UT Austin News: $10M Gift, Safety Upgrades, AI Institute Launch, New President, Basketball Coach, and Enhanced Campus Map

Good morning, Longhorns! It's Monday, September 8, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Texas at Austin. First up, the William P. Clements Foundation has committed $10 million to secure the future of UT's Clements Center for National Security. This generous gift will expand opportunities for students and faculty, enhancing research and education in national security. In campus safety news, the University of Texas Police Department has increased patrols in the West Campus area and is cross-training with the Austin Police Department to enhance safety measures. This initiative aims to provide a more secure environment for students and residents. On the academic front, UT Austin has been chosen to lead a new institute that harnesses artificial intelligence to explore some of the leading mysteries of the universe, including dark matter and the fundamentals related to the search for life. The NSF-Simons AI Institute for Cosmic Origins will be housed in UT’s Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. In administrative news, James E. Davis has been serving as the 31st president of the University of Texas at Austin since February 19, 2025. Davis, a UT Austin alumnus, has a background in law and previously served as the university's senior vice president and chief operating officer. In sports, the Texas Longhorns men's basketball team is preparing for the upcoming season under new head coach Sean Miller, who was hired in March 2025. The team is looking to build on last season's performance and make a strong showing in the Southeastern Conference. Finally, the University of Texas at Austin has launched a new and improved campus map to help students, faculty, and visitors navigate the campus more easily. The updated map includes detailed building information and accessibility features. That's all for today's update. Stay safe, stay informed, and Hook 'em Horns!