2025
Messages &
Speeches

The Inauguration and Investiture of James E. Davis, the Thirty-First President of The University of Texas at Austin. President Davis shares his vision for the university in five parts. Our greatest days are ahead of us.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, Teaching an excellent core curriculum is one of the most fundamental public services of our University. Our students are entering a complex and challenging world. We must prepare them to have wisdom to be ready to lead, ready to be great citizens, and ready to…

Dear UT Faculty and Staff, I am pleased to announce a new initiative, inspired by conversations with faculty, that reaffirms our commitment to the enduring values of academic freedom and responsibility, and our shared calling to present our students with intellectually honest discussions of broad and varied perspectives in the…

Dear Colleagues, Our faculty members are at the heart of our academic mission. As world-class teachers and researchers dedicated to our University and state, faculty play an indispensable role in our success. And the guidance and advice they provide — to me, our deans, and our other senior leaders —…

Dear Longhorns, Welcome back. There is nothing like the start of another school year. You can feel the energy from the collective optimism, excitement, and infinite potential. That certainly was the sense last night at our Gone to Texas celebration for new students. I hope we consider days like this…

Dear Longhorns, The University of Texas at Austin transforms lives. It certainly has for me. Growing up in the shadow of the Tower, attending as a student alongside my wife, Teresa, and seeing our children learn and work on campus, I have a profound reverence for our University and an…

Dear UT Faculty, Staff and Students, I am excited to announce that Dr. William “Will” Inboden, a distinguished teacher and scholar who has served in multiple leadership positions across higher education and government, will be the new Executive Vice President and Provost of UT Austin, effective Aug. 1. He will…

Dear UT Faculty and Staff, For more than a century, our University’s sustained excellence in research has produced unmatched innovation and life-changing benefit to people across Texas and around the world. From AI, to energy, to health care and much more, The University of Texas at Austin remains committed to…

Dear UT Faculty and Staff, The Texas Legislature is on the verge of passing Senate Bill 37, so we will begin planning changes to be ready for the fall semester. SB 37 will enact several changes to the governance and academic operations of Texas public universities and colleges that go…

Dear UT Students, Faculty and Staff, I am excited to announce that John Dalton, who has served in numerous leadership roles over 25 years at our University, will become Vice President for Student Affairs on June 16. I am grateful that he has accepted this opportunity to serve, and I…

Dear UT Students, Faculty and Staff, Dr. David Vanden Bout has been a steady, trusted presence during his time as Interim Executive Vice President and Provost, and I am grateful for his service and partnership. David has chosen to return to his role as Dean of the College of Natural…

Dear Students, Congratulations on reaching the end of spring classes. I want to wish you well with final exams and thank you for the insight and experiences you have shared with me during my first couple of months as Interim President. Talking with students across campus has quickly become one…

Dear Colleagues, I am extremely pleased to announce that Katie Brock will serve as our University’s Interim Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. As Deputy Vice President and COO, and as Associate Vice President for Strategic Advancement before that, Katie has been an outstanding leader and partner in…

Dear UT Community, The University of Texas at Austin is special. We are a flagship university in a great state with global reach, continuously delivering on our core mission to transform lives for the benefit of society. Each of us who serve and learn here has the rare opportunity…

Following the recommendation of Chairman Kevin P. Eltife and the UT System Board of Regents, Chancellor James B. Milliken named James E. Davis as interim president of The University of Texas at Austin, effective immediately. Davis currently serves as the university’s senior vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to…