The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents is set to announce its choice for the new chancellor. They are meeting today in Houston, where they may vote on a finalist. This new leader will oversee 11 universities and eight state agencies.
According to sources, the board has narrowed its search to five candidates, which include some notable names. The candidates are:
- Glenn Hegar, Texas Comptroller
- Tyson Voelkel, President of the Texas A&M Foundation
- Stuart Bell, President of the University of Alabama
- State Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin
- U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin
If the board makes a decision today, there will be a 21-day waiting period before the final appointment, as required by state law.
The new chancellor will succeed John Sharp, who has served the longest in this role and plans to retire in June. None of the candidates were available for immediate comments.
Glenn Hegar has been Texas’ Chief Financial Officer since 2014, after serving in various governmental roles. He has expressed interest in Sharp’s position, stating it would be a job he hopes to hold one day.
Tyson Voelkel has led the Texas A&M Foundation for eight years, raising over $1.5 billion for the university. He is also a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Stuart Bell, who has been at the University of Alabama since 2015, has overseen growth in student enrollment and research funding there. He recently announced plans to resign in July.
Trent Ashby has been in the Texas House since 2013, focusing on education funding among other issues. Kelly McCaul is in his 11th term in Congress and has a background as a federal prosecutor.
Interestingly, four of these candidates are Texas A&M alumni, adding a unique connection to the university.
John Sharp, the current chancellor, has a long political history and has made significant contributions to the university, including expanding its reach and programs. He has been instrumental in the growth of Texas A&M, which serves over 157,000 students.
Whoever takes on this new role will face challenges in a higher education landscape that is rapidly changing due to political and funding issues. The landscape has shifted, especially after recent cuts to research funding and changes in state laws affecting diversity programs in education.
Overall, the new chancellor will need to navigate these challenges while continuing to lead Texas A&M into the future.
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