Regents have unanimously appointed Susan Ballabina as the new president of Texas A&M, placing her at the helm of the state's largest public university as it continues to navigate the aftermath of its previous leader's resignation. Ballabina, who will assume office on May 11, previously served as executive vice chancellor for the Texas A&M University System, overseeing daily operations across 12 universities and eight state agencies. Prior to that, she was chief of staff to former President Mark A. Welsh III. Named the sole finalist on April 13, state law mandated a 21-day waiting period before the hire could be finalized.
Ballabina's Reluctant Application
Initially a member of the presidential search committee, Ballabina recused herself to apply for the position. "I was a reluctant applicant. I wasn't sure that this was something I wanted to do, but after going through the process and preparing for the various interviews, I got more and more excited," she told regents after their vote.
Background of Turmoil
The appointment comes after months of upheaval at the flagship campus following Welsh's resignation amid political backlash over a secretly recorded classroom discussion of gender identity that was posted online. The search unfolded as regents took a more assertive role in responding to controversy and shaping curriculum, part of a broader political remaking of Texas colleges under new state laws.
Ballabina's Qualifications
Ballabina holds a bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University, a master's from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a doctorate in public affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas. With over three decades in the Texas A&M System, she has held senior leadership roles at the university and Texas A&M AgriLife, helping cultivate partnerships such as the Aplin Center and coordinating statewide disaster recovery after Hurricane Harvey.
Chancellor Glenn Hegar noted she stood out among strong national candidates. Board Chair Robert L. Albritton said, "This unified decision sends a strong signal that Texas A&M is aligned, confident and moving forward with momentum." Regent James R. "Randy" Brooks added, "We are looking forward to some peace in this organization, and we're confident you can provide it."
Recent Leadership Changes
Texas A&M has seen a rapid turnover in leaders. In 2023, M. Katherine Banks resigned after the failed hiring of Kathleen McElroy, a Black journalism professor whose offer was watered down after criticism. Welsh then worked to rebuild trust with faculty but later clashed with regents over his handling of political controversy, leading to his resignation in September 2025 after he initially refused to fire a lecturer for discussing gender identity, though he ultimately did so.
Two months later, regents approved systemwide restrictions on classroom discussions of race, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity unless pre-approved by the university president. They also prohibited teaching material inconsistent with an approved syllabus.
Faculty Reactions
Leonard Bright, president of the Texas A&M chapter of the American Association of University Professors, expressed "some level of relief" that regents did not choose a politician but questioned Ballabina's lack of classroom and research experience. "Is she going to stand up for faculty when there are political attacks?" he asked. B. Don Russell, a distinguished professor, offered a more supportive view, calling Ballabina "among the most open for discussions with faculty" and noting her broad experience across the system and in state politics.
Broader Political Context
Since Welsh's resignation, Tommy Williams, a former Texas lawmaker, has served as interim president. Texas has seen a broader political remaking of higher education since 2023, with laws banning diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, expanding regents' authority over curriculum, and imposing protest restrictions. Supporters argue these measures keep universities focused on their core mission, while opponents say they undermine open inquiry.
Looking Ahead
Ballabina takes over as Texas A&M, with 72,289 students enrolled in fall 2025, wraps up the spring semester. "This is an important moment for us," Ballabina said, choking up. "We're going to celebrate 150 years. We're going to roll out a new strategic plan. And how lucky am I to get the opportunity to lead us through that and help everyone get focused on what matters — and that's our students; that is our life-changing research; and that is our staff who help us do everything."
