U. of Texas System Redefines Job of High-Level Adviser After Controversy Over His Hiring

The special adviser to the University of Texas governing board whose views on the value of academic research caused concern won’t be staying in the job long. The university system has reassigned the adviser, Rick O’Donnell, to a new job that will end by August 31, The Austin American-Statesman reported. Gene Powell, chairman of the Board of Regents, had arranged Mr. O’Donnell’s hiring to advise the regents on policy issues. In his new role, Mr. O’Donnell will report to the system’s executive vice chancellor for business affairs, and will assist panels that advise the regents on productivity and on online learning, a spokesman for the system said.