Austin, Texas, July 24, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin has named Interim President Jim Davis as the sole finalist for its permanent president position, following the departure of former president Jay Hartzell. The Board of Regents highlighted Davis’s extensive experience and understanding of the university’s challenges. Additionally, John M. Zerwas has been appointed the sole finalist for UT System Chancellor, with both final appointments requiring a 21-day waiting period and an evaluation committee. Davis, an alumnus of UT and a Harvard Law School graduate, has been involved with the institution since 2018.
Austin, Texas
Interim President Jim Davis has been named the sole finalist for the permanent president position at the University of Texas at Austin. This announcement was made by the Board of Regents on Monday, following the departure of former president Jay Hartzell, who left to assume the presidency at Southern Methodist University.
In addition to Davis’s nomination, John M. Zerwas, MD has been designated as the sole finalist for the position of chancellor for the UT System. The Board of Regents emphasized Davis’s extensive knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing UT Austin, with Kevin Eltife, the UT System Chairman, highlighting his remarkable understanding of the institution.
Davis expressed his appreciation for the faith that Chairman Eltife and the Board of Regents have vested in him. An alumnus of the University of Texas, Davis graduated before attending Harvard Law School. He has been associated with the university since 2018 and has held several key positions, including senior vice president and chief operating officer, as well as vice president for legal affairs and business strategies.
Before his role at the University of Texas, Davis served as the deputy attorney general for civil litigation within the Texas Attorney General’s office. He also worked as a partner and the head of regulatory and administrative litigation at Locke Lord from 2000 to 2014. Further demonstrating his commitment to service, Davis is a former cryptographer in the United States Navy and is a graduate of Austin High School.
The Board of Regents noted that the final approval for Davis will require a 21-day waiting period, in accordance with state law. During this period, a special committee will be formed to evaluate Davis’s qualifications. This committee will consist of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and representatives of the local community, operating in a manner similar to a traditional presidential search advisory committee but without regent participation.
At his initial faculty council meeting, Davis reiterated his dedication to championing the university’s mission and achieving excellence. The Regents also appointed Zerwas as interim chancellor after the former Chancellor J.B. Milliken transitioned to the presidency at the University of California. Zerwas’s background includes serving as executive vice chancellor for health affairs and experience in the Texas House of Representatives.
The UT System oversees a broad network of 14 academic and health institutions, serving approximately 256,000 students. As part of his interim presidency, Davis has already addressed significant projects, including initiatives aimed at enhancing student housing to improve access and affordability.
The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for August 20-21, during which further discussions may occur regarding the confirmation of both Davis and Zerwas as permanent appointees.
Key Facts
- Finalists Named: Jim Davis for UT Austin President, John M. Zerwas for UT System Chancellor.
- Waiting Period: 21-day waiting period required per state law.
- Committee Formation: A committee will evaluate Davis, including diverse university stakeholders.
- Background: Davis holds a degree from UT and has a law degree from Harvard, with extensive administrative experience.
- UT System: Oversees 14 institutions, serving 256,000 students.
FAQ Section
What is the role of the UT President?
The UT President oversees the university’s administration, strategic direction, and academic mission.
Who is Jim Davis?
Jim Davis is the interim president at the University of Texas at Austin and is now the sole finalist for the permanent position.
What is the significance of the 21-day waiting period?
The 21-day waiting period is mandated by state law before a finalist can be officially appointed to a permanent position.
What are Jim Davis’s qualifications?
Davis holds a degree from UT, a law degree from Harvard, and has served in various administrative roles at the university since 2018.
What is the UT System?
The UT System encompasses 14 academic and health institutions across Texas, catering to a large population of students.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Interim President | Jim Davis has served as interim president prior to being named sole finalist. |
| Final Appointment | A 21-day waiting period is required before official appointment. |
| Committee Evaluation | A special committee will assess Davis’s candidacy without regent involvement. |
| Backgroud | Davis is a UT alumnus with significant administrative experience. |
| UT System | Covers 14 institutions serving 256,000 students across Texas. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Controversy Surrounds Austin Fire Chief Over Flood Response
Texas House Committee Announces Redistricting Hearings
The U.S. Exits UNESCO Again
Big Changes for Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Austin Firefighters Protest Staffing Reduction Proposal
Texas Lawmakers Reconvene for Special Session on Redistricting
University of Texas System Selects Finalists for Leadership Roles
DOJ Sues Texas Over Dream Act and In-State Tuition Rates
Tribute to Renowned Attorney Samuel James Johnson
University of Texas at Austin Announces New Leadership Appointments
Additional Resources
- Spectrum News: Finalists Named for UT Leadership
- MSN: Jim Davis Named Sole Finalist for UT Austin President
- On3: Jim Davis Named Sole Finalist for UT Austin President
- Wikipedia: University of Texas at Austin
- KVUE: University of Texas Austin Executive Vice President
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin, Texas
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
