Susan Ballabina is officially Texas A&M's 28th president

This podcast contains comments from the May 6, 2026 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting, followed by an interview with regents chairman Bob Albritton and WTAW's Bill Oliver.The Texas A&M system board of regents Wednesday (May 6) unanimously named Susan Ballabina president of the flagship campus.Ballabina, whose first official day is May 11, returns to the university after serving as the system's executive vice chancellor since June 2025.Before that, Ballabina served as chief of staff to former president Mark Welsh for one year and eight months.Ballabina has 32 years experience between Texas A&M university, the system office, and other system agencies.News release from the Texas A&M system:The Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System today voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Susan Ballabina as 28th president of Texas A&M University. Dr. Ballabina will assume her new role on May 11.The vote follows the state’s required 21-day waiting period after which Dr. Ballabina was named sole finalist and marks the selection of a leader with more than three decades of service to Texas A&M and the State of Texas.“Our unanimous vote reflects a clear sense of direction for Texas A&M,” said Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton. “There is strong momentum already building behind Dr. Ballabina across the university and among those who care deeply about its future, and we are confident she will carry that forward.”Dr. Ballabina currently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, where she has helped lead systemwide operations, advance strategic initiatives and support the work of the A&M System’s universities and agencies across Texas.Throughout her career, Dr. Ballabina has held senior leadership roles spanning the university and the 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. Her work has included strengthening statewide programs, building partnerships, supporting research and educational initiatives, and coordinating large-scale efforts such as the Healthy South Texas initiative and the disaster recovery following Hurricane Harvey.“Texas A&M has always been defined by its mission and the people who serve it,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar. “Leading this university requires an understanding of that responsibility and a willingness to keep the focus on what matters most. Dr. Ballabina has shown throughout her career that she understands that, and that is a big part of why she is the right choice to lead Texas A&M forward.”The members of the Board of Regents conducted a national search that produced a strong pool of candidates. Dr. Ballabina emerged through that process based on her experience, her understanding of the institution and her ability to lead at scale.Dr. Ballabina said she is honored by the Board’s decision and focused on the work ahead.“Texas A&M has a strong foundation, a clear mission, and passionate faculty, staff, students, and former students who care deeply about its future,” Ballabina said. “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me by the regents and Chancellor Hegar, and I look forward to working alongside the Aggie community to build on that strength and move the university forward.” The leaders of the Texas A&M System also expressed their appreciation to Interim President Tommy Williams for his leadership during the transition.“Chairman Albritton, the other regents and I are grateful to Tommy Williams for his steady leadership and continued service to Texas A&M during this important time,” Hegar said. “He has provided continuity for the university, and we appreciate his commitment to the institution.”