Wallace L. Hall Jr.: Difference between revisions

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	{{Infobox officeholder		{{Infobox officeholder
	\|name = Wallace Hall		\| name = Wallace L. Hall Jr.
			\| image =
	\|image = Wallace L. Hall.jpg{{!}}border
			\| office = Board of Regent for the University of Texas System
	\|caption = University of Texas Board of Regents
	\| term_start1 = February 2011		\| term_start1 = February 2011
	\| term_end1 = ~~Present~~		\| term_end1 = February 2017
	\|alma_mater = ] (1984)		\| alma_mater = ] (1984)
			\| website =
	Appointed by ] in February 2011
	\|website =
	}}		}}
			'''Wallace L. Hall Jr.''' is an ] investor who served a controversial six-year term as a member of the ] System Board of Regents.<ref name=dangerous>{{cite web \|title = Is This the Most Dangerous Man in Texas? - Texas Monthly\|url = http://www.texasmonthly.com/politics/is-this-the-most-dangerous-man-in-texas/ \|website=Texas Monthly\|date = 10 July 2014 \|access-date = 2015-12-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title = Grand Jury Recommends UT Regent's Removal, by Matthew Watkins and Terri Langford \|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/grand-jury-rules-wallace-hall/\|website = The Texas Tribune\|access-date = 2015-12-29\|first1 = Matthew\|last1 = Watkins \|first2 = Terri\|last2 = Langford\|date=31 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title = Wallace Hall asked to leave closed-door UT regents meeting \|url=http://kxan.com/2015/07/08/wallace-hall-asked-to-leave-closed-door-ut-regents-meeting/\|website=KXAN.com\|access-date=2015-12-29\|first1=Matthew \|last1=Watkins\|first2 = The Texas\|last2 = Tribune\|date=9 July 2015}}</ref> Hall was appointed in February 2011 by Governor ], and was replaced in February 2017.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2011/02/perry-appoints-new-ut-regents.html\|title="Perry Appoints New Regents", Dallas News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://highered.blog.statesman.com/2017/02/08/the-long-and-short-of-service-on-the-ut-board-of-regents/\|title=The long and short of service on the UT Board of Regents {{!}} The Lowdown on Higher Education\|last=Haurwitz\|first=Ralph K. M.\|access-date=2017-02-08}}</ref>
	'''Wallace Hall''' is a member of the University of Texas System Board of Regents. Hall was appointed to a six-year term in February 2011 by Governor ]. Following his appointment as a regent in 2011, Hall began examining political favoritism and forgivable loans programs at the University of Texas at Austin. After Hall began reviewing UT Austin's responses to various open records requests, state legislators initiated an investigation into possibly impeaching him. The impeachment investigation has been criticized by Governor ], Lieutenant Governor candidate, Senator Dan Patrick, The Dallas Observer, National Review and ], the last of which called it '''"Political Revenge in Texas"''',<ref>{{cite news\|title=Political Revenge in Texas, Wall St. J. (May 11, 2014),\|url=http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304178104579538102386645762}}</ref> with some calling the process an effort to criminalize policy differences. Anne Neal, President of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni characterized the impeachment investigation as an '''"expensive witch hunts designed to discourage public servants from asking tough questions in pursuit of the public interest."'''

			Hall's appointment came in the midst of a struggle over the shape of higher education in Texas.<ref name="texastribune.org">{{cite web\| url = https://www.texastribune.org/2011/03/07/aau-to-am-resist-ill-conceived-reforms/\| title = AAU to Texas A&M: Resist "Ill-Conceived" Reforms {{!}} The Texas Tribune\| date = 7 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\| url = https://www.texastribune.org/2011/04/29/guest-column-the-case-for-higher-ed-accountability/\| title = Guest Column: The Case for Higher Ed Accountability {{!}} The Texas Tribune\| date = 29 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://news.virginia.edu/content/uva-aau-president-champions-value-liberal-arts-education\|title=At U.Va., AAU President Champions Value of Liberal Arts Education\|date=16 October 2012}}</ref> Three years earlier, Governor Rick Perry had championed a plan to remake university education along business lines; this was the so-called "Seven Solutions" of Austin entrepreneur Jeff Sandefer.<ref name="texastribune.org"/><ref>{{cite web\| url = https://www.texastribune.org/2011/03/16/whos-behind-proposed-reforms-to-texas-higher-ed/\| title = Who's Behind Proposed Reforms to Texas Higher Ed? {{!}} The Texas Tribune\| date = 16 March 2011}}</ref> Hall's early days as a regent would witness this effort's failure, largely as a result of resistance spearheaded by supporters of UT Austin and Texas A&M University.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2011/07/06/ut-dean-rejects-seven-solutions-in-new-report/ \|title=UT Dean Rejects "Seven Solutions" in New Report \| the Texas Tribune \|website=www.texastribune.org \|access-date=12 January 2022 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216113625/http://www.texastribune.org/2011/07/06/ut-dean-rejects-seven-solutions-in-new-report/ \|archive-date=16 February 2016 \|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="aggienetwork.com">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.aggienetwork.com/news/126606/22-distinguished-alumni-oppose-higher-ed-proposals/\|title = 22 Distinguished Alumni Oppose Higher ed Proposals\|date = 4 May 2011}}</ref> In the wake of this failure, and although regents' duties call for attention to 15 separate institutions which make up the University of Texas System, Hall would spend much of his energy attempting to identify and unearth malpractice at the UT Austin flagship.<ref>{{cite web\| url = https://www.texastribune.org/2011/03/16/prominent-ut-alum-warns-degradation-university/\| title = Prominent UT Alum Warns of "Degradation" at University {{!}} The Texas Tribune\| date = 16 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2011/03/ut-alumni-leader-sees-threat-to-core-values/\|title = UT alumni leader sees threat to 'core values'\|date = 25 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="aggienetwork.com"/> He was the first regent to publicly raise concerns about external influence on the admissions process at the school.<ref name="UT Regents Push Back">{{cite news\|title=UT Regents Push Back\|url=http://www.expressnews.com/news/education/article/UT-regents-push-back-at-lawmakers-on-admissions-5757621.php\|publisher=San Antonio Express News}}</ref> A state legislative committee subsequently initiated impeachment proceedings against him. The proceedings were eventually dropped but led to a censure by the committee for "misconduct, incompetency in the performance of official duties, or behavior unbefitting a nominee for and holder of a state office."<ref name=dangerous/> In response Hall claimed "The committee's findings are based on distortions, untruths and intentional misrepresentations."<ref name=dmn20140811>{{cite news\|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20140811-panel-censures-but-doesnt-impeach-hall.ece\|title=Panel censures but doesn't impeach UT Regent Wallace Hall\|newspaper=]\|date=August 11, 2014\|first=Marissa\|last=Barnett}}</ref>
	The Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations committee began a yearlong, $500,000 investigation into Wallace Hall and never held a vote to impeach the Regent. The most that the select committee could do would be to recommend to the full House that articles of impeachment be drafted. If that had happened, then the House would follow procedures regarding calling a special session specifically for the process of impeachment. ] opined against Hall's impeachment in a May 11, 2014 op-ed.<ref>{{cite news\|title=Political Revenge in Texas, Wall St. J. (May 11, 2014)\|url=http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304178104579538102386645762}}</ref> Meanwhile, University Chancellor ] asked University of Texas, Austin President Bill Powers to resign or face termination at the July 10, 2014 University of Texas Board of Regents meeting. Cigarroa attributed the request to a '''"breakdown of communication, collegiality, trust and a willingness to work together for the good of the university."''' Powers at first indicated he would not resign, saying it would '''"cast the university and our state in a highly unfavorable light."''' However, on July 9, 2014, Cigarroa released a statement that Powers nevertheless agreed to resign effective June 2015. The Board meeting agenda indicated regents would discuss Powers in an executive session. Some legislators on the transparency committee sent a letter requesting that the Board of Regents delay any personnel decisions regarding Powers or other witnesses from the impeachment hearings. In a July 2014 op-ed, the ''Wall Street Journal'' commented that Powers' resignation would bring more attention and scrutiny to the political favoritism scandals at the University of Texas. The editorial board wrote: '''"The voters seem to understand, even if some legislators don't, that college admissions are supposed to be based on merit, not political connections."''' Although the committee left open the possibility of revisiting impeachment, an August 11, 2014 vote passed 6-1 to recommend that Hall be 'censured' (sic), possibly bringing a close to the more than year-long process. In response to the censure vote, Governor of Texas Rick Perry issued a statement defending Hall's actions, saying the regent acted in the best interest of Texas '''"in the face of withering personal attacks."''' Hall responded to the committee's recommendation by saying '''"Speaker Straus and his committee have abused the public's trust and money to cover up their improper interference in System operations, including to defend a university president who was repeatedly asked to leave. Intimidation of non-paid public servants by an "experimental" committee should not be tolerated by the public, the media, or other Texas officials. This is especially true when the effort is intended to interfere in the performance of duties that are required by law and the Texas Constitution"'''. There was never a call to take the censure recommendation to the floor of the House of Representatives. It is now effectively dead, having no legal effect.

