Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
DALLAS (SMU) – The Southern Methodist University (SMU) Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Jay Hartzell as the next president of SMU, effective June 1, 2025. A distinguished academic leader and expert in business education and real estate finance, Dr. Hartzell currently serves as the 30th president of The University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Hartzell brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at UT Austin, where he previously served as dean of the McCombs School of Business and has been a faculty member since 2001.
“I am honored to serve as the next president of such an exceptional institution as SMU, located in one of the nation’s most dynamic and fastest-growing cities,” Dr. Hartzell said. “SMU’s stellar and rising national reputation, extraordinary leadership, accomplished alumni, and strong, diverse students and faculty made this an opportunity my wife Kara and I could not pass up. I look forward to building on the University’s momentum and leading SMU into its next era.”
During his presidency at UT Austin, Dr. Hartzell oversaw record-breaking growth in applications, enrollment, graduation rates, research expenditures, and philanthropic support. He also championed innovative academic programs and advanced research in artificial intelligence, energy, and advanced computing.
David B. Miller, ’72, ’73, Chair of the SMU Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, described Dr. Hartzell as an ideal leader for SMU. “Dr. Hartzell’s exceptional academic and administrative experience, coupled with his vision and passion, make him the right choice to continue SMU’s incredible momentum,” Miller said. “We are excited to welcome him and his family to the Hilltop.”
Dr. Hartzell’s academic achievements are complemented by his work as a consultant and his tenure on the boards of organizations like Austin Habitat for Humanity. His extensive research has been featured in leading academic journals, further underscoring his expertise.
As president of UT Austin, Dr. Hartzell launched several game-changing initiatives, including Change Starts Here, a 10-year strategic plan positioning UT Austin as a leading public research university. He also spearheaded one of the largest capital campaigns ever undertaken by a public university and oversaw UT’s transition to the Southeastern Conference, elevating the institution’s athletic and academic profiles.
SMU continues to grow as a premier research university, with over 12,000 students enrolled in eight schools. The University operates with an $861 million budget and a $2.2 billion endowment, attracting a diverse and high-achieving student body. Its $1.5 billion campaign, SMU Ignited: Boldly Shaping Tomorrow, is nearing its goal, having already raised more than $1.387 billion.
With research expenditures exceeding $50 million annually and a strong commitment to academic excellence, SMU remains at the forefront of innovation and impact.
Dr. Hartzell succeeds Dr. R. Gerald Turner, who will transition to the role of president emeritus after 30 years of distinguished service. Dr. Turner expressed his confidence in Dr. Hartzell’s leadership: “With Dr. Hartzell at the helm, SMU will continue building on its remarkable legacy of success.”
Dr. Hartzell holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Economics from Trinity University and a Ph.D. in Finance from UT Austin. He and his wife, Kara, have two adult children. His formal installation as SMU’s 11th president is planned for the fall of 2025.
As SMU enters its second century, Dr. Hartzell’s leadership promises to propel the University into an exciting new chapter of innovation, academic excellence, and global impact.
For the latest updates on SMU’s presidential transition, visit our dedicated information hub, smu.edu/presidentsearch. Source: Southern Methodist University
