Interim UT-Austin president seeks to walk fine line between faculty and lawmakers’ concerns

University of Texas at Austin's interim president Jim Davis speaks during a meeting with faculty on March 24, 2025. (Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune)

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In his first meeting with faculty leadership since being named interim president of the University of Texas at Austin, Jim Davis said he’d share their concerns and good work with state lawmakers considering legislation to increase oversight on universities’ curricula and hiring — but stopped short of saying he’d challenge efforts to limit faculty’s influence on campuses.