News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin community mourns the loss of Steve Hicks, a transformative benefactor and longtime Regent. Hicks, who significantly contributed to the School of Social Work through a historic $25 million donation, emphasized the importance of investing in human potential and education. His legacy will continue to inspire future social workers and students, making a lasting impact on Texas communities. Hicks’ dedication reflects the central role that engaged alumni play in enhancing academic excellence and fostering leadership in social service fields.
Houston, TX — The University of Texas at Austin community, and indeed the broader landscape of Texas higher education, recently marked the passing of a transformative figure, Steve Hicks. A longtime UT System Regent and a generous philanthropist, Hicks, who died on January 7, 2026, left an indelible mark on the institution, particularly through his profound contributions to the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work.
Hicks’ legacy transcends mere financial donations; it embodies a philosophy of investing in human potential and fostering dedicated leadership within critical service professions. His commitment to the university highlights the vital role that engaged alumni and benefactors play in enhancing academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence, ultimately benefiting communities across Texas. His vision emphasized personal responsibility and the empowering impact of education in building a stronger society.
A Legacy of Generosity and Vision
Steve Hicks’ most widely recognized philanthropic endeavor connected him deeply with the School of Social Work. In 2017, a substantial $25 million gift was pledged to the school, a monumental contribution that led to its renaming as the Steve Hicks School of Social Work in gratitude. This donation was strategically allocated to support various facets of the school’s mission. Ten million dollars were designated to establish a permanent endowment, providing a sustainable source for future scholarships. Another five million dollars were set aside to encourage additional philanthropic support by matching donations. The remaining ten million dollars were channeled into funding and enhancing diverse aspects of the educational system within the school.
Hicks’ motivation for this significant gift was deeply personal and rooted in a profound belief in the social work profession. He considered social workers “angels” capable of quietly magnifying good throughout their lifetimes. His decision was also influenced by personal experiences, as social workers had assisted his mother before her passing and played a role in his own journey of recovery from alcoholism. He expressed a desire to reduce the debt burden on social work graduates, enabling them to pursue their calling without undue financial stress and continue positively impacting thousands of lives.
Shaping Future Leaders in Service
The impact of Hicks’ philanthropy on students has been tangible and far-reaching. The establishment of the Steve Hicks Scholars and Fellows Endowment has directly supported 126 social work students to date. This support has been instrumental in reducing financial barriers, allowing students to focus more intently on their studies and professional development rather than financial concerns. This investment affirms the value placed on future social work professionals who commit their lives to service and to enriching the lives of others.
The vision behind Hicks’ donation extends beyond individual scholarships. It recognizes the ripple effect inherent in the social work profession. It is estimated that each social worker impacts approximately 1,000 lives over the course of a career. With the School of Social Work graduating roughly 200 students annually, Hicks’ generosity holds the potential to positively affect hundreds of thousands of lives each year. This amplification of positive change underscores his belief in supporting those who dedicate themselves to helping others and building stronger, more resilient communities across Texas and beyond.
A Visionary Entrepreneur and Dedicated Regent
Beyond his philanthropy, Steve Hicks was a distinguished figure in the business world, particularly as a telecommunications pioneer. His career began in the radio industry, ultimately leading him to purchase his first radio station at the age of 29. In the early 1990s, he co-founded and led SFX Broadcasting, Inc., transforming it into a publicly traded entity and one of the largest radio groups nationwide. Hicks is also credited with inventing the local marketing agreement (LMA), an innovative approach that revolutionized radio station operations. Later, he founded Capstar Broadcasting Corporation in 1996, which grew to become the nation’s largest radio station holding company with 350 stations by 1998. In 2000, he established Capstar Partners, LLC, a private investment firm.
