UT Austin has made several changes in the last two years under Republican state leadership. The university named new top leadership, cut numerous majors, overhauled its core curriculum, and intervened in the governance of KUT Public Media, the Austin NPR station it has housed for decades. Democrats, who have criticized many of those changes, are set to take power after the midterm elections.
The governor appoints the members of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, and the Legislature controls the university's budget and policies. Gina Hinojosa defeated Gov. Greg Abbott and will be the state's first Democratic governor in more than three decades. Six of the nine regents are not up for reappointment until 2029 or later, unless they leave sooner. Hinojosa cannot fire them outright. The Republican-controlled Texas Senate must confirm her appointees if she makes them while the Legislature is in session.
Gary Susswein, UT's former top spokesman, said that could limit how quickly Hinojosa can make major changes. He noted that regents appointed by former Gov. Rick Perry did not always follow the governor's lead. Three regents' terms expire next February, including board chair Kevin Eltife. Hinojosa has previously accused UT of stifling free speech. She said she will appoint regents who are "respectful of academic freedom." Her campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.