			On February 12, 2015, an investigation ordered by UT System found that ], the president of UT Austin, had repeatedly helped applicants, including some with questionable academic credentials, gain admission if they had been recommended by legislators and influential people.<ref name=faulted>{{cite news \|last1=Belkin \|first1=Nathan Koppel and Douglas \|title=President of University of Texas at Austin Faulted on Admissions \|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/president-of-university-of-texas-at-austin-faulted-on-admissions-1423786177 \|access-date=29 August 2022 \|work=Wall Street Journal \|date=13 February 2015}}</ref> This was widely described as vindication of Hall and a validation of his concerns.<ref name="report">{{cite web\|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/ut-system-releases-admissions-report/\|title=Report: Powers Overruled UT Admissions Office\|work=The Texas Tribune\|date=12 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/uts-powers-overruled-admissions-office-report-says/nj9WH/\|title=UT President Bill Powers overruled admissions office, report says\|work=statesman.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/ccap/2015/02/13/everyone-else-does-it/\|title='Everyone Else Does It'\|author=CCAP\|date=13 February 2015\|work=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/daily-post/state-texas-february-13-2015\|title=The State of Texas: February 13, 2015\|date=13 February 2015\|work=Texas Monthly}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/gun-bills-on-different-paths-snippy-over-border-security/article_6504cd0b-589a-5d9d-9691-94675dd844cf.html\|title=Gun bills on different paths; 'snippy' over border security?\|work=www.yourconroenews.com\|date=13 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Turmoil-resumes-at-UT-over-admissions-records-5882031.php\|title=Turmoil resumes at UT over admissions, records requests\|work=San Antonio Express-News\|date=10 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="Reason.com">{{cite web\|url=http://reason.com/blog/2014/07/04/texas-celebrates-fourth-of-july-by-ousti\|title=Texas Celebrates Fourth of July By Ousting Corrupt UT Austin President\|work=Reason.com\|date=4 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.chroniclecareers.com/article/Admissions-Report-Chips-at/190021/\|title=Admissions Report Chips at Austin Chief's Uncompromising Reputation\|work=The Chronicle of Higher Education}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/education/article/Turmoil-resumes-at-UT-over-admissions-records-5878920.php\|title=Turmoil resumes at UT over admissions, records requests\|work=Houston Chronicle\|date=8 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20141217-dallas-morning-news-texan-of-the-year-finalist-wallace-hall.ece\|title=Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year finalist: Wallace Hall\|work=dallasnews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-admissions-rumble-1423772596\|title=Texas Admissions Rumble\|date=12 February 2015\|work=WSJ}}</ref>
	==Biography==
	In 1980 Hall graduated from the ], a preparatory day school for boys in grades one through 12. He has served as President of the school's alumni association and was a long time member on the school's board of trustees. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984.

			==Early life and career==
	He is the founder and President of Wetland Partners, LP, which operates the Trinity River Mitigation Bank, a wetlands bank created to mitigate ] (USACE) approved environmental impacts to the aquatic system as per the ]. Other prior business endeavors include oil and gas investments and a 15-year career in the financial services industry, during which time he worked as a securities analyst, financial futures trader and as financial principal of a NASD broker dealer.
			In 1980, Hall graduated from the ]. He has served as President of the school's alumni association and was a long time member on the school's board of trustees.<ref>{{cite news\|last1=Fleck\|first1=Deborah\|title=St. Mark's School\|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/park-cities/headlines/20131104-st.-marks-school-raises-112-million-in-centennial-campaign.ece\|publisher=The Dallas Morning News}}</ref> He earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984.<ref name="UT Board of Regents Wallace Hall">{{cite web\|title=UT Board of Regents Wallace Hall\|date=5 March 2020\|url=http://www.utsystem.edu/board-of-regents/current-regents/wallace-l-hall-jr\|publisher=UT System}}</ref>

			He is the founder and President of Wetland Partners, LP, which operates Trinity River Mitigation Bank.<ref name="UT Board of Regents Wallace Hall"/><ref>{{cite web\|title = Banking on Texas' wetlands\|url = http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Banking-on-Texas-wetlandsSome-6516745.php\|website = Houston Chronicle\|date = 20 September 2015\|access-date = 2015-12-29}}</ref> Trinity River Mitigation is a wetlands bank created to mitigate ] (USACE) approved environmental impacts to the aquatic system as per the ]. Environmentalists object that Hall's bank allows ] in environmentally sensitive areas.<ref>{{cite web\|title = Oil & Gas Drilling Allowed On Wetlands Mitigation Banks In Texas {{!}} Houston Public Media\|url = http://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2015/09/23/127188/oil-gas-drilling-allowed-on-wetlands-mitigation-banks-in-texas/\|website = Houston Public Media\|date = 23 September 2015\|access-date = 2015-12-29}}</ref> Hall had a 15-year career in the financial services industry, as a securities analyst, financial futures trader and as financial principal of a NASD ]. Hall's other business include oil and gas investments.<ref name="UT Board of Regents Wallace Hall"/>
	In August 2009, Hall was appointed by Governor Perry to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

			==Appointed to UT System Board of Regents==
	In February 2011, Hall was unanimously confirmed as a Regent by the ].

