What Starts Here — 2026 Campaign Report
A decade of visionary philanthropy
The University of Texas at Austin’s What Starts Here campaign has come to a close after a decade of visionary philanthropy from our thriving community of donors. Moody College is grateful for the generosity and impact of all those who supported the college during the campaign to ensure we continue to set the gold standard for research, learning and discovery. The future is bright, and it all started here, with you.
We started with a goal of raising $165 million, and thanks to our donors and friends who believe in the power of communication and the value of the work Moody College does, we far surpassed that original goal.
Overall giving to Moody College of Communication
Moody College is
No. 1 public university in the world for communication and media studies
2026 QS World University Rankings
Throughout the campaign, Moody College’s extraordinary growth and momentum have been reflected in rising demand, strong student success and an expanding community of future communication leaders.
- ~40%
- Applications grew during the campaign
- ~10%
- Enrollment grew during the campaign
- 98%
- All-time highest 1-year retention rate
- 83%
- All-time highest 4-year graduation rate
Moody Sets Bold Vision for the Future with $165M Campaign
The What Starts Here campaign set a $165 million fundraising goal for Moody College.
Generosity of Parents
Parents of Moody College students are an important part of this capital campaign. Their generosity expands opportunities and resources that help students make the most of their Moody experience and prepare for what comes next.
For nearly a decade, the Moody College Family Network has deepened that tradition of support through scholarships, student resources and programs that enrich the undergraduate experience for all Moody students.
$1,192,944
Raised for Moody College Family Network to support:
- Undergraduate education program support
- Communication Council
- Moody College Writing Support Program
- Eastin Center for Career Readiness
Leaders of the Future
55
New endowed student scholarships
$10.5M
In scholarships to undergraduate students during the campaign
These impactful gifts prepare the communication leaders of tomorrow to turn classroom learning into real-world experience and lasting career success.
Moody College has long been dedicated to developing leaders of the future. In 2025, Moody College celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Communication and Leadership major, the only undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin to focus on the study of leadership. Over 500 students have graduated with this degree, which aims to educate and inspire future leaders to create positive change. The first scholarship to support CLD students was established in 2026.
A transformational $10 million gift from Joe and Monica Eastin through the Eastin Family Foundation will bridge the gap between classroom learning and career preparation, helping students pursue internships, mentorship and industry connections earlier in their academic career.
The next generation of creative leaders in the gaming industry will be shaped by the Karch Gaming Institute thanks to a generous $5 million gift from Matt Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive, a worldwide video game developer and publisher, on behalf of the Karch family.
A $3 million gift supported the creation of The Lab which functions like a real-world agency and provides every student who graduates with an advertising or public relations degree from UT Austin experience working on a capstone project for a real client.
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Ten years of communication and leadership
Moody College celebrates the anniversary of its one-of-a-kind communication and leadership degree
Eastin Center for Career Readiness
The Eastin Center will expand access to internships, employer connections and career preparation.
Karch Gaming Institute
A new gaming institute will help prepare students for careers in the gaming industry.
Richards leads way for The Lab
Stan Richards’ gift helped create The Lab at the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations.
Real clients and real campaigns create real student success
Moody College students turn classroom experiences into real-world impact
UTLA and UTNY
- $7,426,588
- For scholarship and program support
In 2017, with support from the Cain Foundation, the new Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment and Media Studies opened a Burbank facility for classes, administration and events. In addition, the Cain Foundation’s support has added scholarship support based on need and merit while also doubling the capacity for students to attend and launch their careers in the entertainment industry.
Wofford and the foundation have continued their support of students pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles by building on Moody College’s history of innovative partnerships with the entertainment industry.
The UT in New York program was launched in 2019 to offer UT students the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the most vibrant cities in the world and learn alongside professionals working at the top of their field.
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Wofford Denius UTLA Center
A historic investment connects Austin and Hollywood through the Wofford Denius UTLA Center.
Celebrating 20 years of UTLA
For two decades, the UT in Los Angeles program has helped students kick-start careers in the entertainment industry
Announcing UTNY
UTNY brings semester-long learning and professional opportunities to New York City.
Longhorns take over the Big Apple
UTNY celebrates five years of making dreams come true in the city that never sleeps
Solutions of the Future
Communication plays a vital role in every aspect of our world, and Moody College researchers are advancing solutions that improve health, strengthen communities, drive innovation and help people navigate society’s most pressing challenges.
Moody College faculty are exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the ways people create, share and understand information. Their research examines AI’s impact across journalism, media, advertising, health communication and human interaction, while advancing responsible, ethical and human-centered approaches to emerging technology. Through this work, Moody researchers are helping shape an AI-powered future that strengthens communication and serves society.
Nearly $1 million was raised for the Center for Media Engagement during the campaign. Directed by faculty member Talia Stroud, the center envisions a vibrant American media ecosystem that more effectively empowers the public to understand, appreciate and participate in the democratic exchange of ideas. It conducts original, groundbreaking research alongside newsrooms, social media platforms and organizations looking to influence media practices for the benefit of democracy. The center translates its theoretically driven and methodologically rigorous research into tools and strategies that these same stakeholders and collaborators can employ for the greater good.
Focusing on corporate sustainability, sustainable finance, impact innovation and infrastructure, and sustainability communications, the Global Sustainability Leadership Institute develops leadership and solutions that address critical sustainability challenges and shape a regenerative global economy and society. Funded by a gift from Chris Bake, the institute is a joint effort between Moody College and McCombs School of Business.
A $5 million gift from Jim and Mary Pat Nelson created the Nelson Center for Brand and Demand Analytics to offer a certificate program and deepen industry partnerships for jobs and internships. The Nelsons’ gift will also support faculty members specializing in media analytics, digital media, branding, social media, entrepreneurship and innovation to conduct their research alongside students, as well as to create case studies other Moody College professors and other universities can use for their classes.
$6.3M
Raised to support faculty
$33.6M
Raised to support research
Additionally
Two chair endowments were established
- The Bake Chair in Global Sustainability Leadership supports the mission and work of the Global Sustainability Leadership Institute to advance research and programming and equip the colleges and executive director to lead.
- The Dale and Tina Holder Endowed Chair in Stuttering Leadership supports the mission of the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research.
One faculty fellowship was established
- Robert Allen Jones and Mary Buford Jones Faculty Fellowship in Journalism supports faculty salary supplementation, research support and other professional needs of journalism faculty.
Three professorships were established
- Mark L. Knapp Professorship in Communication Studies to support a faculty member in the Department of Communication Studies.
- Lowell H. Lebermann Jr. Distinguished Professorship supporting activities related to the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life.
- Dan Rather Professorship in News and Guts supports university centers, programs, research and activities, including the Dan Rather Medals for News and Guts, which has honored 37 award winners from 2021–2026.
Explore the stories
First Findings Shed Light on Role of Social Media Algorithms in 2020 Election
Talia Jomini Stroud co-led research examining how Facebook and Instagram algorithms shaped people’s experiences during the 2020 U.S. election.
$5M Gift Creates New Nelson Center for Brand and Demand Analytics
A $5 million gift supports the Nelson Center for Brand and Demand Analytics.
Center for Media Engagement Research
Explore the Center for Media Engagement’s research on news, digital platforms and public life.
Campus of the Future
Moody College’s classrooms, labs, studios and shared spaces are designed to inspire students and deepen learning. These environments give students opportunities to explore ideas, develop practical skills, collaborate with faculty and peers, and use industry-standard tools to bring their work to life. Just as important, gathering and study spaces foster the connection and sense of community that help students thrive throughout their college experience.
Aaron Lincoln Davis Square
Aaron Lincoln Davis Square, transformed in 2022, is the result of a generous gift from Moody College alumnus Richard Davis and his wife Leah in memory of the Davis’ son.
