UT President Jay Harztell announced today that he will step down at the end of the semester after almost five years in office. He is set to become the next president at Southern Methodist University on June 1. 

During his time in office, the University experienced “all-time highs” in application, enrollment and graduation rates, according to his email announcement. UT also offered more accessible housing, including the purchase of the Dobie21 housing complex and the ongoing expansion of the Whitis Court dormitory, and started construction for new facilities targeted toward engineering and business.

“I am very grateful to Chairman Kevin Eltife and the UT System Board of Regents for the incredible opportunity they provided me to serve UT Austin in this role,” Hartzell said in the email. “As I look back on the last five academic years, with their support, our University has accomplished a great deal.”

Prior to serving as president, Hartzell was dean of the McCombs School of Business and held other administrative roles, such as senior associate dean of Academic Affairs, according to the Office of the President. He also graduated with a doctorate degree in finance from the University. 

“I will be eternally grateful for my 29 years at UT as a student, faculty member and administrator,” Harztell said in the email.

As of now, the University has not announced Hartzell’s replacement.