			In August 2009, Hall was appointed by Governor Perry to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
	==Clout investigations==
	After he was appointed in 2011, Hall began looking into what he believed to be clout issues at the University of Texas system at Austin. According to Hall, the investigations turned up three major findings:
	* Undisclosed and unauthorized forgivable loans programs at UT School of Law
	* Improper methods of reporting donations to UT Austin's capital fundraising campaign
	* Legislative influence over admissions processes

			In 2011 Governor Perry appointed Hall to the University of Texas System Board of Regents. In February 2011, Hall was unanimously confirmed as a Regent by the ]. The UT System Board of Regents oversees nine universities, including the flagship University of Texas at Austin, and six hospitals or medical institutions. The University of Texas System is one of the largest higher education organizations in the United States, its enrollment is more than 213,000 students and it has an annual operating budget of more than $14.6 billion. The System's nine regents are in charge of appointing the universities' presidents, approving budgets, creating new schools, and creating policies and procedures for the students and faculties. He is now Chairman of the Technology Transfer and Research Committee and is a member of the Audit, Compliance, and Management Review Committee and the Finance and Planning Committee. He is the Board's Liaison to the Governor's Office on Technology Transfer and Commercialization Issues.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Regent Wallace L. Hall, Jr.\|date=5 March 2020\|url=http://www.utsystem.edu/board-of-regents/current-regents/wallace-l-hall-jr}}</ref>
	Hall encouraged a closer look at the university's forgivable-loans program, admissions policies and preferential treatment to politically connected individuals. Hall, as an individual citizen, filed four requests with the University of Texas at Austin after his inquiries via his role as a Regent were delayed. According to his accusers, Hall filed requests for more than 800,000 pages. However, a letter from UT System chancellor Francisco Cigarroa in February 2014 said that Hall's requests yielded fewer than 100,000 pages. In addition, Cigarroa wrote: '''"During testimony before the Select Committee, some early witnesses implied that the U.T. System has not protected the privacy rights of students, staff, and patients. This is simply not true."''' The UT System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents provides that Board members have '''“the power and authority to govern, operate, support, and maintain The University of Texas System to the Board of Regents.”''' These rules also provide that the Board has '''“wide discretion in exercising its power and authority.”''' These regulations make clear that university officials and regents are '''“to provide maximum transparency to the public and its representatives.”''' <ref>{{cite news\|title=UT System Board of Regents\|url=http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/documents/Transparency_Ltr_Attachments.pdf}}</ref>

			==University of Texas at Austin investigations==
	In March 2013, the Board of Regents voted to re-open the forgivable loans investigation rejecting and abandoning a previously prepared report by then UT System General Counsel Barry Burgdorf. This action was approved by regents Hall, Brenda Pejovich, Paul Foster and Alex Cranberg. Some legislators including Judith Zaffirini (D), Trey Martinez Fisher (D) and Kevin Eltife (R) criticized the action as a waste of taxpayer funds. In one specific email exchange among the open records responses, University of Texas Budget Director Mary Knight emailed President Powers in June 2009 about the list of top salaries of UT officials. The email specifically mentioned Larry Sager, with Knight writing: "'''note: Sager was included due to his $100K per year deferred compensation over 5 years'''." The email refers to the $500,000 forgivable loan that Sager received which eventually contributed to his forced resignation. While Powers maintained that he had been unaware of the loan until the official UT report was conducted, some regents believe that the email from Knight in 2009 proved otherwise. On August 5, 2013, Kevin Hegarty, chief financial officer for the University of Texas-Austin, announced that the pending records requests from Hall would be canceled immediately. Hegarty was rebuked by Chancellor Cigarroa as outside of his or President Powers' authority and reinstated the requests. The University of Texas is required to seek approval from Attorney General of Texas Greg Abbott regarding whether information could be kept confidential from a records request. The process often takes months to complete. In 2008, University of Texas Austin referred one request to Abbott's office. In 2013, it referred 84 different requests, according to the ''Dallas Morning News''. Hegarty said that the university reviews requests prior to seeking an opinion from the attorney general. In August 2013, Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa recommended a '''"targeted compliance review"''' of how officials at the University of Texas, Austin were handling public record requests. In August 2013, the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved two measures to reform problems that Hall had discovered in his investigations. The regents voted to enact a new policy regarding the relationship between universities and foundations. Additionally, the regents approved an audit into how officials respond to public information requests.
			{{main\|University of Texas at Austin admissions controversy}}
			After he was appointed in 2011, Hall began looking into what he believed to be administrative and management issues at The University of Texas at Austin.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.dailytexanonline.com/person/francisco-cigarroa\|title=UT Investigation}}</ref> The investigations made three major findings:
			* Undisclosed and unauthorized forgivable loans programs at UT School of Law <ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/foundations_forgiveable_loans_to_u_of_texas_law_profs_draw_fire_former_dean\|title=Foundation's Forgivable Loans to U of Texas Law Profs Draw Fire; Former Dean Got $500K\|first=A. B. A.\|last=Journal\|website=ABA Journal}}</ref>
			* Improper methods of reporting donations to UT Austin's capital fundraising campaign <ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://watchdog.org/112415/trustee-accused-crime-rejecting-dodgy-accounting/\|title=Trustee Accused of Crime for Rejecting Dodgy Accounting}}</ref>
			* Legislative influence over admissions processes <ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2014/09/ut_system_wallace_hall_impeachment.php\|title=Wallace Hall Was Right}}</ref>

			Hall filed four open records requests with The University of Texas at Austin after his inquiries via his role as a Regent were delayed.{{citation needed\|date=January 2015}}
	] In October 2013, Pitts acknowledged that he routinely writes letters to ], President of the University of Texas, on behalf of select student applications. Specifically, he wrote a letter on behalf of his son after the University of Texas Law School had initially rejected his admittance. '''"The letter I wrote for my son was pretty much a form letter,"''' Pitts said in an October meeting of the Transparency in State Agency Operations Committee. These letters were sent to both the law school dean and the university president. Pitts announced his retirement just one day after he angrily admitted this fact to a National Review reporter, Kevin Williamson. The ‘clout letters’ were addressed in an initial report conducted at the direction of Chancellor Cigarroa. Jon Cassidy wrote of that report: Cigarroa’s inquiry <ref>{{cite news\|title=University of Texas uncovers admissions corruption, halts investigation\|url=http://watchdog.org/145131/ut-admissions-investigation/}}</ref> found evidence the letters were highly effective. A '''“disproportionately high number of applicants were admitted notwithstanding the fact that most of the legislator letters did not contain any significant substantive information about the applicant,”''' the report concluded. In fact, '''“in more than one-half of them, there is no evidence that the author of the letter even knows the student, much less knows him or her well.”''' Representative Dan Branch, who began the drumbeat for impeachment in February 2013, was also highlighted in the Watchdog article for his serial letter writing on behalf of applicants to the University of Texas: '''"All seven of the letters from Branch were written in the month after Straus took power. Since then, as the chairman of the Higher Education Committee, Branch has grown closer to Powers. He’s a frequent guest in Powers’ luxury suite at football games.<ref>{{cite news\|title=UT outspends all lobbyists combined on football giveaways\|url=http://watchdog.org/109367/hook-em-ut-outspends-all-lobbyists-combined-on-football-giveaways/}}</ref> Powers has taken the university’s private jet to a dinner in Dallas he hosted for Branch, even bringing two of Branch’s children, who were then undergrads at UT. Branch’s son Spencer now works at the University of Texas Investment Management Company.”''' <ref>{{cite news\|title=UT admissions: Straus, Branch, Pitts pulled strings\|url=http://watchdog.org/146009/ut-admissions-branch/}}</ref>

