And another article. This makes 3 articles and 2 letters to the editor while they refuse to publish anything not pro-UT on this matter. Got Kirksey on record in this one as well, the UT alum that sold the property to UT and made out like a bandit with PUF money.
UT doesn’t have an immediate plan to sell the property, but a spokeswoman said the sale will be transparent.
“We will be developing a strategy and timeline for the disposition of the land that will protect the UT System’s investment,” Karen Adler said in an email. “The process of divesting of the land will be open and transparent, in accordance with UT System policy.”
At this point, might as well take a shot/drink anytime the Chron posts anything related to UT-Houston and the “missed opportunity” for the city of Houston. Do you think this will end anytime soon?
McRaven was absolutely conned on this deal by the UT booster that sold him the land. Then again, he was trying to cement his legacy early and hopefully ride that to a high-up political cabinet appointment. Trump’s victory killed those chances and the lack of ability to find a partner on the land deal killed any further chances they had in Houston.
I wouldn’t be surprised if McRaven steps down at some point over the next year or two. He’s basically tainted goods right now.
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Duce630
(DustinK - Still 97 hostages held by Hamas for a YEAR)
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What I haven’t seen in any article is just how much space did this data center need? I can’t imagine it easy 300 acres.
Whole goal was to create UT-Houston; McRaven even admitted as much when asked immediately after the announcement (story changed the next day) and the initial renderings with the baseball field backed that up). He never thought that the opposition would be so strong and had to come up with a Plan B.
Funny that this article came out the same day that the UT/A&M contingents were in Austin whining about how they can’t afford to give up PUF money to the other systems in the state.
Turner plans to call on Rice University, the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas to come to the table and “make this happen,” he said in an interview with the Houston Chronicle’s editorial board.
“We ought to be able to play in our unique space, and I think UT was onto something,” he said. “I don’t think it was explained very well, and I don’t think the initial approach went well. And people therefore became defensive.
“But the Institute for Data Science is needed. I think it’s timely,” the University of Houston alumnus continued. “It can be quite innovative, and we shouldn’t miss the opportunity. So, let’s say UT sells the land to UH. But it needs to be collaborative in nature.”
I wonder who is making the push for Turner to do this?
The rag is reporting that Mrs. Khator is not endorsing the idea. What is the truth behind this statement? Why would not Mr. Fertitta and Mrs. Khator be on the same page?
Much has been written in the media about the University of Texas System’s data project in Houston. In my business and civic experience facts often become blurred despite best efforts, and I want our alumni to clearly understand the University of Houston’s position on this issue.
The University of Houston’s opposition to UT System’s land purchase in Houston remains unchanged. We firmly stand with Governor Abbott, state legislative leadership and our Houston legislative delegation and support that this unauthorized land purchase in Houston be unwound.
As a tier one research university, the University of Houston currently has over 100 collaborative projects with other universities and institutions throughout Texas and globally, and is always pleased to be at the table of a true collaborative effort. We would be excited to sit down and collaborate with Rice University, Texas Southern University, Texas A&M University and the University of Texas on the development of an innovation district and/or data hub.
However, this needs to be a true collaborative effort, and it needs to be done right with the approval of our state executive and legislative leadership. The University of Houston is always ready to compete, and collaborate, for what is best for our great University and the City of Houston. Our door will always be open.
Sincerely,
Tilman J. Fertitta Chairman, Board of Regents University of Houston System