Texas’ decade-old law allowing certain undocumented students to pay the lower tuition rates at public universities. They’re appealing that decision.
Texas State System dissolves faculty senates, eroding professors’ influence on campuses
While other universities move to preserve the advisory bodies, Texas State will abolish them under a new state law that curtails faculty’s influence on campuses.
From racism claims to a $725,000 settlement, a UNT professor’s lawsuit mirrors Texas’ shifting views on free speech
Professor Timothy Jackson was accused of making racist remarks at the height of the racial reckoning that followed George Floyd’s murder. His free speech suit against the university comes to an end in the era of DEI bans.
Texas A&M System’s new leader hints faculty senates in state leaders’ crosshairs will stay
In an interview with the Tribune, Chancellor Glenn Hegar also said he would prioritize student outcomes over big projects and skirted questions about diversity and academic freedom.
Canceled Baylor LGBTQ+ study stirs strong reactions in Waco
A grant to help churches better minister to LGBTQ+ people prompted fury. A decision to return the grant then spurred disappointment.
Texas Tech University System leader says he will retire this year
Texas Tech Chancellor Tedd Mitchell has led the 64,000-student university system since 2018. His departure will mark the latest shake-up in the state’s higher ed leadership.
Wealthy families are buying homes to get in-state tuition at Texas universities
A niche but growing industry specializes in helping students buy Texas homes to save tens of thousands of dollars in tuition at public universities.



