UT Austin News: New President, Record Applications, Policy Changes, & Lone Star Showdown Return—August 25, 2025 Update

Good afternoon, Longhorns! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Texas at Austin. Currently, it's mostly sunny with a temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit. As the day progresses, expect temperatures to rise, reaching a high of 99 degrees by late afternoon. Remember to stay hydrated and find some shade if you're spending time outdoors. The UT System Board of Regents has officially appointed Jim Davis as the new president of UT Austin. Davis, who has been serving as interim president since February, is the first president in over a century to come from a non-academic background. His extensive experience includes roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at UT Austin, as well as Texas Deputy Attorney General. In academic leadership, William Inboden has been named Executive Vice President and Provost, effective August 1. Inboden brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as director of the Alexander Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida and as the founding executive director of the Clements Center for National Security at UT Austin. UT Austin has received a record-breaking number of freshman applications for the Fall 2025 term. Applications increased nearly 25% from the previous year, totaling 90,562 submissions. Notably, applications from Texas residents rose by 12%, while out-of-state applications soared by 48%. This surge is attributed to new degree programs and initiatives aimed at increasing affordability and accessibility. Mark your calendars for the 2025 Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown. The Longhorns will face off against Texas A&M on Friday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m. This game continues the Thanksgiving weekend tradition and will be held in Austin for the first time since 2010. Texas currently leads the series with a 77-37-5 advantage. In the College of Education, Assistant Professor James Lee from the Department of Special Education has been awarded the Minority Health Research Grant by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Dr. Lee will lead a project aimed at developing modular interventions for underserved caregivers of young children awaiting autism diagnostic evaluation. The UT System Board of Regents has implemented new policies affecting faculty governance and campus protests. These changes include the dissolution of faculty senates and the introduction of restrictions on campus demonstrations. These measures align with recent state laws and are expected to impact faculty influence and the conduct of protests on campus. That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay informed, and Hook 'em Horns!