UT System appoints John Zerwas as chancellor and James Davis as UT Austin president
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has confirmed John M. Zerwas, MD, as chancellor of the UT System and James E. Davis as president of The University of Texas at Austin.
Photo credit: James E. Davis
The University of Texas System has announced changes at the top of its administration following confirmation from the Board of Regents. John M. Zerwas, MD, is appointed as chancellor of the UT System, while James E. Davis takes on the role of president of The University of Texas at Austin.
Zerwas has been serving as interim chancellor since June and was named sole finalist for the position in July. He joined the UT System in 2019 as executive vice chancellor for health affairs. His previous roles include chief medical officer at the Memorial Hermann Hospital System and more than four decades as a practising physician. He also completed seven terms in the Texas House of Representatives, where he worked on the Appropriations and Higher Education Committees.
Board Chairman Kevin P. Eltife says, “Dr. Zerwas is a dedicated public servant and proven leader at the highest levels of university academic and health administration. He is uniquely equipped to lead the UT System as we continue to serve our students and patients across this great state.”
James Davis has been interim president of UT Austin since February and was confirmed as sole finalist for the presidency in July. His career at UT Austin has included posts as senior vice president and chief operating officer, and vice president for legal affairs.
Eltife adds, “Jim Davis has a track record of getting monumental things done on the Forty Acres. We have no doubt that under his leadership, working with the Board of Regents, UT Austin will achieve even higher levels as one of the world’s great public universities.”
Board highlights future direction
Following his appointment, Zerwas comments, “I’m grateful to each member of the Board of Regents for the trust they’ve placed in me to lead this public university system. I take great pride in serving our leadership across all UT institutions as we work together to advance education, research, innovation and health care across Texas.”
Davis also acknowledges his appointment, saying, “I’m grateful for the trust of Chairman Eltife and the Board of Regents and am honoured to serve as our university’s president.”
In a LinkedIn post, Davis adds, “I am honoured to be named the 31st President of The University of Texas at Austin. UT is my home, and I am deeply grateful to the UT System Board of Regents for the trust placed in me to lead this University. Our future is bright, and I believe our best days are ahead. Hook ’em! 🤘”
Eltife says the appointments close the board’s latest meeting on a note of change. “The Board of Regents will conclude its meeting tomorrow with new leaders, a new budget and a sense of energy and momentum across the UT System. We have leaders in place across our institutions, and we are eager to support their vision.”
