UT Austin professor dismissed from administrative duties for 'ideological differences'

Education

UT Austin professor dismissed from administrative duties for 'ideological differences'

KUT 90.5 | By Greta D铆az Gonz谩lez V谩zquez

Published October 20, 2025 at 2:16 PM CDT

A view of the main tower at the University of Texas at Austin in January of 2025.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed Sunday that UT Austin professor Art Markman has been dismissed from his administrative role as senior vice provost for academic affairs because of "ideological differences."

Markman shared the news of his dismissal in a Wednesday. He has worked for UT Austin for 27 years as a psychology professor and had been part of UT Austin's provost's office since 2021. He is also the co-host of the Two Guys on Your Head podcast which airs on KUT News.

Gov. Abbott , formerly known as Twitter, that "Texas is targeting professors who are more focused on pushing leftist ideologies rather than preparing students to lead our nation."

/ UT Austin

UT Austin

Art Markman has worked at the University of Texas at Austin for 27 years.

The move comes after for talking at an online socialist conference. Texas A&M professor earlier this year after a video of her discussing gender identities with a student went viral.

Markman's dismissal from his administrative role is also happening after UT Austin was among nine universities in exchange for an advantage in accessing federal funds. The compact asks universities to revise governance structures to create an environment where there is no violence against conservative ideas, among other requests. UT System officials said they were "enthusiastically" reviewing the compact.

Students and faculty at UT Austin have also expressed concerns over academic freedom after the UT system announced an related to gender studies. Students in Austin and Dallas have filed a to prevent the enforcement of a new state law that they argue restricts their constitutional right to free speech on campus.

Markman confirmed with KUT he is still a in the College of Liberal Arts. He told KUT he's focusing on gratitude throughout this process and would rather not "get caught up in these political discussions." A UT Austin spokesperson said the university doesn't comment on personnel matters.

Juan M Dominguez, another professor in the Psychology Department, was named for academic affairs.

Disclaimer: Markman is co-host of the podcast which airs on KUT News. He is not an employee of the news organization.