UT system names sole finalists for chancellor, president

AUSTIN, Texas (KETK) – The University of Texas System Board of Regents have unanimously named the sole finalists to be UT system chancellor and the president of UT Austin.

On Monday, the board named John M. Zerwas, MD as sole finalist for the chancellorship of The UT System and James E. Davis as sole finalist for the presidency at UT Austin. Board chairman and former Tyler mayor Kevin Eltife praised both Zerwas and Davis for their leadership qualities.

“Dr. Zerwas demonstrates exceptional qualities and an impeccable record in higher education, healthcare, and policy,” Eltife said. “His experience as executive vice chancellor of the UT System’s health affairs enterprise since 2019, coupled with prior service in the Texas Legislature—including committee leadership in higher education, health, and appropriations—are among many milestones throughout his career that make him uniquely qualified to serve as our next chancellor. The regents and all UT presidents respect Dr. Zerwas and trust his sound judgment and thoughtful leadership.”

Zerwas, a former physician and Texas State Representative for Fort Bend County, thanked the board of regents and Eltife for supporting him in his current role as interim system chancellor.

“I have been fortunate to serve Texans in ways I hope have been beneficial to them. I am humbled and honored to be considered as chancellor of the UT System, and I am profoundly grateful to Chairman Eltife and each regent for conveying their trust in me,” Zerwas said. “I am surrounded by stellar colleagues at the UT System and across all UT institutions, and I’m eager to work with them in this new capacity to maximize UT’s fullest potential in education, discovery, and healthcare.”

Davis, a former Navy cryptologist, Texas Deputy Attorney General and current UT Austin Interim president, was praised by Eltife for the progress that UT Austin has made during Davis’s time at the university.

“The regents have worked directly with Jim Davis over the past seven years on some of the largest and most transformational and complex initiatives ever undertaken by UT Austin,” Eltife said. “His understanding of almost every facet of UT Austin’s opportunities and challenges is remarkable, and his versatility in being able to navigate them, all the way from conception to successful execution, has served UT very well.”

Both Davis and Zerwas will be confirmed after a mandatory 21-day waiting period that’s require by state law. To learn more, visit the UT System online.

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