Chancellors: University Expansion is Good for Texas
The chancellors of Texas’s top university systems defended their ambitious expansion plans to lawmakers Wednesday and some pushed back against the idea of more oversight of their growth. Full Story
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Matthew Watkins began serving as editor in chief of the Tribune in September 2024. Matthew is a Texas native, born in Houston and raised in Austin. He attended public schools and graduated from Texas A&M University. He’s spent nearly two decades in Texas journalism, and previously worked at The Eagle in Bryan-College Station and The Dallas Morning News. Matthew joined the Tribune in 2015 has held various roles, including higher education reporter, breaking news editor and politics editor. As a managing editor, Matthew has guided the Tribune’s award-winning journalism and other reporting of statewide significance, including coverage of elections and legislative sessions to major breaking news and ambitious storytelling about the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Texas-Mexico border, the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, the impeachment of Texas attorney general and battles over public education. He lives in Austin with his wife, Susan, and their two children.
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![On Jan. 20, 2016, the Texas House Higher Education Committee discussed efforts to grow educational programs with University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven.]()
Credit: Shelby Knowles/ Texas Tribune -
University Officials to Defend Expansion Plans
University leaders from across Texas may face tough audiences this week as they are asked to explain their ambitious expansion plans before two key higher education policy boards. Full Story
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![A conceptual rendering of the University of Texas System campus that Chancellor Bill McRaven hopes to build in Houston.]()
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Is Texas Building Too Many Medical Schools?
Texas universities are racing to build new medical schools, but without enough slots for post-graduate residents, some worry they're building a pipeline that will funnel new doctors out of state. Full Story
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![The Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin under construction.]()
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Eyeing a New Campus, UT System Buys Houston Land
Even though some lawmakers and state officials have urged it to slow down and reconsider, the University of Texas System on Friday completed the purchase of 100 acres of land for a new Houston campus. Full Story
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Trinity University Becomes 20th Private College to Opt Out of Campus Carry
Trinity University in San Antonio became the latest private school in Texas to decide it doesn't want guns on its campus, despite a new state law that allows for that option. Full Story
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Texas Tech Names John Opperman Interim President
The Texas Tech University System has named one of its own top administrators, John Opperman, to lead the flagship campus while it searches for a permanent president. Full Story
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![Texas Tech University System administrator John Opperman has been named interim president of the flagship campus.]()
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Investigators: No Evidence of Academic Cheating in UT Basketball
An investigation commissioned by the University of Texas at Austin has found "no evidence" of academic cheating by its basketball players. The NCAA has also decided not to pursue any punishment. Full Story
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![University of Texas Men's Basketball game at the Frank Erwin Center against the Baylor Bears.]()
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UT System Wants Campus Carry Drafts by February
The University of Texas System expects its 14 schools to submit rules for concealed handguns on their campuses by mid-February to comply with the state's new campus-carry law. Full Story
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Where Do Private Colleges Stand on Campus Carry?
The state's 38 private colleges can opt out of a new state law that will allow concealed handgun license owners to carry guns in buildings on college campuses. No private college has announced plans to allow guns on its grounds. Here is a look at where things stand with each campus. Full Story
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![Baylor University in Waco, Texas.]()
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As Universities Consider Campus Carry, Gun-Free Classrooms Seem Unlikely
Texas professors are still fighting to keep their classrooms gun free. But the state's top universities appear to be reaching a consensus that banning guns in classes will soon be illegal. Full Story
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![Stephanie Odam of Austin advocates for a gun-free learning environment during a Modern Language Association-sponsored march on Congress Avenue Jan. 8, 2016.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich