University Lands Modernizes Management Plan

University Lands, one of the largest university endowments in the country, is changing how it oversees activity on 2.1 million acres of Texas land. While mineral leases have historically made up 90 percent of the endowment’s revenue, the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems have faced increased pressure to shift attention to environmental, social, and governance concerns. In response, University Lands has made a commitment to “providing prudent stewardship aimed at protecting the environment while earning the best possible return on investment.” Senior Vice President of Operations Richard Brantly is focused on the importance of protecting West Texas’ freshwater zones because University Lands supplies groundwater to several West Texas municipalities. While the agency doesn’t operate or monitor the wells, it does ensure that operators adhere to health and safety regulations. Brantly said that technological advances have greatly improved the monitoring capabilities of University Lands. Read more HERE.