			===Forgivable Loans===
	'''December 12, 2013 board meeting'''
			Early in Hall's tenure on the board, an open records request filed by three law professors revealed details concerning a large private endowment used to provide off-the-books six-figure ]s to certain faculty members. This had not been reported to the board and was out of sight of the university's formal compensation system. Hall wanted to know how large the forgivable loans were and who had decided who received them.<ref>{{cite news\|title=UT Regent Davis Was Right \|url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2014/09/ut_system_wallace_hall_impeachment.php \|newspaper=Dallas Observer}}</ref>
	]
	A December 12, 2013 Regents Board meeting listed as an agenda item the '''"discussion and appropriate action related to recommendation by Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Chancellor concerning employment of Wililam C. Powers, Jr., as President of the University of Texas at Austin.'''" State legislators previously instructed the board not to make personnel decisions related to anyone currently involved in legislative investigations—including Powers. Speculation was that the future of Powers could impact whether Texas Longhorns football coach Mack Brown was retained. The Board met for four hours in an executive session closed-door meeting. Because of the posting of the agenda, regents could have taken action following the closed-door session. '''"I do not know if there was a specific purpose in mind for the agenda item. I’m sure it was discussed between the chancellor and the chairman,"''' said Regent Alex Cranberg. State Senator Judith Zaffirini said she hoped the board would vote in favor of keeping Powers as University President. At the meeting, the board did not take any action on Powers employment. Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa told the Board that Powers needs to improve trust, respect and communication in dealings with regents and system officials. '''"I am hopeful that the strained relationships can be improved. It is my recommendation as chancellor that Bill Powers should continue his appointment as president of the University of Texas at Austin,"''' he said. Cigarroa said that the relationship between himself and Powers had seen improvement. Powers said: '''"There was a question about my employment, it got resolved positively. It is very positive to get this behind us and move forward in addressing these issues that face our campuses and face the system."''' State Senator ] lobbied Board President Paul Foster via text message during the closed and executive session. This meeting was tape recorded by Regent Alex Cranberg. The tape was provided to the Transparency Committee but was never released to the public nor commented on by the committee members.

			In March 2013, the Board of Regents voted to re-open the forgivable loans investigation rejecting and abandoning a previously prepared report by then UT System General Counsel Barry Burgdorf.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://alcalde.texasexes.org/2013/03/regents-order-third-investigation-into-ut-law-school/\|title=Regents Order Further Investigation Into UT Law School\|date=March 20, 2013}}</ref>
	'''Online records'''

			===Legislative influence over admissions===
	In January 2014, Ross Ramsey, co-founder of Texas Tribune, published an article about the availability of online public records. Ramsey wrote '''"The schools could avoid extra work while providing real transparency into the records that are supposed to be in public view anyhow.'''" He was referring to how Judith Zaffirini requested duplicates of what Hall had previously requested. '''"Someday, it might all be online. For that, you can thank the regent who suggested it. His name is Wallace Hall,"''' Ramsey wrote.

			Hall used Open Records requests to investigate whether the legislature had improperly used political influence in admissions, specifically at the law school.
	==Francisco Cigarroa resignation==
			According to ], "The allegations set off an uproar, and most of the fury was directed at Hall himself. Politicians, fiercely loyal UT alumni, and some of Hall's fellow regents came to (University of Texas President) Powers's defense, claiming that Hall was carrying out what many of them described as a "witch hunt."
	On February 10, 2014, Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa announced he would resign from his position as Chancellor. He said he felt he had accomplished the goals he set out to do five years earlier, and was prepared to return to medical practice full-time. '''"Education saves lives on many levels and I thought I could bring value to the UT system with that perspective in mind. Now it’s time to return to saving one life at a time,"''' he said. Cigarroa said his resignation had nothing to do with the turmoil and investigations within the University of Texas system. Cigarroa continues to serve as chancellor until Navy Admiral William McRaven (Ret.) assumes the role of Chancellor in January, 2015. Cigarroa's new position will be as head of pediatric surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Wallace Hall said this about Chancellor Cigarroa in Texas Tribune interview on September 4, 2014 — '''"I have not met a kinder, smarter man than Francisco. He’s just a terrific guy and great leader, but we’ve been put in a position -- he was put in a position in 2010 where I frankly think that the Board failed him. He came to the Board, his executive vice chancellor came to the Board and they had an issue with the president, and the Board leadership did not support him. When you do that, you undermine his authority, and he’s been struggling with that ever since. I think he has done the best he could under the circumstances…I think people are going to look back at Chancellor Cigarroa’s six-year tenure and I think it’s probably going to be unmatched in system history for being productive.”''' <ref>{{cite news\|title=Watch related video\|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikCpwZheB4E}}</ref>

			Ultimately, the System investigated the allegations. In a report, UT System Chancellor ] concluded, "A disproportionately high number of applicants were admitted notwithstanding the fact that most of the legislator letters did not contain any significant substantive information about the applicant,"<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://watchdog.org/145131/ut-admissions-investigation/\|title=University of Texas uncovers admissions corruption, halts investigation}}</ref> and "in more than one-half of them, there is no evidence that the author of the letter even knows the student, much less knows him or her well."
	'''Relationship between Cigarroa and Powers'''
	] obtained an email in March 2013 related to Cigarroa's resignation. According to the newspaper, Hall sent a number of emails to Cigarroa in the weeks before his resignation. The email the newspaper obtained via open records request was sent from Regent chair Paul Foster to Cigarroa. In the email, Foster defended Cigarroa for his work while also praising Hall for his '''"tenacity as a regent and recommendations to better the university."''' State representative Lyle Larson (R) renewed his call for Hall to resign and ] (D) requested that the committee re-open investigations. Committee co-chair Dan Flynn (R) said no further hearings were planned at the time. An April 22, 2014 article in the Austin American-Statesman detailed an email exchange between Hall and Foster, in which Hall alleged that University of Texas President Bill Powers threatened Cigarroa prior to his resignation. The three-page email was written on March 19, 2014 as a response to the prior email that Foster sent. In the email, Hall makes an array of accusations regarding the impeachment trial and events within the university system. ]
	* Cigarroa first expressed concern to the Board of Regents about an '''"inability to work with President Powers"''' in 2010, which was one year prior to Hall's appointment.
	* According to Hall, Cigarroa asked President Powers to resign in Fall 2013. Powers then reportedly offered a range of requirements to retire, which Hall said were '''"understandably"''' refused by Chairman Foster.
	* Hall alleged that Powers '''"leveled a threat against the Chancellor,"''' which compromised his ability to work. This threat was reportedly made in front of Pedro Reyes, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at The University of Texas System.
	* Regent Steven Hicks reportedly requested an '''"up or down vote"''' on Powers. Hall wrote that Foster has not allowed this vote to occur.

	CEO ] pointed to the email as indication of a cover-up at the university, intended to deter an investigation into alleged clout scandals within the higher education system. Quinn Sullivan wrote:'''"it appears some legislators have been conspiring with UT Austin officials to get unqualified students admission to the state’s flagship university."''' A spokesman for Powers refused to comment on the email.

	==Impeachment proceedings==		==Impeachment proceedings==
	An effort was begun in June 2013 to impeach Hall from his position as regent. Some legislators initially attempted to justify the impeachment on grounds that Hall did not disclose several lawsuits that he was involved in when he originally completed his Regent background check. Hall updated Governor Rick Perry's office in April 2013 with the full list. No unelected official in ] has ever been successfully impeached or removed from office. ] Rick Perry's spokesperson said the investigations send a '''"chilling message"''' to gubernatorial appointees.

