The University of Texas System Board of Regents has named John M. Zerwas the sole finalist for the chancellorship of the state system.
The regents gave Zerwas unanimous support at a special meeting called on Monday. The board will vote on final approval of Zerwas at its mid-August meeting, following the state-mandated 21-day period for finalists.
A physician, Zerwas is currently the system’s interim chancellor and executive vice-chancellor for its health affairs system. Before joining the UT system in 2019, Zerwas served seven legislative terms in the Texas House of Representatives.
If confirmed, he will succeed James B. Milliken, who left the post after eight years to become president of the University of California in May.
With 14 institutions that enroll more than 260,000 students overall, the UT System is the largest university system in Texas and one of the largest public university systems in the United States
Board of Regents’ Chairman Kevin P. Eltife said in a statement that the regents and system presidents trust Zerwas’s “sound judgement and thoughtful leadership.”
“Dr. Zerwas demonstrates exceptional qualities and an impeccable record in higher education, healthcare, and policy. 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 board of regents also announced on Monday James E. Davis as the sole finalist for the presidency of the University of Texas at Austin. Davis, currently serving as interim president, was previously the institution’s senior vice president and chief operating officer and vice president for legal affairs and business strategies.
His confirmation is also subject to a 21-day waiting period, as well as an evaluation from a committee of faculty, staff, students, alumni, two former presidents and community members.
Davis would fill the post left vacant in January by Jay Hartzell, who led the institution for four years before taking up the presidency at Southern Methodist University.
