What are university lands in Texas primarily used for?

University lands in Texas are primarily utilized for the purpose of generating funding for the Permanent University Fund (PUF). The PUF is a significant endowment that supports higher education in Texas, particularly the University of Texas System and Texas A&M University System. The revenue generated from the leasing of these lands, which are often rich in natural resources, is directed into the PUF, providing vital financial resources that can be allocated for various educational programs, scholarships, and university infrastructure improvements.

This emphasis on funding aligns with the constitutional mandate that established the PUF, ensuring that the economic benefits derived from university lands directly support the state's public universities. While other uses such as research initiatives or housing may occur in connection with the universities, the primary focus for university lands is indeed their role in funding higher education through the PUF.