Woffie’s Coffee
Woffie’s Coffee opened in the CMA lobby because of a generous gift from Wofford Denius. The shop gives the Moody College community a space to enjoy food and beverages, gather and study.
Production studios
Production studios in Communication Building B were outfitted with new sets, lighting, curtains, PCs and production equipment, including equipment donated from Alamo Drafthouse, KXAN and KVUE and supported by individual donations.
Foley Stage and Dolby Atmos Mix Suites
Foley Stage and Dolby Atmos Mix Suites give students the chance to dive into post-production sound during their time in college, opening a world of possibilities to work in audio after graduation.
Student gathering and study spaces
Spaces dedicated to student studying, working on group projects, meeting with academic advisors and career coaches, and connecting to build community provide an improved experience and more engagement at Moody College.
Research centers and institutes
The remodeled CMB third floor houses and supports research centers and institutes including the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research, Center for Health Communication and Center for Media Engagement.
Texas Studios Powered by Dell Technologies
UT Athletics opened a new broadcast and videoboard production center, which will give Moody College of Communication and other UT students more real-world opportunities in sports production and broadcasting. Texas Studios Powered by Dell Technologies is a state-of-the-art facility located inside Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
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Explore Moody College spaces in the Digital Impact Report 2023
Explore Moody College’s campus spaces in the 2023 digital impact report.
Sound takes center stage
Moody College unveils new Foley stage and mixing studio for Hollywood quality audio
Moody College Unveils Major Transformation of Walter Cronkite Plaza
Explore the transformation of Walter Cronkite Plaza.
Healthcare of the Future
$27M+
For health research, scholarships and fellowships for students
With a new academic medical center on the horizon, UT Austin is advancing a model that integrates patient care, education and research to improve health and transform the delivery of complex care. Moody College of Communication is an essential part of that vision. Across its labs, centers and institutes, faculty and students study how communication shapes health outcomes — from helping people overcome speech and language disorders to improving how patients, providers and communities share information and make decisions. Supported by investments made during the campaign, this work strengthens UT’s broader health ecosystem and helps turn research into more effective, accessible and human-centered care.
In 2020, the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research was established with a $20 million grant to build on the groundbreaking work of founding director Courtney Byrd. The center continues to grow and expand with support from the foundation and many others.
Inspired by Byrd, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences graduate student Daniela Rodriguez-Orozco spent much of her undergraduate career working with faculty and staff to bring the Blank Center’s Camp Dream. Speak. Live. to her home country in Colombia. Rodriguez-Orozco’s persistence allowed her to attend the inaugural camp in Colombia in 2025, experiencing firsthand how what starts on the University of Texas campus can change the world.
The Woolfolk Center for Language Disorders Research is the legacy of Elizabeth Carrow Woolfolk, a trailblazer in the field of communication and former head of Moody College’s speech pathology and audiology program. Through her estate, Woolfolk has permanently endowed the Woolfolk Center, which is providing the first comprehensive, longitudinal database of diagnostic and prognostic features of language impairment in children and adults.
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Voices heard around the world
The impact of the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering Education and Research is felt across continents
New UT Austin Center Will Revolutionize Treatment for Language Disorders
Learn about the Woolfolk Center’s work to advance research into language disorders.
When Generosity Changes the World
Moody College is deeply grateful to the donors and friends whose generosity made this campaign an outstanding success. Your support has expanded opportunities for students, advanced groundbreaking research, strengthened our faculty and programs, and created spaces where learning, creativity and connection can thrive. Together, you have helped shape the future of Moody College and ensured that the work that starts here will continue to change the world for generations to come.
Thank you!
Special thank you to our campaign committee
Co-Chairs
- Marsha Jones
- Jim Nelson
Honorary Co-Chairs
- Matthew McConaughey
- Ross Moody
Steering Committee
- Wendy Berk
- Juliet Berkowitz
- Wofford Denius
- Robert Dieste
- Cindy Garza-Priest
- Jeff Hunt
- Cappy McGarr
Thank you to the chairs of the Advisory Council and Moody College Family Network during this time.