			A legislative effort was begun in June 2013 to impeach Hall from his position as regent for "misconduct, incompetency in the performance of official duties, or behavior unbefitting" a regent.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2014/09/ut_system_wallace_hall_impeachment.php\|title=Dallas Observer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title = Panel censures UT Regent Wallace L. Hall Jr.\|url = http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/house-panel-to-consider-fate-of-ut-regent-wallace-/ngy9s/\|website = www.statesman.com\|access-date = 2015-12-29}}</ref> Some legislators initially explained the impeachment on grounds that Hall did not disclose several lawsuits that he was involved in when he originally completed his Regent background check. Hall updated Governor Rick Perry's office in April 2013 with the full list.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2013/12/21/perry-straus-reach-out-appointees-light-probe/\|title=Perry, Straus Reach Out to Appointees Amid Hall Inquiry\|first=Reeve\|last=Hamilton\|date=December 21, 2013\|website=The Texas Tribune}}</ref> No unelected official in ] has ever been successfully impeached or removed from office. ] Rick Perry's spokesperson said the investigations send a "chilling message" to gubernatorial appointees. The Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations began a yearlong, $500,000+<ref>{{cite web\|last1=Lauren\|first1=McGaughy\|title=Wallace Hall impeachment probe cost $500K \|url=http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2014/07/final-price-for-wallace-hall-probe-nearly-600k/\|website=chron.com\|date=22 July 2014}}</ref> investigation into Wallace Hall. The most the select committee could do would be to recommend to the full House that articles of impeachment be drafted. If that had happened, then the House would follow procedures regarding calling a special session specifically for the process of impeachment.
	] The committee hired Houston lawyer ] to serve as legal counsel for the committee. In July 2013, ] Chancellor ] and Regent Eugene Powell responded to the ongoing investigation and negative remarks against Hall from some elected officials and University of Texas staff. Cigarroa said Hall was not allowed to access anything that was not reviewed by University lawyers to ensure they met federal privacy standards. In a July 15, 2013 letter to state representative Jim Pitts, ]
	Powell wrote: '''"Regent Hall's efforts extend to bringing the U.T. System into a competitive position nationally; especially related to offering blended and online learning opportunities to U.T. students. I would point out Regent Hall's excellent service to the Board in terms of time and energy. I appreciate his Board service and his dedication and hard work designed to fulfill his fiduciary obligations."'''

			The committee hired lawyer ] to serve as legal counsel for the committee. In July 2013, ] Chancellor ] and Regent Eugene Powell responded to the ongoing investigation and negative remarks against Hall from some elected officials and University of Texas staff. Cigarroa said Hall was not allowed to access anything that was not reviewed by University lawyers to ensure they met federal privacy standards. During a September 2013 panel conversation with state senator ], Hall defended his investigations and criticized the impeachment proceedings.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://soundcloud.com/texas-tribune-festival/ttf13-highered-regents\|title=SoundCloud - Hear the world’s sounds\|website=SoundCloud}}</ref>
	In a letter dated August 15, 2013, Hall responded to the committee via his lawyer. The letter expanded upon the reasons for Hall's investigation. According to the letter, Hall found that '''"allegations of political influence in the admissions process appear in some instances to be true."'''

			===Committee report===
	''"Regent Hall found correspondence on behalf of a state Representative inquiring about the admission of the Member’s adult son or daughter to a UT Austin graduate school. Although the dean had previously stated the applicant did not meet the school’s standards and would need to either retake the graduate admission exam or attend another graduate school first, upon information and belief, the son or daughter was in fact admitted without retaking the test or attending another school. Regent Hall found other correspondence in which a state Senator sought special consideration for an applicant who had been rejected, but was strongly supported by another Senator. In the communication, the Senator seeking special treatment reminded the UT Austin official of recent legislative action taken to benefit The University. Upon information and belief, the rejected applicant was subsequently admitted to UT Austin."''

			On April 7, 2014, the '']'' and '']'' viewed an advance copy of Hardin's 176-page report. The report alleged that Hall broke state and federal law. The report referred to Hall's "burdensome" requests for records as one of the critiques laid out against the regent.{{cn\|date=August 2022}}
	During a September 2013 panel conversation with state senator ], Hall defended his investigations and criticized the impeachment proceedings. '''"Impeachment is used to protect the public, not to punish an individual. Do you think I’m protecting the public, or do you think the politicians that are coming after me are protecting the public?"'''

			===Reactions===
	Richard Legon, president of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, criticized the impeachment process in a November interview with the Austin American Statesman. He called the impeachment process the '''"nuclear option"''' and said it could send a chilling signal to other members of higher education boards. Legon suggested that the board should have first been given the opportunity to address Hall's requests. '''"It’s fine for a board member to seek information through the appropriate path"''', he said.
			'']'' opined against Hall's impeachment in a May 11, 2014, op-ed.<ref name=revenge>{{Cite web\|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304178104579538102386645762.html\|title=Political Revenge in Texas\|date=May 11, 2014\|via=www.wsj.com}}</ref> Although the committee left open the possibility of revisiting impeachment, an August 11, 2014, vote passed 6–1 to recommend that Hall be censured, bringing a close to the more than year-long process. In response to the censure vote, Governor of Texas ] issued a statement defending Hall's actions, saying that he believed his appointee acted in the best interest of Texas.<ref>{{cite web\|last1=Lauren\|first1=McGaughy\|title=Officials respond to UT System Regent Wallace Hall censure \|date=12 August 2014\|url=http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2014/08/officials-respond-to-ut-regent-wallace-hall-censure/}}</ref>

			Meanwhile, UT System chancellor ] asked UT Austin President Bill Powers to resign or face termination at the July 10, 2014, The University of Texas System Board of Regents meeting. Cigarroa attributed the request to a "breakdown of communication, collegiality, trust and a willingness to work together for the good of the university." Powers at first indicated he would not resign, saying it would "cast the university and our state in a highly unfavorable light." However, on July 9, 2014, Cigarroa released a statement that Powers nevertheless agreed to resign effective June 2015.<ref>{{cite web\|last1=Reeve\|first1=Hamilton\|title=Powers Will Give Up UT Austin Presidency in June\|date=10 July 2014\|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2014/07/09/cigarroa-powers-resignation-effective-june-2/}}</ref> The Board meeting agenda indicated regents would discuss Powers in an executive session. Some legislators on the transparency committee sent a letter requesting that the Board of Regents delay any personnel decisions regarding Powers or other witnesses from the impeachment hearings.
	'''SUBPOENA'''

			In a July 2014 op-ed, the ''Wall Street Journal'' commented that Powers' resignation would bring more attention and scrutiny to the political favoritism scandals at The University of Texas at Austin. The editorial board wrote: "The voters seem to understand, even if some legislators don't, that college admissions are supposed to be based on merit, not political connections."<ref>{{cite news\|title=Texas Admissions Brawl\|url=http://online.wsj.com/articles/texas-admissions-brawl-1404947400\|website=Wall Street Journal\|date=9 July 2014}}</ref> Although the committee left open the possibility of revisiting impeachment, an August 11, 2014 vote passed 6–1 to recommend that Hall be censured, bringing a close to the more than year-long process. In response to the censure vote, Governor of Texas Rick Perry issued a statement defending Hall's actions, saying the regent acted in the best interest of Texas "in the face of withering personal attacks."<ref>{{cite web\|last1=Lauren\|first1=McGaughy\|title=Officials respond to UT System Regent Wallace Hall censure\|date=12 August 2014\|url=http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2014/08/officials-respond-to-ut-regent-wallace-hall-censure/}}</ref> Hall responded to the committee's recommendation by saying the committee had covered up its "improper interference in System operations" and had intimidated non-paid public servants.
	At a meeting on November 12, 2013, the committee issued subpoenas for Dan Sharphorn, University of Texas Vice Chancellor and General Counsel; Francie Frederick, General Counsel to the University of Texas System Board of Regents; Barbara Holthaus, System Senior Attorney; and Hall, who was expected to testify at the December 10, 2013 meeting. However, only minutes after initially filing the subpoena for Hall, committee members suddenly recalled it. Carol Alvarado said the members acted too quickly without checking their schedule. The subpoena was issued for December 10, but no meeting was scheduled until December 18.

