SMU
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University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell is stepping down from his role at the UT System's flagship institution to assume the presidency of SMU, the school announced on Tuesday. The SMU Board of Trustees unanimously voted for Hartzell’s appointment, which will be effective June 1.
Hartzell, a recognized national leader in business education and real estate finance, currently serves as UT Austin's 30th president. His tenure has been marked by record-breaking achievements, including all-time highs in enrollment, graduation rates, research funding, and philanthropic support. Before becoming president, Hartzell was the dean of UT’s McCombs School of Business, where he launched initiatives such as the Goff Real Estate Labs and oversaw the opening of Rowling Hall, home to UT’s MBA program.
Hartzell’s formal installation as SMU’s 11th president is planned for the fall.
“SMU’s stellar and rising national reputation, along with its strong leadership and diverse, accomplished students and faculty, made this opportunity one I couldn’t pass up,” Hartzell said in a statement. “I look forward to building upon the university’s remarkable momentum and leading SMU into its next era.”
The announcement comes a little more than a month since TCU announced that President Daniel Pullin would succeed Chancellor Victor J. Boschini in June.
During his leadership at UT Austin, Hartzell also implemented a strategic 10-year plan, Change Starts Here, aimed at positioning the university as the world’s highest-impact public research institution. His efforts included advancing key research areas such as artificial intelligence, energy, and advanced computing, while overseeing a transition to the Southeastern Conference for UT’s athletics program.
“Dr. Hartzell’s leadership, vision, and ability to advance programs across diverse disciplines make him the ideal choice to lead SMU into its next chapter,” said David Miller, chair of SMU’s Board of Trustees and co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “We are excited to welcome him and his family to the Hilltop.”
Hartzell’s appointment follows a national search facilitated by Isaacson, Miller, a higher education leadership firm. The search committee, comprised of faculty, students, alumni, and supporters, emphasized the importance of selecting a leader capable of guiding SMU’s ongoing transformation as a premier research institution.
The search for a new university leader was precipitated by R. Gerald Turner’s decision to transition after 30 years to president emeritus.
Since its founding in 1911, SMU has been a vital contributor to the growth and development of Dallas and the surrounding region through its educational programs, research endeavors, and active community involvement.
SMU enrolls more than 12,000 students across eight schools and operates with a $2.2 billion endowment. As a new member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, SMU aligns with some of the nation’s most prestigious academic institutions and competes in 17 intercollegiate sports. The university’s ongoing capital campaign, "SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow," has already raised more than $1.3 billion toward its $1.5 billion goal, according to the university.