The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has named Dr. Susan Ballabina as Sole Finalist for President of Texas A&M University.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — A lone finalist has been named in the search for the next President of Texas A&M University.
The university has announced that the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents voted unanimously on April 13 to name Dr. Susan Ballabina as the sole finalist for the position of president of Texas A&M University.
Ballabina currently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, where she “oversees systemwide operations, advances key strategic initiatives and works closely with the Board of Regents, university presidents and agency leadership across Texas,” the university said.
Texas A&M said Ballabina has more than three decades of service both to Texas A&M and the State of Texas, having held senior leadership roles both at the university and the Texas A&M System, including Chief of Staff to the president, Senior Vice President for Academic and Strategic Collaborations and Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer for Texas A&M AgriLife.
During her career, Texas A&M said Ballabina has spearheaded initiatives like Healthy Texas, cultivated partnerships like the Aplin Center and coordinated statewide disaster recovery efforts including the including the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas following Hurricane Harvey.
“On behalf of the Board, we are confident Dr. Ballabina is the right leader for Texas A&M University,” said Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton. “She brings unparalleled knowledge of Texas A&M, a collaborative leadership style and the experience and know-how to guide the university with vision and purpose. Equally importantly, she cares deeply about the people and communities this university serves.”
“Dr. Ballabina is a proven leader who understands this institution, the people it serves and the responsibility it carries for the State of Texas,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “As Texas A&M celebrates its 150th year, it is critical that we have leadership focused on results, accountability and preparing the university for continued success in the years ahead. She is prepared to lead Texas A&M forward.”
Ballabina was reportedly chosen for the position following a national search. The university said she was chosen based on her “leadership experience, deep understanding of the Texas A&M System and demonstrated success advancing key priorities and delivering meaningful results.”
“Having worked alongside so many dedicated members of this university for the past 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand the remarkable impact Texas A&M has on students, communities and our state,” Ballabina said. “I am honored by the trust and confidence of the Board of Regents and Chancellor Hegar, and if given the opportunity, I look forward to building on the incredible work already underway and leading Texas A&M into its next chapter.”
Ballabina’s appointment is now subject to Texas’ required 21-day waiting period before final action can be taken by the Board of Regents.
The Texas A&M University System thanked Tommy Williams, who has been serving as interim president during the transition.
“The A&M System is grateful to Tommy Williams for his steady leadership and service to Texas A&M during this important time,” Hegar said. “He has provided stability and continuity for the university, and we appreciate his continued commitment to the institution.”