AUSTIN, Texas — During his annual State of the University address, President Jay Hartzell focused on core themes around expanding our definition of student success, harnessing the breadth and depth of UT and recruiting elite talent to the University. The event was held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at UT’s historic and recently renovated Hogg Memorial Auditorium.
Hartzell began by highlighting the momentum happening at UT right now, including the University’s position as one of the highest-ranked public universities in the world; student demand continuing to rise, with record applications; and four-year graduation rates being higher than ever. He emphasized what a remarkable moment this is for UT.
In broadening our view of what student success means, Hartzell said, we can maximize students’ impact. At UT, we are uniquely positioned to prepare students for an uncertain world, with the breadth and depth of our offerings as a research university.
Hartzell said we will continue to produce specialists but will also encourage students to get outside of silos, take advantage of what UT has to explore and develop general skills and ways of thinking. Another way we will support students is by helping to meet their foundational needs so they can thrive academically — keeping UT affordable; providing more housing options on or near campus; and continuing to prioritize health, well-being and safety.
Beyond the needs of the students when they’re here, Hartzell said, we want to prepare them for life when they leave the Forty Acres. We want to help students be able to design lives for themselves that are fulfilling and impactful. The University’s goal is to, within five years, achieve 90% of graduates having a plan for their life and careers. He mentioned that one step in meeting that goal is to further advance our efforts around entrepreneurship.
In research, Hartzell featured the progress that continues in the focus areas of health and well-being; technology and society; and energy and the environment. He touted successes at the Dell Medical School; investments from the UT Seed Fund in UT-developed startups; major funding for semiconductor research and advanced computing resources; and others.
And, following a successful interdisciplinary “Year of AI” initiative that spanned the entire campus, Hartzell announced that 2025 will be the “Year of Energy,” calling attention to the University’s breadth of expertise, unique position in Texas and open-minded approach to addressing the world’s energy challenges.
Additionally, he presented an evolution of the University’s 10-year strategic plan to become the world’s highest-impact public research university, Change Starts Here, which centers around 10 strategic priorities.
Hartzell concluded the address with an emphasis on talent. He highlighted faculty members, students and attractive academic offerings like the new honors programs in civics and in robotics — two areas that helped recruit top students to the University. Bringing elite students, faculty and staff will multiply our impact, Hartzell said.
During his remarks, the president also touched on the Tower’s role as an inspiration, a beacon of our aspirations, and the effort underway to restore the iconic structure.
The event marks Hartzell’s fifth State of the University address since he was named UT’s 30th president.
