Regents name Dr. Susan Ballabina as sole finalist for Texas A&M President

Dr. Susan Ballabina was named by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Monday as the sole finalist to become Texas A&M University’s next full-time president.

Ballabina currently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System as Chancellor Glenn Hegar’s top lieutenant.

Following this announcement from Monday’s special meeting, a required 21-day waiting period has begun before a sole finalist is officially appointed.

Ballabina has worked within the system for the last 32 years.

A distinguished alumna at Tarleton State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences in 1994, Ballabina continued her education by getting her master’s in communications at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1998 and then her doctorate in public affairs in 2007 from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Ballabina began her career in 1994 as an extension agent with Texas A&M AgriLife, eventually becoming the deputy vice chancellor and chief operating officer at AgriLife in 2018. Additionally, she served as associate deputy dean for administration for the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, where she helped lead initiatives for improved organizational effectiveness within the college while providing oversight for AgriLife’s professional services divisions.

In Sept. of 2021, M. Katherine Banks appointed Ballabina as vice president for academic and strategic partnerships, leading all aspects of community impact programs and initiatives, oversight of cultural assets and strategic planning, especially as they relate to community leadership for the university. Ballabina was also appointed to the same position by Welsh in Sept. of 2023 before becoming his Chief of Staff.

Last June, Welsh announced that Ballabina would become the Executive Vice Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, an appointment that became effective on July 1, 2025.

Ballabina is set to become the 28th full-time president in school history and the 10th different individual to serve as Texas A&M President — in a full-time or interim capacity — since Robert M. Gates left the position to serve as Secretary of Defense of the United States in December 2006.

Most recently, former State Sen. Tommy Williams has served as Interim President of Texas A&M University since an Oct. 3 appointment after Dr. James Hallmark served as “acting president” the day after Mark A. Welsh III’s Sept. 19 resignation.

The following is a press release from the Texas A&M University 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 the Texas A&M System and demonstrated success advancing key priorities and delivering meaningful results.

“The Board approached this search with a clear goal: identify a leader who can guide Texas A&M University with steady leadership, sound judgment and a focus on results,” said Jay Graham, Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents, who is serving as acting chairman. “Dr. Ballabina brings those qualities and has demonstrated the ability to lead at scale and prepare this university for our next 150 years of success.”

“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.”