'A brighter day in Texas': Eligible universities celebrate voter-approved research funding
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Texas voters on Tuesday night approved Proposition 5, a state constitutional amendment that would establish a $3.9 billion permanent endowment for eligible public universities to use toward research. The measure was passed with over 64% of the vote, according to the unofficial election results.
Texas State University, the University of North Texas, Texas Tech University, and the University of Houston are now set to benefit from the new Texas University Fund, which was previously called the National University Research Fund.
“I slept so well last night,” Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse told the American-Statesman. “We feel like we won the Super Bowl.”
Starting in fiscal 2024, $100 million will be distributed from the fund. The annual amount can be adjusted for inflation in future years but is capped at 2% growth.
The four institutions serve more than 160,000 students. They do not receive money from the Permanent University Fund, which funds schools in the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems.
The endowment is funded by a one-time grant from the state's budget surplus; the National Research University Fund; charitable donations; and interest, dividends and investment earnings of the rainy day fund.
If more institutions become eligible, the Legislature will be responsible for finding additional funding for the program, as to not take away from the current institutions’ allocation.
Gov. Greg Abbott posted on X, previously Twitter, that the amendment will help the state’s universities continue to lead in research.
“Thanks to (voters’) support, Texas will remain the #1 state in the nation for Tier 1 research universities,” Abbott wrote Tuesday night.
Damphousse said the funding will help Texas State support doctoral students, expand undergraduate research opportunities, hire more faculty and invest more in research that aligns with the state's tech, workforce and industry needs. He also expressed gratitude to voters, the governor and the Legislature for affirming and helping with the university's goal to become a leading research institution.
Lawrence Schovanec, the president of Texas Tech University, told the Statesman the fund will allow the university to make long-term plans to advance its research and impact, as well as better attract and access federal investments.
“My initial reaction is of gratitude. I am so grateful to the voters of Texas,” Schovanec said. “It’s time for us to seize this moment and opportunity, and we've been planning for months.”
Schovanec said the $44 million Texas Tech is estimated to receive will go toward research in energy, sustainability, national security and cybersecurity, as well as its Institute for One Health Innovation focused on animal, human and environmental health.
In a news release, the University of Houston said it will receive about $50 million in funding the first year. The fund will help the university's state-of-the-art resources and specialized laboratory space.
University of Houston President Renu Khator thanked Texas voters and the Legislature in a video message.
“Now more than ever UH can help create new jobs, make our state more competitive, and get students to earn a top-ranked education here in Texas,” she said. “It’s now a brighter day in Texas.”
Neal Smatresk, the president of the University of North Texas, said the fund was a “transformational investment” in the university and Texas’ economy.
“UNT has a known track record for meeting the demands of students, families, and employers, and helping drive the economy in our rapidly growing North Texas region,” Smatresk told the Statesman in an emailed statement. “The Texas University Fund will help us accelerate our research innovation, keep more of our top talent in Texas, elevate our national rankings and propel UNT to greater national prominence.”
House Bill 1595, which the Legislature approved in May, sets up the research fund, contingent on the voters' approval, and will take effect Jan. 1, 2024. Institutions can expect to receive research funding as early as spring.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Eligible universities celebrate Prop 5 win
