In an update to lawmakers, university system leaders expressed worries about how the ban might affect crucial applications for federal funds.

Tuesday’s Texas Senate hearing comes as lawmakers are expected to propose new laws next year to enforce the DEI ban and prevent antisemitism.

Regents said they chose the UT System because of its access to the Permanent University Fund, which consists of oil and gas assets.

The SFA Board of Regents is expected to decide whether to join a system before the end of the semester. The Texas A&M, Texas State, Texas Tech and University of Texas systems have all expressed interest in adding the Nacogdoches school to their folds.

Carlos Hernandez will focus on student recruitment and bolstering academic programs at Sul Ross to combat declining enrollment.

Once confirmed, Kelly R. Damphousse will replace Denise Trauth to serve as the university’s 10th president.

The chancellor instructed universities and agencies in the system to dissolve all agreements, especially those related to academics, research and intellectual property.

Texas State University terminated Ronnie Lozano in mid-December, a month and a half after The Texas Tribune raised questions about how he was using bone marrow registry program donations.

The university has declined to say much about the questionable spending, documented in records provided to The Texas Tribune. The Texas State University System is investigating the matter.

The Texas Legislature has not approved bonds to fund capital projects on public university campuses since 2015, and many school leaders say they need help to build new buildings and maintain current structures.

Rep. Jim Murphy said lawmakers selected projects that would address the state’s nursing and medical professional shortages as the COVID-19 pandemic reiterated additional need for skilled workers.

Sam Houston State University and the Texas State University System are planning to hire 200 contact tracers as experts warn of a potential fall COVID-19 surge. Credit: Miguel Gutierrez Jr./The Texas TribuneSam Houston State University and the Texas State University System are aiming to hire approximately 200 COVID-19 contact tracers statewide ahead of an expected resurgence of the novel coronavirus this fall. Greg Abbott in April set a goal of employing 4,000 contact tracers by June 1 as part of his phased reopening plan. The state partnered with the Texas State University System to “provide additional flexibility as the pandemic continues,” he said. “As it stands, there are enough contact tracers in the call center to handle the current workload,” Van Deusen said.