On Monday, the Regents announced that Susan Ballabina is the sole finalist for the presidency of Texas A&M University. Currently, she serves as the executive vice chancellor for the Texas A&M University System, where she helps manage operations across 12 universities and eight state agencies. She has also been the chief of staff for former President Mark A. Welsh III.
Ballabina was initially part of the search committee for the presidency but stepped back to apply for the role. The Regents stated they conducted a thorough national search and had many qualified candidates to consider.
This announcement comes after months of turmoil at Texas A&M. Former President Welsh resigned due to political controversy, which arose from a confidential classroom discussion about gender identity that was leaked online. Amid these challenges, the Regents have taken a stronger stance in shaping curriculum and teaching approaches, in line with new state laws affecting higher education in Texas.
Texas A&M, the largest public university in the state, has over 72,000 students. Ballabina will need to enforce new rules that limit discussions around race, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity in classrooms.
The board voted unanimously to approve Ballabina as the finalist after a brief closed session. Vice Chair Jay Graham praised her experience and commitment to Texas A&M’s values.
As the Regents must wait 21 days before making the appointment official, Ballabina expressed her gratitude for their confidence in her leadership.
She holds degrees from Tarleton State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, and the University of Texas at Dallas. With over 30 years of experience in the A&M system, Ballabina has also played roles in statewide disaster recovery efforts, including those following Hurricane Harvey.
The university has seen leadership changes in recent years. In 2023, M. Katherine Banks resigned after controversy surrounding a potential hire. Welsh, who succeeded her, attempted to rebuild faculty trust but ultimately resigned due to conflicts with the Regents over how to handle political issues, particularly regarding a lecturer’s firing after discussing gender identity.
Faculty reactions to Ballabina’s appointment vary. Leonard Bright, president of the Texas A&M chapter of the American Association of University Professors, feels relieved but concerned about her lack of classroom experience and how she’ll support faculty amid political pressures. Professor B. Don Russell, however, is optimistic, citing her openness to dialogue and diverse experience, which he believes will benefit the university.
Since 2023, Texas has implemented significant changes in higher education, such as banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, enhancing Regents’ control over curricula, and restricting protests on campuses. Supporters argue these measures focus universities on their core mission, while critics see them as limiting open inquiry and academic freedom.
For more on the shifting landscape of Texas education, check out detailed coverage from [The Texas Tribune](https://www.texastribune.org).
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