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.
Dr. Zerwas has served as interim chancellor since June 1 and was named the sole finalist for the position on July 21. Since 2019, he has been the executive vice chancellor for health affairs at the UT System.
“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,” said Board Chairman Kevin P. Eltife.
Before joining the UT System, Dr. Zerwas spent seven terms in the Texas House of Representatives, where he held leadership roles on both the House Appropriations Committee and House Higher Education Committee. He also worked as chief medical officer for Memorial Hermann Hospital System and practiced medicine for over forty years.
“I’m grateful to each member of the Board of Regents for the trust they’ve placed in me to lead this extraordinary public university system,” said Zerwas. “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.”
James E. Davis had been serving as interim president at UT Austin since February 19, 2025, before being named sole finalist for president on July 21. Davis previously held positions including senior vice president and chief operating officer, as well as vice president for legal affairs at UT Austin.
“Jim Davis has a remarkable track record of getting monumental things done on the Forty Acres,” Chairman Eltife said. “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.”
“I’m grateful for the trust of Chairman Eltife and the Board of Regents and am honored to serve as our university’s president,” said Davis.
Eltife added that “The Board of Regents will conclude its meeting tomorrow with new leaders, a new budget and a tremendous sense of energy and momentum across the UT System.” He continued: “We have an incredible set of leaders in place across our institutions, and we are eager to support their vision.”