			==Investigation conclusion and response==
	With University of Texas Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa and University of Texas, Austin President Bill Powers already subpoenaed to appear at the December 18–19 meetings, Hall's lawyer Allan Van Fleet requested that the committee respond regarding whether it would also subpoena Hall. On December 5, 2013, Van Fleet sent a letter to the committee requesting that the co-chairs announce whether Hall would indeed be subpoenaed. Van Fleet's request asked for an answer by the end of the day. In response, committee attorney Rusty Hardin said "We're not going to adhere to his deadline. He doesn't get to pick the time and place." Van Fleet pointed out that providing two weeks' notice for testimony is the standard to allow individuals to prepare testimony. He added that the letter has '''"caused confusion about the committee's intentions."'''
			On February 12, 2015 an investigation ordered by The University of Texas System found that ], president of The University of Texas at Austin, had repeatedly helped applicants, including some with lesser academic credentials, gain admission if they had been recommended by legislators and influential people.<ref name=faulted/> According to the report, from 2009 to 2014, well connected students flagged by university officials were admitted 74 percent of the time compared to an overall admission rate of 40 percent.<ref name=faulted/> President Powers and his Chief of Staff "each failed to speak with candor and forthrightness expected of people in their positions of trust and leadership," the report stated.<ref name=faulted/>

			This report was widely described as vindication of Hall, and a validation of the concerns he raised.<ref name="The Texas Tribune">{{cite web \|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2015/02/12/ut-system-releases-admissions-report/\|title = Report: Powers Overruled UT Admissions Office\|work=The Texas Tribune\|date = 12 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="statesman.com">{{cite web\|url = http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/uts-powers-overruled-admissions-office-report-says/nj9WH/\|title=UT President Bill Powers overruled admissions office, report says\|work=statesman.com}}</ref><ref name="CCAP">{{cite web\|url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/ccap/2015/02/13/everyone-else-does-it/\|title ='Everyone Else Does It'\|author=CCAP\|date=13 February 2015\|work=Forbes}}</ref><ref name="Texas Monthly">{{cite web\|url=http://www.texasmonthly.com/daily-post/state-texas-february-13-2015\|title=The State of Texas: February 13, 2015 \|date=13 February 2015\|work=Texas Monthly}}</ref><ref name="www.yourconroenews.com">{{cite web\|url = http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/courier/news/gun-bills-on-different-paths-snippy-over-border-security/article_6504cd0b-589a-5d9d-9691-94675dd844cf.html\|title=Gun bills on different paths; 'snippy' over border security?\|work=www.yourconroenews.com\|date=13 February 2015}}</ref><ref name="San Antonio Express-News">{{cite web\|url = http://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/Turmoil-resumes-at-UT-over-admissions-records-5882031.php \|title=Turmoil resumes at UT over admissions, records requests\|work = San Antonio Express-News\|date=10 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="The Chronicle of Higher Education">{{cite web \|url=http://www.chroniclecareers.com/article/Admissions-Report-Chips-at/190021/\|title=Admissions Report Chips at Austin Chief's Uncompromising Reputation \|work=The Chronicle of Higher Education}}</ref><ref name="Houston Chronicle">{{cite web\|url=http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/education/article/Turmoil-resumes-at-UT-over-admissions-records-5878920.php \|title=Turmoil resumes at UT over admissions, records requests\|work = Houston Chronicle\|date=8 November 2014}}</ref><ref name="dallasnews.com">{{cite web\|url = http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20141217-dallas-morning-news-texan-of-the-year-finalist-wallace-hall.ece\|title=Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year finalist: Wallace Hall\|work = dallasnews.com}}</ref> Others have pointed out that such admissions procedures are widespread, even desirable, in American higher education.<ref>{{cite web\|title = On Bono, Favoritism and College Admissions \|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2009/10/on-bono-favoritism-and-college-admissions/28547/\|website=The Atlantic\|date=16 October 2009\|access-date=2016-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title = The Farce of Meritocracy: Why Legacy Admissions Might Actually Be A Good Thing \|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshfreedman/2013/11/14/the-farce-of-meritocracy-in-elite-higher-education-why-legacy-admissions-might-be-a-good-thing/#2715e4857a0b70cec25e3b5a\|website = Forbes\|access-date = 2016-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|title = One in Four Colleges Say They're Pressured to Rig Admissions\|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-04-01/one-in-four-colleges-say-they-re-pressured-to-rig-admissions\|website = Bloomberg.com \|access-date=2016-01-18\|first=Natalie\|last=Kitroeff\|date=April 2015}}</ref>
	'''REQUEST TO TESTIFY'''

			==Recognition==
	On December 10, 2013, the committee sent a letter to Hall asking that he testify—but they did not issue a subpoena. The committee sent a one-page, two-paragraph letter that invited Hall to testify and provide a list of witnesses. On December 16, 2013, Hall's attorney Allan Van Fleet said Hall would not testify at the December 18 committee hearing. Van Fleet wrote: '''"Regent Hall has volunteered a number of times in the past to share his views with legislative Committees about the challenges and opportunities faced by the UT System. Though these offers have never been accepted, he remains interested in sharing his views, in collaborating with all policy makers on initiatives that will benefit the UT System, and in working with the committees to improve the transparency and accountability practices that should guide all UT System activities.'''
			Hall was named in December 2014 to the ''Chronicle of Higher Education'''s 2014 Influencers List.<ref>{{cite news \|title=The People Who Influenced Higher Education This Year \|url=https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-people-who-influenced-higher-education-this-year/ \|access-date=29 August 2022 \|work=www.chronicle.com \|publisher=The Chronicle of Higher Education \|date=December 15, 2014}}</ref> The same week as being named to the ''Chronicle'' Influencers List, Hall was named one of the nine finalists for "Texan of the Year" by '']''<ref>{{cite web\|author=<!-- CTA --> <!-- distroscale --> \|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20141217-dallas-morning-news-texan-of-the-year-finalist-wallace-hall.ece \|title=Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year finalist: Wallace Hall {{pipe}} Editorials \|publisher=Dallas News \|date=2014-12-17 \|access-date=2019-02-14}}</ref> Hall was also awarded the Torch of Freedom Award in December 2014 by conservative lobbying group Empower Texans.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.politifact.com/texas/statements/2014/dec/17/wallace-hall/regent-wallace-hall-joe-straus-string-from-tree/ \|title=Appointee Wallace Hall says Joe Straus said he didn't care if Hall was strung from a tree {{pipe}} PolitiFact Texas \|publisher=Politifact.com \|access-date=2019-02-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2014/12/straus-shrugs-off-sullivan-hall-accusations-as-desperate-screeds/\|title=Straus shrugs off Sullivan, Hall accusations as 'desperate screeds'\|newspaper=]\|date=December 11, 2014\|first=Lauren\|last=McGaughy}}</ref> ''Texas Monthly'' suggested that Hall was "Most Dangerous Man in Texas". On October 18, 2019, Hall received the Jerry L. Martin Prize for Excellence in College Trusteeship from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=https://www.goacta.org/news/college-admissions-scandal-whistleblower-wallace-hall-wins-national-award-from-acta\|title=College admissions scandal whistleblower Wallace Hall wins national award from ACTA\|newspaper=American Council of Trustees and Alumni \|date=25 July 2019}}</ref>

			==See also==
	Hall was invited to testify but was not given a subpoena, which is often perceived to provide some legal protection to the witness. Other individuals -- such as Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa and University of Texas Austin President Bill Powers -- had been given formal subpoenas. Legislators criticized Hall for not agreeing to testify, despite the differing set of circumstances given to Hall.
			* ]

