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UT Austin President Jay Hartzell to Lead SMU After Unanimous Board Vote

Jan 7, 2025, 05:28 PM

University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell is stepping down from his role to become the next president of Southern Methodist University (SMU), effective June 1, 2025, following a unanimous vote by SMU's Board of Trustees. Hartzell, an economist who values strong athletic programs, will succeed R. Gerald Turner as SMU's leader. He cited SMU’s stellar and rising national reputation, strong board of trustees, accomplished alumni, and diverse students and faculty as reasons for his decision, stating that the opportunity was one he and his wife Kara could not pass up. Hartzell was a key figure in the Longhorns’ significant move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and is expected to help SMU navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics as the university joins the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). UT Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife expressed happiness for Hartzell in his new role.