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First established two years ago, the University of Austin is ready to begin accepting students in its mission to counter what its founders say is a culture of censorship across colleges today.
The Austin-based liberal arts school, which has received the state’s go-ahead to award degrees, has already raised $200 million to fund scholarships for the inaugural 100-student class that will enroll in fall 2024.
With a board of advisers that includes nationally known names like former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss, former Harvard University president Lawrence H. Summers and playwright David Mamet, the University of Austin looks to support an atmosphere of free speech and civil discourse. Its founders say that traditional higher education institutions have not maintained such environments.
Join The Texas Tribune in Austin and online at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, for a conversation with University of Austin president Pano Kanelos. He’ll discuss the the road to create the university, why higher education needs a transformation and why Austin was the right place for this mission.
The hourlong conversation, which will be held at the Tribune’s Studio 919, will be simultaneously streamed for virtual attendees and will be available to watch on demand afterward.
Register now to attend the event.
Disclosure: The New York Times has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