			==References==
	'''CRIMINAL ALLEGATIONS'''
			{{reflist\|30em}}

			==External links==
	A January 2014 review by the law firm concluded that there was '''"no credible evidence of a violation of that would warrant a referral for criminal prosecution."''' The report concluded that Hall had a legitimate reason for having the documents in question. '''"In light of the fundamental role attorneys play, it would lead to an absurd result were it criminal for an official to provide student records to his or her attorney in the face of litigation, or anticipated litigation, involving these records,"''' Philip Hilder wrote in the report. Hilder submitted the report to the legislative committee. The Board of Regents hired the firm to review whether Hall may have violated any federal privacy laws in his handling of student information. November 2013 testimony prompted committee-member Trey Fischer to request the inquiry. Committee member Dan Flynn said he was not surprised by the findings and was pleased the university counsel reached a conclusion.
			*

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Hall, Wallace}}
	'''FAVORITISM AND IMPEACHMENT REPORTS'''
			]

	A report commissioned by the University of Texas concerning allegations of admissions favoritism was expected to be released in early April 2014. According to , the report showed '''"applicants who had a lawmaker intervene on their behalf with top university officials were far more likely to gain admission than an applicant without those connections."'''

	The legislative committee pursuing the impeachment of Wallace Hall was also expected to release its report in early April. Citing unnamed '''"sources familiar with the matter,"''' reported that the committee's leaders intended to use their report to counter the potential impact of the admissions favoritism report.

	'''RELEASE OF EMAIL DOCUMENTS'''

	Over 2,000 pages of email documents were released by the University of Texas at Austin to news outlets in late March 2014. Some of these documents detailed inquiries by Wallace Hall into President Bill Powers' travel practices. Some of Powers' travels were paid for in part or in full by donors. In January 2014, Hall challenged the '''"institutional purpose"''' of some of these travels in a message to Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Pedro Reyes.

	In addition, the released correspondence suggests dissatisfaction on the part of the Board of Regents with the administration's handling of the admissions favoritism investigation. Regents Hall and Gene Powell said they were skeptical that Powers would cooperate with the Board's inquiry into the matter. '''"I have no confidence that we will get full cooperation from Bill Powers now or in the future as his assurances are unsupported by the facts,"''' Hall wrote in a message to Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa.

	'''COMMITTEE REPORT'''

	On April 7, 2014, the San Antonio Express-News and Houston Chronicle viewed an advance copy of Hardin's 176-page report. The newspapers reported that the document was previously made available to committee members on April 4, 2014. The report alleges that Hall broke state and federal law. The report refers to Hall's "burdensome" requests for records as one of the critiques laid out against the regent.

	], which also received a copy of the report, wrote that '''"ironically a substantial number of the actions that the Hardin report highlights as potentially triggering impeachment occurred in part or entirely because of the committee’s investigation."''' The report listed four items as a sufficient basis for articles of impeachment. The report does not make any explicit recommendation to the committee.

	'''POST-REPORT MEETINGS'''

	On April 24, 2014, the committee met privately for three hours discussing Hardin's report. Legislators would not disclose the conversations held behind closed doors. A committee hearing was held on May 12, 2014 where legislators voted 7-1 that there were grounds for impeachment.
	Committee co-chair Dan Flynn (R) called the vote a '''"historical time"''' (sic). Charles Perry (R) was the one representative who voted against grounds for impeachment. In response to the vote, Hall released a statement, in which he defended his actions and accused the transparency committee of interfering with investigations of the University. '''"My efforts as a regent are to serve the interests of our great educational institutions, the students, faculty, and staff who make them great, and the taxpayers who fund them, not to appease a privileged class who abuse them,"''' Hall said in the statement.

	'''REACTION'''

	Anne Neal, president of the ], said the investigation of Hall was '''"simply off the rails."''' Throughout much of the investigation, legislators have maintained that Hall was on a '''"witch hunt"''' for President Bill Powers. Neal's statement took the opposite approach, accusing the legislature of engaging in an '''"expensive witch hunts designed to discourage public servants from asking tough questions in pursuit of the public interest."''' According to its website, the ACTA is "'''an independent, non-profit organization committed to academic freedom, excellence, and accountability at America's colleges and universities."'''

	==References==
	<ref></ref>
	<ref></ref>
	<ref></ref>
	<ref></ref>
	<ref></ref>
	<ref></ref>
	<ref></ref>
	<ref></ref>
	<ref></ref>
	<ref>http://ballotpedia.org/Wallace_Hall</ref>
	<ref>http://www.utsystem.edu/board-of-regents/current-regents/wallace-l-hall-jr</ref>
	<ref>http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2011/02/perry-appoints-new-ut-regents.html</ref>
	<ref>http://tpr.org/post/ut-regent-wallace-hall-will-testify-impeachment-hearing</ref>
	<ref>http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304178104579538102386645762</ref>
	<ref>http://ballotpedia.org/Governor_of_Texas</ref>
	<ref>http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/2011/02/perry-appoints-new-ut-regents.html</ref>
	<ref>http://tpr.org/post/ut-regent-wallace-hall-will-testify-impeachment-hearing</ref>
	<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/phi-beta-cons/363724/texas-legislature-should-stop-targeting-wallace-hall-avi-snyder</ref>
	<ref>http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/documents/Transparency_Ltr_Attachments.pdf</ref>
	{{Reflist}}

	{{Persondata
	\| NAME = Hall, Wallace L.
	\| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
	\| SHORT DESCRIPTION =
	\| DATE OF BIRTH =
	\| PLACE OF BIRTH =
	\| DATE OF DEATH =
	\| PLACE OF DEATH =
	}}
	{{DEFAULTSORT:Hall, Wallace L.}}
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
	]

Latest revision as of 22:35, 22 October 2023

Wallace L. Hall Jr.

Board of Regent for the University of Texas System
In office February 2011 – February 2017

Personal details
Alma mater	The University of Texas at Austin (1984)

Wallace L. Hall Jr. is an American investor who served a controversial six-year term as a member of the University of Texas System Board of Regents. Hall was appointed in February 2011 by Governor Rick Perry, and was replaced in February 2017.

Hall's appointment came in the midst of a struggle over the shape of higher education in Texas. Three years earlier, Governor Rick Perry had championed a plan to remake university education along business lines; this was the so-called "Seven Solutions" of Austin entrepreneur Jeff Sandefer. Hall's early days as a regent would witness this effort's failure, largely as a result of resistance spearheaded by supporters of UT Austin and Texas A&M University. In the wake of this failure, and although regents' duties call for attention to 15 separate institutions which make up the University of Texas System, Hall would spend much of his energy attempting to identify and unearth malpractice at the UT Austin flagship. He was the first regent to publicly raise concerns about external influence on the admissions process at the school. A state legislative committee subsequently initiated impeachment proceedings against him. The proceedings were eventually dropped but led to a censure by the committee for "misconduct, incompetency in the performance of official duties, or behavior unbefitting a nominee for and holder of a state office." In response Hall claimed "The committee's findings are based on distortions, untruths and intentional misrepresentations."

On February 12, 2015, an investigation ordered by UT System found that Bill Powers, the president of UT Austin, had repeatedly helped applicants, including some with questionable academic credentials, gain admission if they had been recommended by legislators and influential people. This was widely described as vindication of Hall and a validation of his concerns.

Early life and career

In 1980, Hall graduated from the St. Mark's School of Texas. He has served as President of the school's alumni association and was a long time member on the school's board of trustees. He earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984.