Hicks’ dedication to the University of Texas was also evident in his service on the UT System Board of Regents from April 2009 to May 2023, making him one of the longest-serving Regents in the institution’s history. He also held the position of Vice Chairman of the Board from 2011 to 2017. His contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Texas Exes in 2018, and several industry awards such as Radio Executive of the Year and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Evolution and Impact of the School of Social Work
The School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin, established in 1950, has long been recognized for its academic excellence, ranking among the top ten graduate programs in social work nationwide. It offers comprehensive academic programs, including Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Science in Social Work, and Ph.D. in Social Work degrees. The school also houses significant research initiatives, such as the Addiction Research Institute, which focuses on substance abuse among underserved populations. In line with its commitment to social justice, the curriculum includes a “Foundations of Social Justice” course, which requires students to develop competency in “Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice.”
While the school proudly bore Steve Hicks’ name for a significant period, it was renamed to the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work in July 2025. This administrative change does not diminish the profound impact of Hicks’ contributions. Furthermore, the school’s original building, a historic structure dating back to 1933 and once the University Junior High School important for desegregation, began demolition in late 2024 to make way for a new football training facility. The School of Social Work relocated to Walter Webb Hall in spring 2024 and is slated to move into the current McCombs School of Business building around August 2028.
Enduring Legacy for Texas Higher Education
Steve Hicks’ life demonstrated a commitment to academic freedom, innovation, and personal responsibility. His enduring legacy at the University of Texas at Austin continues to shape the School of Social Work, empowering generations of students to become leaders who address critical societal needs. His journey, from a pioneering entrepreneur to a dedicated regent and philanthropist, serves as an inspiring example of how individual commitment can profoundly impact educational institutions and the communities they serve. As the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work continues its vital work, the spirit of Steve Hicks’ generosity and his belief in the transformative power of social work will remain an integral part of its mission, strengthening Texas higher education and its impact on the world.
Key Contributions and Dates
| Event/Contribution | Year/Period | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| UT System Board of Regents Service | 2009-2023 | One of the longest-serving Regents in UT history. |
| $25 Million Gift to Social Work School | 2017 (Pledge) | Largest donation to a public university social work school at the time. Led to school’s renaming. |
| School Renamed Steve Hicks School of Social Work | 2017 | Recognized his transformational philanthropy. |
| Distinguished Alumnus Award | 2018 | Awarded by the Texas Exes for business leadership and university service. |
| School Renamed to University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work | July 2025 | Official change in the school’s formal name. |
| Passing of Steve Hicks | January 7, 2026 | End of an era for a significant UT benefactor. |
Keywords: University of Texas, Houston TX college news, Texas TX higher education, UT research, social work education
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Steve Hicks’ connection to the University of Texas at Austin?
Steve Hicks was a dedicated alumnus and served as a longtime Regent on the UT System Board of Regents from April 2009 to May 2023. He also made a transformational $25 million gift to the School of Social Work, which bore his name for several years.
What was the significance of Steve Hicks’ $25 million gift to the School of Social Work?
The $25 million gift, pledged in 2017, was one of the largest donations ever to a public university’s social work school. It established a permanent endowment for scholarships, provided matching funds for additional donations, and enhanced educational programs, significantly reducing financial barriers for students.
How many students has the Steve Hicks Scholars and Fellows Endowment supported?
To date, the Steve Hicks Scholars and Fellows Endowment has supported 126 social work students.
Is the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work still named after Steve Hicks?
No, the school was renamed to the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work in July 2025.
When did Steve Hicks pass away?
Steve Hicks passed away on January 7, 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UT Austin’s Leadership in Robotics Research and Innovation
Aggies School Basketball Adjusts Game Time Against Gamecocks
UT Secures Grant for STEM Educator Accreditation
Austin Police Seek Help in UT Campus Hit-and-Run Incident
UT-Austin to Close Center for Teaching and Learning
Exploring Houston’s Top Public High Schools: A Comprehensive Guide
UT Austin’s Insights on Territorial Acquisitions
AI Breakthroughs at UT Institutions Transform Texas Healthcare
UT Austin Announces Changes to Student and Faculty Support Programs
University of Texas at Austin Announces Administrative Changes
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
