Sole finalist for Texas A&M president is A&M system veteran Susan Ballabina

This podcast contains comments from the April 13, 2026 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.The Texas A&M system board of regents names a sole finalist for president of the flagship campus.Susan Ballabina has more than 30 years experience at the university and other system agencies.Since June of 2025, Ballabina has been the system's executive vice chancellor since shortly after chancellor Glenn Hegar took over.She moved to the system after being chief of staff to former president Mark Welsh.A system statement noted Ballabina was originally on the search committee, but she withdrew prior to applying for the presidency and had no role in evaluating candidates.The regents will take final action on the appointment following a state mandated 21 day waiting period.News release from the Texas A&M system:The Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System today voted unanimously to name Dr. Susan Ballabina as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University.“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 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.With more than three decades of service to Texas A&M and the State of Texas, Dr. Ballabina has held senior leadership roles at both the university and 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. Throughout her career, Dr. Ballabina has spearheaded transformative initiatives such as Healthy Texas, cultivated landmark partnerships like the Aplin Center, and coordinated statewide disaster recovery efforts — including the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas following Hurricane Harvey — demonstrating her lifelong dedication to advancing Texas A&M’s land-grant mission.“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.”The Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her leadership experience, deep understanding of Texas A&M University 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,” Dr. 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.”Dr. Ballabina initially served on the presidential search committee and formally recused herself prior to applying for the position. She had no role in evaluating candidates and was considered through the same process as all other finalists.The appointment is subject to the state’s required 21-day waiting period before final action by the Board of Regents.Dr. Ballabina received her bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University, master’s from Stephen F. Austin State University, and doctorate in public affairs from The University of Texas at Dallas. She has been recognized as a Regents Fellow by the A&M System, is a four-time recipient of the Superior Service Award from AgriLife Extension and was named a Distinguished Alumna of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Tarleton State University.The Texas A&M University System also expressed its appreciation for Tommy Williams, who has served 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.”