A Farewell from TACT President, Dr. Seth J. Batiste

Dear Colleagues,

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the Texas Association of College Teachers (TACT) will be closing its doors effective May 31, 2025, after more than six decades of dedicated service to higher education faculty across the state. Membership has been declining for years. Founded in 1959, TACT has proudly advocated for the rights, voices, and values of Texas educators in colleges and universities. The decision to close was not made lightly, and I am deeply saddened to see the end of an organization that has stood as a steadfast defender of academic freedom, due process, and faculty welfare.

​

While this marks the end of TACT, it is by no means the end of faculty advocacy in Texas. I strongly encourage you to consider continuing your engagement and protection by joining one of the following respected organizations:

​

Texas Faculty Association (TFA)

Founded in 1985, TFA is built on the belief that faculty working together make the greatest impact. TFA defends the rights of faculty, improves salary and benefits funding, strengthens faculty voices on campus, and promotes quality education and shared governance. Backed by TSTA and NEA, TFA offers powerful legal and financial benefits, including:

​

• $6 million liability insurance for legal protection related to your employment

• Expert assistance with grievances and misconduct charges

• Monthly access to a higher education attorney

• A benefits program that includes NEA travel discounts, RateSmart Mastercard, and more

• Active legislative advocacy including opposition to SB 37 and defense of tenure and DEI initiatives

• Collaborative partnerships with FIRE, HELU, and SACS for policy support and events like the Texas Summit for Higher Education

​

Please contact Pat Heintzelman, TFA President, at 409-454-3701 for more information.

​

American Association of University Professors (AAUP-AFT)

AAUP is a national network of 42,000 faculty and scholars confronting the challenges in higher education. AAUP champions academic freedom, shared governance, employment security, and the right to teach and learn freely. In Texas, AAUP is strengthened by its partnership with Texas AFT, a 66,000-member organization providing:

​

• Legal defense fund and professional liability insurance

• Confidential membership with sliding-scale dues:

  • $12.50/month for income ≤ $50,000

  • $24.42/month for income between $50,000–$80,000

  • $37.60/month for income > $80,000

• Opportunities to collaborate with Faculty Senates and advocate at the Capitol

• A welcoming community for part-time, full-time, retired, and student faculty

​

Now is the time to join this movement. For more information, contact Dr. Brian Evans at aaup.texas@gmail.com or visit Join the Fight – AAUP-AFT.

Insurance Continuation through EPLI

For TACT members who do not wish to join another organization but want to retain insurance protection, there will be an option to continue your Educators Professional Liability Insurance (EPLI) coverage independently. More information on how to transition your policy will be provided shortly.

​

Information about the Educators Professional Liability Insurance (EPLI)

​

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE TEACHERS (TACT)

Offered by Barclay Insurance

CONTACT

The John A. Barclas Agency, Inc.

8701 Shoal Creek Blvd, Bldg. 2, Ste. 201

Austin, Texas 78757

Claims Dept. 512.374.4927

Claims Fax. 512.374.4927

Thank you for being part of TACT’s long and impactful history. It has been an honor to serve alongside so many committed faculty members across Texas. As we close this chapter, I urge you to remain active in protecting the future of higher education. The work continues—and your voice still matters.