The University of Texas at Austin formally inaugurated James E. Davis as its 31st president. In his address, Davis committed the university to becoming “a model of public trust.”
Davis officially took office at a late-afternoon Wednesday event attended by Longhorn luminaries, including the board of regents, legislators, and Athletic Director Chris del Conte.
“I believe that this will be a monumental day in the history of this institution,” Kevin Eltife, chairman of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, told the crowd.
Davis’ assumption of the presidency comes during a period of political transition for the university. UT-Austin was recently invited to join a major Trump administration initiative, which has produced pushback on campus.
As interim president, Davis oversaw an expansion of the university’s classical education program and the removal of personnel who promoted woke policies.
During his remarks, Davis addressed universities losing sight of their mission.
“Today we are confronted with a general loss of public trust in higher education,” said Davis.
“Has inquiry become indoctrination? Has science surrendered to subjectivity? Have we given in to a culture of asserting ‘my truth’ with an intolerance for any other?” Davis questioned.
Davis spoke of the need to balance academic freedom with academic responsibility and announced support for creating a core curriculum that could serve as a model for other universities.
He also disclosed that a new center for Texas history would open shortly.
Finally, Davis announced expansions of the university’s materials sciences and healthcare endeavors. The university has also begun to restore its iconic tower.
UT-Austin is a component institution of the University of Texas System. The UT System is overseen by a board of regents that is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate.
