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Matthew Watkins began serving as editor in chief of the Tribune in September 2024. Matthew is a Texas native, born in Houston and raised in Austin. He attended public schools and graduated from Texas A&M University. He’s spent nearly two decades in Texas journalism, and previously worked at The Eagle in Bryan-College Station and The Dallas Morning News. Matthew joined the Tribune in 2015 has held various roles, including higher education reporter, breaking news editor and politics editor. As a managing editor, Matthew has guided the Tribune’s award-winning journalism and other reporting of statewide significance, including coverage of elections and legislative sessions to major breaking news and ambitious storytelling about the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Texas-Mexico border, the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, the impeachment of Texas attorney general and battles over public education. He lives in Austin with his wife, Susan, and their two children.
State Rep. Wayne Smith, R-Baytown, wasn't viewed as a particularly vulnerable incumbent in the March primary. But he barely eked into a runoff with 31-year-old attorney Briscoe Cain. Full Story
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Members of the Texas House Higher Education Committee said they were worried about the rising cost of college in Texas, but stayed away from the criticism and dramatic calls for action heard from the Senate in recent weeks. Full Story
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Also, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker comes back home to teach at her alma mater, Rice University. Full Story
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The family of former Houston Mayor Roy Hofheinz is asking a judge to block the University of Houston from changing the name of Hofheinz Pavilion as it solicits funds for a major renovation of the facility. Full Story
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The Texas A&M University System on Monday announced plans to renovate an old satellite campus to develop new research opportunities and teach as many as 10,000 new students who were "not admitted" into the university. Full Story
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On this episode of Reveal, we explain how an attempt to boost diversity in Texas colleges could, paradoxically, end affirmative action. This is part of our Price of Admission series. Full Story
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Dan Jones, the president of Texas A&M University-Commerce, died Friday morning, the university announced in a note to students. Full Story
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In the past four years, the total pay for chancellors and presidents of Texas universities and systems has grown 70 percent, from an average total compensation of $565,000 in 2012 to an average of $955,000 now. Full Story
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This fall, guns will be allowed in classrooms and most dorms at Texas A&M University and other A&M System schools. Faculty will only be allowed to ban them in their offices if they show a special need. Full Story
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In his most aggressive terms yet, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick excoriated Texas universities for raising their tuition in recent years, suggesting that the Texas Senate will try to limit tuition growth when it reconvenes next year. Full Story
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