Statement from Chancellor James B. Milliken on the death of Tex Moncrief, Jr.

William “Tex” Moncrief, Jr. was a pioneer in the oil business and an insightful philanthropist whose work and generosity helped define the shape of Texas in the 20^th and 21^st centuries.  Over the course of more than a century of an adventurous life, Tex embraced the wildcatter’s spirit, growing his independent business and using his success to serve the health care and educational needs of Texans across the state. 

As a Distinguished Alumnus and Distinguished Engineering Graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he channeled his knowledge and his means to bolster his beloved Longhorn Athletics programs.  As a natural trailblazer, he made investments in the future, including support for computational engineering and modeling.  As a member of the Board of Regents, he helped steward and grow the UT System to ensure its ability to serve a rapidly growing Texas.

Few have lived life as fully as Tex did.  Building on his time in booming Texas oil fields, in the Pacific during World War II, and as a philanthropist throughout his life, he worked to share his knowledge and experience to improve the lives of others.  His life was a long and active one, giving more of his fellow Texans a chance to live as fully and adventurously as he did.