July 22, 2025
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has officially announced John M. Zerwas as the final candidate for the chancellorship of the state system, marking a significant step in the leadership transition.
During a special meeting convened on Monday, the regents expressed unanimous support for Zerwas. The board is set to cast its final vote on his appointment at the upcoming mid-August meeting, adhering to the state-mandated waiting period of 21 days for finalists.
Dr. Zerwas, a physician by training, currently holds the position of interim chancellor and executive vice-chancellor for health affairs within the system. His journey with the UT system began in 2019, following a distinguished career that included seven terms in the Texas House of Representatives.
Should he receive confirmation, Zerwas will take over from James B. Milliken, who departed after an eight-year tenure to assume the presidency at the University of California in May.
The UT System, which comprises 14 institutions and serves over 260,000 students, stands as the largest university system in Texas and ranks among the largest public university systems in the United States.
Kevin P. Eltife, Chairman of the Board of Regents, remarked that the regents and system presidents have confidence in Zerwas’s “sound judgement and thoughtful leadership.”
“Dr. Zerwas possesses remarkable qualities and a stellar record in higher education, healthcare, and policy. His tenure as executive vice chancellor of the UT System’s health affairs since 2019, along with his previous legislative experience—including leadership roles in higher education, health, and appropriations—highlights his unique qualifications for the chancellor role,” Eltife stated.
In addition to Zerwas’s nomination, the board also revealed James E. Davis as the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of Texas at Austin. Currently serving as interim president, Davis has previously held the roles of senior vice president and chief operating officer, as well as vice president for legal affairs and business strategies.
His confirmation will also be subject to a 21-day waiting period, along with an evaluation process involving faculty, staff, students, alumni, former presidents, and community representatives.
Davis is poised to fill the position that became vacant in January when Jay Hartzell transitioned to the presidency at Southern Methodist University after leading the institution for four years.
The ongoing pursuit of ideological agendas can hinder effective governance, as noted by Ross Mugler in recent discussions.
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