UT president inauguration costs neared $100,000
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The inauguration of University of Texas president Jim Davis last month cost nearly $100,000, per information obtained by Axios through a public records request.
Why it matters: The campus event, in which Davis was officially ushered into office, comes during a delicate moment for the university as top officials contemplate a governance deal with the Trump administration.
By the numbers: UT spent $11,595 to print 1,650 invitations on vellum and in envelopes with foil stamps to the president's ceremony in October.
- That comes to $7 an invite.
- In addition, the inauguration event — known as an investiture — cost $84,500, including $25,850 for audio/visual work, $9,650 for metal detectors and $12,000 for catering.
- The celebratory event at Hogg Auditorium included a brief speech by UT System Board chair Kevin Eltife — as well as dance, music and choir student performances. Attendees included business leaders, state lawmakers and university faculty.
UT spokesperson Mike Rosen tells Axios the event is paid for with gift funds — but had no further comment.
Reality check: The cost of the event was less than half of what it was a decade ago, when Gregory Fenves' inauguration cost about $215,000 — or close to $300,000 in today's dollars.
- Universities and other large institutions have long hosted events like this to celebrate and draw in donors.
- The university's operating budget for fiscal year 2025 is $4.35 billion.
The big picture: In his speech at the event, Davis touched on five goals — restoring public trust in the university; emphasizing value in academic offerings; investing in research and teaching; expanding academic medicine; and rehabilitating the UT tower.
- "Today we are confronted with a general loss of public trust in higher education," Davis said. "Some wonder if we have lost our way in how we teach. They question whether the modern academic has forgotten the duty to steward curiosity, or to invite students to see broad and varied perspectives."
- "Has inquiry become indoctrination? ... That is not the Texas way."
Between the lines: University officials have stayed mum on whether they plan to sign a deal offered by Trump administration officials.
- The "Compact for Excellence in Higher Education" would loosen the federal funding spigot for the university in exchange for capping international student enrollment, committing to strict gender definitions, freezing tuition for five years and agreeing to other demands.
- "Universities have a duty to control their costs," reads one part of the compact.
Background: Formerly UT's chief operating officer, Davis was named the interim president in February.
- A lawyer by training, he previously served as a deputy to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The intrigue: Davis' remarks come amid a broader debate over how to win back confidence in higher education. Davis cited the creation of the School of Civic Leadership, championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott and other Republicans, as a way to generate trust.
- In September, university officials ousted professor Art Markman from his administrative post of senior vice provost for academic affairs. Markman had argued the university should do a better job communicating with the public on how it operates, rather than remaking its offerings.
- UT officials, meanwhile, are preparing to reorganize academic departments, including a potential consolidation of its ethnic studies programs.