The University of Texas (UT) System has stamped a series of key leadership changes for its universities, establishing a new hierarchy to guide and achieve the system’s goals and policies for the foreseeable future. Several of the appointments were officially announced a month ago with a 21-day waiting period stipulating their confirmation.
The restructured hierarchy marks a significant shift in the system’s direction, adapting to political upheaval and intense scrutiny on university operations and finances. With grant funding still at risk of being rescinded – with more anticipated to be cut in the future – the new leadership will take over during a tumultuous period where they are expected to drive innovation, execute impactful policy changes and follow through on an improved vision for students, faculty and staff.
Dr. Taylor Eighmy will serve in his official capacity as president of UT at San Antonio (UTSA). His appointment comes in advance of a historic merge between UTSA and UT Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio). The two institutions are planned to officially merge Sept. 1, 2025, establishing the third-largest research campus in the state. Prior to assuming his latest position, Eighmy was president of UTSA since 2017 – the sixth person to hold that distinction.
UT Austin has also welcomed James Davis as its own newly selected president. Davis has operated as the university’s interim president since February, succeeding Jay Hartzell. He has been with UT Austin since 2018, starting as the university’s vice president for legal affairs before moving up the ladder to chief operating officer.
Dr. John Zerwas will also assume his responsibilities as the next system chancellor, taking on a permanent role after serving as the UT System’s interim chancellor since June 1, 2025. He succeeds James Milliken. Prior to accepting his position as chancellor, Dr. Zerwas was appointed in 2019 to serve as executive vice chancellor of health affairs for the UT System.
As part of his appointment, Dr. Zerwas has announced his new executive leadership team, retaining a selection of incumbent leaders while introducing new faces to lead the UT System. The leadership team will include:
- Archie Holmes, PhD, will retain his role as executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.
- Jonathan Pruitt has accepted his role as the system’s executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer.
- Julia Rathgeber, JD, will take over as deputy chancellor and senior policy advisor.
- Randa Safady, PhD, will continue in her capacity as vice chancellor for external affairs, communications and advancement services.
- Dan Sharphorn, JD, will continue to serve as vice chancellor and general counsel.
- Stacey Napier, JD, will serve as general counsel to the Board of Regents.
- Melissa Villarreal García, JD, was appointed to senior associate vice chancellor and chief of staff to the chancellor last month.
Photo by Peter Hansen, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, from Wikimedia Commons
