A new leader is coming to the University of Texas at Dallas — Prabhas Moghe, of Rutgers University.
Moghe, whose background is in chemical and bioengineering, is currently the executive vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Rutgers.
The UT System board unanimously selected Moghe as the sole finalist for UTD’s next president during a Wednesday meeting. The regents must wait at least 21 days after naming a finalist before officially hiring a university president.
Once officially hired, he will take over the university that’s emerged as a top research institution and one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation.
“Dr. Moghe’s record of strengthening educational pathways and propelling research agendas forward reflect many of UT Dallas’s strengths and continued aspirations,” UT System Chancellor James Milliken said in a statement. “He has a deep appreciation for UTD’s mission and extraordinary ascendancy among top universities.”
At Rutgers, Moghe has managed the academic, research and faculty support programs across four campuses and 29 academic units since 2020.
Under Moghe’s tenure, Rutgers rose up in national ranking and boosted research funding to nearly $1 billion, according to a release from the UT System.
Related:What to know about the next UT Dallas president
Moghe is poised to take over UTD as university leaders across Texas — and the nation — face a higher education landscape with increased scrutiny.
Meanwhile, other longtime leaders in the system are leaving as well — including UT Austin’s outgoing president Jay Hartzell and Milliken.
Related:UT System Chancellor James Milliken leaving Texas for University of California
Moghe will succeed Richard Benson, who oversaw dramatic advances during his eight-year tenure. Under his leadership, UTD grew in enrollment, moved up to NCAA Division II and secured government projects worth millions.
The school — which joined the UT System in 1969 — has long aimed to be a research powerhouse, earning the coveted R1 status for top research institutions in 2016.
Benson worked to keep the university on its upward trajectory. The school has more than doubled its federally funded research expenditures to more than $80 million in 2024.
UTD invested in major research, including $30 million in battery technology research, and opened a new building for biomedical engineering research in partnership with UT Southwestern.
Benson ensured the STEM-focused school also elevated the arts. UTD now boasts a cultural district, major art collections and significant fundraising for scholarships for student artists.
However, state and federal leaders are closely watching how college campuses respond to thorny political issues on campus. President Donald Trump’s administration’s slashes to federal funding could significantly impact research efforts.
College officials are also navigating international students’ fears of deportation or the inability to return to the country as the administration expands reasons why students could be stripped of visas.
At least 19 UTD students recently had their visas revoked and then restored, university officials said. UTD has a significant international student population with more than 5,500 enrolled — more than any other UT institution — from more than 110 countries, according to system reports.
Texas higher education institutions are under increased scrutiny following a 2023 state law that bans diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at public colleges and universities.
This year, state lawmakers are debating a major overhaul at public universities that would shift more control over what’s taught and who is hired to politically connected regents.
This is a developing story and will be updated frequently.
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