He is the founder and President of Wetland Partners, LP, which operates Trinity River Mitigation Bank. Trinity River Mitigation is a wetlands bank created to mitigate U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) approved environmental impacts to the aquatic system as per the Clean Water Act. Environmentalists object that Hall's bank allows hydraulic fracking in environmentally sensitive areas. Hall had a 15-year career in the financial services industry, as a securities analyst, financial futures trader and as financial principal of a NASD broker-dealer. Hall's other business include oil and gas investments.

Appointed to UT System Board of Regents

In August 2009, Hall was appointed by Governor Perry to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

In 2011 Governor Perry appointed Hall to the University of Texas System Board of Regents. In February 2011, Hall was unanimously confirmed as a Regent by the Texas Senate. The UT System Board of Regents oversees nine universities, including the flagship University of Texas at Austin, and six hospitals or medical institutions. The University of Texas System is one of the largest higher education organizations in the United States, its enrollment is more than 213,000 students and it has an annual operating budget of more than $14.6 billion. The System's nine regents are in charge of appointing the universities' presidents, approving budgets, creating new schools, and creating policies and procedures for the students and faculties. He is now Chairman of the Technology Transfer and Research Committee and is a member of the Audit, Compliance, and Management Review Committee and the Finance and Planning Committee. He is the Board's Liaison to the Governor's Office on Technology Transfer and Commercialization Issues.

University of Texas at Austin investigations

Main article: University of Texas at Austin admissions controversy

After he was appointed in 2011, Hall began looking into what he believed to be administrative and management issues at The University of Texas at Austin. The investigations made three major findings:

Undisclosed and unauthorized forgivable loans programs at UT School of Law
Improper methods of reporting donations to UT Austin's capital fundraising campaign
Legislative influence over admissions processes

Hall filed four open records requests with The University of Texas at Austin after his inquiries via his role as a Regent were delayed.

Forgivable Loans

Early in Hall's tenure on the board, an open records request filed by three law professors revealed details concerning a large private endowment used to provide off-the-books six-figure forgivable loans to certain faculty members. This had not been reported to the board and was out of sight of the university's formal compensation system. Hall wanted to know how large the forgivable loans were and who had decided who received them.

In March 2013, the Board of Regents voted to re-open the forgivable loans investigation rejecting and abandoning a previously prepared report by then UT System General Counsel Barry Burgdorf.

Legislative influence over admissions

Hall used Open Records requests to investigate whether the legislature had improperly used political influence in admissions, specifically at the law school. According to Texas Monthly, "The allegations set off an uproar, and most of the fury was directed at Hall himself. Politicians, fiercely loyal UT alumni, and some of Hall's fellow regents came to (University of Texas President) Powers's defense, claiming that Hall was carrying out what many of them described as a "witch hunt."

Ultimately, the System investigated the allegations. In a report, UT System Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa concluded, "A disproportionately high number of applicants were admitted notwithstanding the fact that most of the legislator letters did not contain any significant substantive information about the applicant," and "in more than one-half of them, there is no evidence that the author of the letter even knows the student, much less knows him or her well."

Impeachment proceedings

A legislative effort was begun in June 2013 to impeach Hall from his position as regent for "misconduct, incompetency in the performance of official duties, or behavior unbefitting" a regent. Some legislators initially explained the impeachment on grounds that Hall did not disclose several lawsuits that he was involved in when he originally completed his Regent background check. Hall updated Governor Rick Perry's office in April 2013 with the full list. No unelected official in Texas has ever been successfully impeached or removed from office. Governor of Texas Rick Perry's spokesperson said the investigations send a "chilling message" to gubernatorial appointees. The Select Committee on Transparency in State Agency Operations began a yearlong, $500,000+ investigation into Wallace Hall. The most the select committee could do would be to recommend to the full House that articles of impeachment be drafted. If that had happened, then the House would follow procedures regarding calling a special session specifically for the process of impeachment.

The committee hired lawyer Rusty Hardin to serve as legal counsel for the committee. In July 2013, University of Texas Chancellor Francisco G. Cigarroa and Regent Eugene Powell responded to the ongoing investigation and negative remarks against Hall from some elected officials and University of Texas staff. Cigarroa said Hall was not allowed to access anything that was not reviewed by University lawyers to ensure they met federal privacy standards. During a September 2013 panel conversation with state senator Kirk Watson, Hall defended his investigations and criticized the impeachment proceedings.

Committee report

On April 7, 2014, the San Antonio Express-News and Houston Chronicle viewed an advance copy of Hardin's 176-page report. The report alleged that Hall broke state and federal law. The report referred to Hall's "burdensome" requests for records as one of the critiques laid out against the regent.

Reactions

The Wall Street Journal opined against Hall's impeachment in a May 11, 2014, op-ed. Although the committee left open the possibility of revisiting impeachment, an August 11, 2014, vote passed 6–1 to recommend that Hall be censured, bringing a close to the more than year-long process. In response to the censure vote, Governor of Texas Rick Perry issued a statement defending Hall's actions, saying that he believed his appointee acted in the best interest of Texas.

Meanwhile, UT System chancellor Francisco Cigarroa asked UT Austin President Bill Powers to resign or face termination at the July 10, 2014, The University of Texas System Board of Regents meeting. Cigarroa attributed the request to a "breakdown of communication, collegiality, trust and a willingness to work together for the good of the university." Powers at first indicated he would not resign, saying it would "cast the university and our state in a highly unfavorable light." However, on July 9, 2014, Cigarroa released a statement that Powers nevertheless agreed to resign effective June 2015. The Board meeting agenda indicated regents would discuss Powers in an executive session. Some legislators on the transparency committee sent a letter requesting that the Board of Regents delay any personnel decisions regarding Powers or other witnesses from the impeachment hearings.

In a July 2014 op-ed, the Wall Street Journal commented that Powers' resignation would bring more attention and scrutiny to the political favoritism scandals at The University of Texas at Austin. The editorial board wrote: "The voters seem to understand, even if some legislators don't, that college admissions are supposed to be based on merit, not political connections." Although the committee left open the possibility of revisiting impeachment, an August 11, 2014 vote passed 6–1 to recommend that Hall be censured, bringing a close to the more than year-long process. In response to the censure vote, Governor of Texas Rick Perry issued a statement defending Hall's actions, saying the regent acted in the best interest of Texas "in the face of withering personal attacks." Hall responded to the committee's recommendation by saying the committee had covered up its "improper interference in System operations" and had intimidated non-paid public servants.

Investigation conclusion and response

On February 12, 2015 an investigation ordered by The University of Texas System found that Bill Powers, president of The University of Texas at Austin, had repeatedly helped applicants, including some with lesser academic credentials, gain admission if they had been recommended by legislators and influential people. According to the report, from 2009 to 2014, well connected students flagged by university officials were admitted 74 percent of the time compared to an overall admission rate of 40 percent. President Powers and his Chief of Staff "each failed to speak with candor and forthrightness expected of people in their positions of trust and leadership," the report stated.

This report was widely described as vindication of Hall, and a validation of the concerns he raised. Others have pointed out that such admissions procedures are widespread, even desirable, in American higher education.

Recognition

Hall was named in December 2014 to the Chronicle of Higher Education's 2014 Influencers List. The same week as being named to the Chronicle Influencers List, Hall was named one of the nine finalists for "Texan of the Year" by The Dallas Morning News Hall was also awarded the Torch of Freedom Award in December 2014 by conservative lobbying group Empower Texans. Texas Monthly suggested that Hall was "Most Dangerous Man in Texas". On October 18, 2019, Hall received the Jerry L. Martin Prize for Excellence in College Trusteeship from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.