New Leadership at the University of Texas at Dallas
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.
Background and Experience
At Rutgers, Moghe has managed the academic, research and faculty support programs across four campuses and 29 academic units since 2020. Rutgers rose up in national ranking and bolstered research funding to nearly $1 billion under Moghe’s tenure, according to a release from the UT System.
“Prabhas has been dedicated to boosting our academic and research excellence, providing strong support for both undergraduate and graduate education, and strengthening our faculty recruitment,” said Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway in a statement. “We are thrilled that UT Dallas will benefit from his deep experience and commitment to a robust academic enterprise.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Moghe is poised to take over UTD as university leaders across Texas — and the nation — face a higher education landscape with increased scrutiny. Other longtime leaders in the system are leaving as well — including University of Texas at Austin’s outgoing President Jay Hartzell and Milliken.
Moghe will succeed Richard Benson, who oversaw dramatic advances during his nearly nine-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.
Research and Academic Achievements
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 Medical Center. 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.
International Students and Diversity
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.
Future Developments
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.
The DMN Education Lab deepens the coverage and conversation about urgent education issues critical to the future of North Texas. The DMN Education Lab is a community-funded journalism initiative, with support from Bobby and Lottye Lyle, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, Garrett and Cecilia Boone, Judy and Jim Gibbs, The Meadows Foundation, The Murrell Foundation, Ron and Phyllis Steinhart, Solutions Journalism Network, Southern Methodist University, Sydney Smith Hicks, and the University of Texas at Dallas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of Texas at Dallas is set to welcome a new leader, Prabhas Moghe, who brings a wealth of experience in academic and research affairs. As the university continues to grow and evolve, it faces challenges and opportunities in the higher education landscape. With its strong research focus and commitment to diversity and inclusion, UTD is poised to remain a top institution in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the new president of the University of Texas at Dallas?
A: Prabhas Moghe, currently the executive vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Rutgers University.
Q: What is Moghe’s background and experience?
A: Moghe has a background in chemical and bioengineering and has managed academic, research, and faculty support programs across four campuses and 29 academic units at Rutgers since 2020.
Q: What challenges does UTD face in the current higher education landscape?
A: UTD faces challenges such as increased scrutiny from state and federal leaders, slashes to federal funding, and navigating international students’ fears of deportation or visa issues.
Q: What are UTD’s research and academic achievements?
A: UTD has invested in major research, including $30 million in battery technology research, and has opened a new building for biomedical engineering research. The school has also elevated the arts, boasting a cultural district, major art collections, and significant fundraising for scholarships for student artists.
