The University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents has narrowed down its finalists for its next system chancellor and UT Austin president to two leaders. The sole finalists are Dr. John Zerwas for the system’s chancellor and James Davis as president of UT Austin.
The change in leadership comes at a tipping point of the system as political pressure scrutinizes the institution’s finances, curriculum, policies and programming. As grant funding continues to be evaluated and rescinded – with more cuts anticipated in the near future – the system intends to solidify its executive leadership with individuals suited to drive innovation, implements meaningful policy change and enact a better vision for students, staff and faculty.
Zerwas currently serves as the interim chancellor of the UT System. He has been in that role since June 1, 2025, succeeding James Milliken after he departed to take up the presidency of the University of California. Zerwas previously served as executive vice chancellor of health affairs at the UT System. Prior to joining the higher education circuit, he served seven legislative terms in the Texas House of Representatives.
Davis has been operating as the interim president of UT Austin since February, taking over from Jay Hartzell after he accepted a new role as president of Southern Methodist University. He previously served as the university’s chief operating officer. He has been with UT Austin since 2018, starting as vice president for legal affairs. Davis served as deputy attorney general for civil litigation for the Texas Attorney General’s office.
Both finalists will have a 21-day waiting period before they are officially inducted into their roles. The Board of Regents will meet for final approval during their mid-August meeting.
The selections are among the latest leadership changes coming to the UT System. Dr. Melina Kibbe has also been named as the sole finalist for the UT Health Houston presidency, alongside William Inboden’s selection as UT Austin’s next executive vice president and provost.
The sudden restructuring of the UT System’s leadership is a significant indicator of its commitment to shift strategic focus and priorities, plotting a new direction adapted to the new political climate and significant changes to the system’s financial security and legislative goals.
Peter Hansen, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, from Wikimedia Commons
