The dispute, which some critics say tests the church’s autonomy, reached the Texas Supreme Court on Wednesday for arguments.

The Texas Supreme Court heard arguments on if SMU can split from the United Methodist Church after the board of trustees voted to leave the church in 2019 following the church's refusal to recognize same-sex marriages and ordain clergy who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.

University of Texas Austin President Jay Hartzell is leaving his position to become the next president of Southern Methodist University. He begin that position on June 1.

University of Texas President Jay Hartzell is leaving UT to become the next president of Southern Methodist University, the private university announced Tuesday.

The Texas Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that could determine whether the United Methodist Church controls Southern Methodist University.

The crux of the issue is who controls the university—its Board of Trustees or the church—following the university’s 2019 attempt to distance itself. This move occurred as the church adopted stricter policies on LGBTQ+ ordinations and marriages.

The job abandoned by Jay Hartzell last week requires withstanding pressure from the highest offices in the state and criticism from the student body. I say: Bring it on.

DALLAS – Southern Methodist University has named a new president. Jay Hartzell, currently president of the University of Texas at Austin, will assume the title effective June 1 after a unanimous decision by the university's board of trustees.

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Southern Methodist University urged the Texas Supreme Court on Wednesday to throw out a lawsuit by the Methodist Church seeking to regain control of the school. SMU's boa

The growth is fueling higher rents and home prices in the North Texas city that was once seen as a more affordable option to Dallas and other major cities.

Under Hartzell's leadership, UT Austin joined the Southeastern Conference and achieved new highs when it comes to applications, enrollment and graduation rates. His time as president was also marked by challenges and controversy as he led the university through a state-mandated ban on diversity,