Austin, Texas, August 4, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has named Dr. John Zerwas as the sole finalist for chancellor and James E. Davis as the finalist for UT Austin president. With unanimous support from the regents, both leaders bring extensive experience and qualifications. They will undergo a mandatory 21-day waiting period before formal appointments. These decisions aim to ensure strong leadership at a crucial time for the UT System, which oversees multiple Texas campuses.
AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas System Board of Regents has announced the appointment of Dr. John Zerwas as the sole finalist for the position of chancellor of the UT System and James E. Davis as the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of Texas at Austin. Both appointments received unanimous approval from the regents during their meeting on Monday.
Currently, Dr. John Zerwas is serving as the interim chancellor of the UT System, a position he has held since October 2019. Under his oversight, he previously managed the Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs role within the UT System, where he was responsible for directing five health institutions. His background includes extensive experience in healthcare and policy, having served as a physician and seven terms in the Texas House of Representatives, where he held key leadership roles on health committees.
Kevin P. Eltife, Chairman of the Board of Regents, commended Zerwas for his exceptional qualifications and highlighted his record of success in both higher education and healthcare. Eltife expressed confidence in Zerwas’s ability to expand the potential of the UT System in areas such as educational advancement and healthcare discovery.
On the other hand, James E. Davis has been serving as the Interim President of UT Austin since February 2025, following the departure of former president Jay Hartzell, who accepted a position at Southern Methodist University. Davis’s tenure includes multiple leadership roles at UT Austin, including Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He is a proud graduate of UT Austin and holds a law degree from Harvard Law School.
During the meeting, Eltife noted the significant progress achieved at UT Austin under Davis’s interim leadership and prior positions since joining the university in 2018. Both Zerwas and Davis now await a mandatory 21-day waiting period before their official appointments can be confirmed, a requirement established by state law.
It is also noteworthy that the Board of Regents chose to bypass a national search process for these leadership roles, opting instead for candidates well-versed in Texas’s higher education landscape and Republican circles. A special committee will further evaluate Davis’s candidacy before any final decisions are made.
The announcements mark a significant step for the University of Texas System as it seeks to maintain strong leadership during a pivotal time for its institutions and stakeholders.
Background Context
The University of Texas System is one of the largest higher education systems in the United States, consisting of multiple campuses throughout Texas, including the flagship institution, UT Austin. The chancellor oversees all the universities in the System and is responsible for formulating policies that promote educational excellence and financial efficiency. Meanwhile, the president of UT Austin leads the university’s academic and administrative operations. The selection of strong leadership is critical for the ongoing development, funding, and academic growth of both the system and its constituent institutions.
FAQ
Who has been appointed as the chancellor of the UT System?
Dr. John Zerwas has been named the sole finalist for the chancellorship of the UT System.
Who is the finalist for the presidency of UT Austin?
James E. Davis has been appointed as the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of Texas at Austin.
What are Dr. Zerwas’s previous roles within the UT System?
He previously served as the Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and has been involved in the UT System since 2019.
Is there a waiting period for the appointments to be finalized?
Yes, a mandatory 21-day waiting period is required by state law before appointments can be officially confirmed.
What committee will review James E. Davis’s candidacy?
A special committee composed of faculty, students, and alumni will review his candidacy before any official appointment is made.
Key Features of the Appointments
| Feature | Dr. John Zerwas (Chancellor) | James E. Davis (UT Austin President) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Role | Interim Chancellor | Interim President |
| Previous Role | Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs | Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
| Education | Medical Degree | Graduate of UT Austin, Law Degree from Harvard |
| Approval Status | Unanimous Support | Unanimous Support |
| Waiting Period | 21 Days | 21 Days |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tribute to Renowned Attorney Samuel James Johnson
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Additional Resources
- KVUE
- Forbes
- KETK
- Wikipedia: University of Texas System
- Higher Ed Dive
- Google Search: University of Texas leadership roles
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AUSTIN STAFF 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.
