COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M System Board of Regents unanimously approved Susan Ballabina as Texas A&M’s 28th president.
The Regents met virtually Wednesday afternoon to decide on two agenda items: appointing Ballabina as president and considering possible action regarding construction. The vote was swift — with all nine regents casting an enthusiastic yes.
“I have the utmost confidence she is ready to serve as the next president of Texas A&M University,” System Chancellor Glenn Hegar said once regents returned from the executive session.
Ballabina was previously the executive vice chancellor of the Texas A&M System. Ballabina’s appointment has filled a hole that’s been open for the last eight months, since former President Mark Welsh resigned and regents began a national search.
Welsh’s resignation last September followed a controversy involving a classroom discussion about gender identity.
It was not until six months after that that the Board of Regents held a special meeting to discuss candidates for the job.
Ballabina was originally on the search committee but formally recused herself before applying to the position. System leaders say she never evaluated candidates. Chancellor Glenn Hegar said Ballabina was the best possible candidate.
“She understands the culture,” Hegar said. “She’s a graduate of this system. She has worked in this system for over 30 years. And so that proven track record and someone who may have a calm demeanor, but with that being said, she’s decisive. She’s willing to take action to make sure and wants to propel and move this university to a higher state. We are a great university.”
Ballabina will take over for interim President Tommy Williams and will serve as the third woman ever to hold the position at Texas A&M, following Dr. Elsa Murano (2008–2009) and Dr. M. Katherine Banks (2021–2023).
Shortly after the vote, Ballabina addressed the board — keeping her message simple.
“I am ready to move forward and move the university forward,” Ballabina said after the vote. “How lucky am I to get the opportunity to lead us through that and to help everyone get focused on what matters, and that’s our students.”
She added that her 32 years within the A&M System have prepared her for the moment.
“I’ve worked here a long time, 32 years, and had incredible opportunities, wonderful mentors, just tremendous experiences, and I never could have imagined something like this,” Ballabina added. “I will do my very best every day to lead the university forward.”
The reaction on campus was positive. Henrik Wang, a senior and member of the Corps of Cadets set to graduate this spring, said he believes the university is in good hands.
“Throughout the years, there’s different presidents coming in, and now the new inducted one, I’m super excited,” Wang said. “I think the university is in good hands and I’m just really blessed to be here as an Aggie.”
Ballabina will officially assume the role of president on May 11th.
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