UT and Texas A&M may have more academic competition if a proposed committee finds that the state needs a third research university.
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst ordered a study on the need for such a flagship university last week when he announced his interim charges.
The study will determine the impact of another research university in the state. A committee will review the cost, need and location of the possible university and will also hold hearings and gather testimony from the public and experts in higher education across Texas.
After studying the issue, the committee will make a recommendation for legislation to be reviewed when the legislative session begins in January, said Dewhurst's spokesman Rich Parsons.
Since UT capped its enrollment and Texas A&M is considering similar action, a third flagship research university would make sure students who are interested in research will have a place to go, Parsons said.
"Texas is a growing state," he said. "Dewhurst wants to make sure the state is providing an opportunity for higher education for anyone who seeks it out."
A research university would also be a strong economic driver, he said.
"Industry often locates in communities surrounding research universities to tap into its research base and work force," Parsons said.
He said a third university could take pressure off the enrollments of UT and Texas A&M. It could also give those universities an opportunity to collaborate on research projects and could increase competition for research resources.
"It would require the universities to put forward their best product in regard to students and research," Parsons said. "Everyone elevates their performance."
Texas Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, filed legislation last session to examine plans for additional flagship universities, but it was vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry.
Watson said he was "very gratified" that Dewhurst set up the interim charge. He said the planning will help create an approach that will not damage the existing flagship universities.
"We cannot create a third university that does damage," Watson said. "Even more important than not doing damage is enhancing the existing flagship universities."
He said universities are powerful economic tools and that Texas has already started to fall behind in higher education.
"The asset in this century to bring economic development is people - intellectual capital," Watson said. "Texas is growing, and as it continues to grow, we need to be farming the intellectual capital in Texas. Nothing good is going on in Austin's economy that can't be traced to good decisions about higher education."
Parsons said there are no plans regarding the location of the possible research university.
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