Texas A&M University System Regents Select Longtime Leader

On April 13, 2026, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents unanimously named Dr. Susan Ballabina as the sole finalist for the position of president of Texas A&M University, the flagship campus in College Station. This decision comes after a national search and marks a significant moment for one of the nation's largest public universities as it approaches its 150th anniversary. Ballabina, who currently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor for the Texas A&M University System, brings over three decades of dedicated service to the institution and the state of Texas. Her selection underscores a preference for internal expertise amid recent leadership transitions.

The announcement followed a closed-session discussion, with the board voting 8-0 in favor, Regent David C. Baggett absent. State law mandates a 21-day waiting period before final approval, positioning Ballabina to potentially assume the role around early May 2026. This process ensures public input and transparency in selecting the 28th president.

Who Is Dr. Susan Ballabina?

Dr. Susan G. Ballabina holds a Bachelor of Science from Tarleton State University (1994), a Master of Science from Stephen F. Austin State University (1998), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs from The University of Texas at Dallas (2007). Her academic foundation in agriculture, natural resources, and public administration has shaped a career deeply rooted in Texas A&M's land-grant mission of education, research, and public service.

Recognized with honors such as Regents Fellow by the A&M System, four Superior Service Awards from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Distinguished Alumna status from Tarleton State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ballabina exemplifies commitment to excellence. Her leadership style—collaborative, results-oriented, and community-focused—has been praised by stakeholders across the system.

A Three-Decade Career Within the Texas A&M Ecosystem

Ballabina's professional journey began humbly in 1994 as an extension agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in counties including Cherokee, Williamson, Upshur, and Dallas. She progressed through roles that blended grassroots outreach with high-level administration. By 2018, she was appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer for Texas A&M AgriLife, overseeing one of the world's largest agricultural research and extension networks.

• Chief of Staff to former President Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, managing daily operations and strategic communications.
• Senior Vice President for Academic and Strategic Collaborations and External Affairs Officer at Texas A&M University (2021).
• Executive Vice Chancellor since recent years, directing systemwide operations across 12 universities and eight agencies, advancing initiatives under Chancellor Glenn Hegar.

This trajectory highlights her ability to scale from local impact to system-level strategy, fostering partnerships and operational efficiency.

Signature Initiatives and Achievements

Ballabina has been instrumental in transformative projects. She spearheaded the Healthy Texas initiative, promoting statewide wellness through collaborative programs. The Aplin Center for Hospitality, Retail, and Sport, funded by a $60 million gift from Buc-ee's founder Arch "Beaver" Aplin III, stands as a testament to her fundraising and partnership skills—currently under construction as a hub for experiential learning.

Post-Hurricane Harvey, she coordinated the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas, leveraging A&M agencies for disaster recovery. These efforts exemplify her dedication to the land-grant ethos, delivering tangible benefits to Texas communities. Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton noted her "unparalleled knowledge of Texas A&M" and ability to guide with "vision and purpose."

The Rigorous Presidential Search Process

Launched in late 2025 by Chancellor Hegar, the search was led by a blue-ribbon committee and executive firm Isaacson, Miller. It attracted a strong national pool, with Ballabina initially serving on the committee before recusing herself to apply—ensuring impartial evaluation. This internal selection continues a pattern, marking the third consecutive from within the system.

Interim President Tommy Williams '78 provided stability post-Welsh, praised for problem-solving amid transitions. The process prioritized leaders embodying Aggie values: excellence, integrity, leadership, and selfless service.

Photo by Alexander Williams on Unsplash

Navigating Recent Leadership Turbulence

Texas A&M has seen five presidents since 2020-21, including high-profile exits. Gen. Mark A. Welsh III resigned in September 2025 amid political pressure over a viral video of a gender studies lesson, leading to faculty dismissals, a $3.5 million payout, and lawsuits alleging academic freedom violations. Prior, Katherine Banks stepped down after a botched hire linked to DEI scrutiny. These events highlight Texas higher ed's politicized landscape, with GOP lawmakers targeting curriculum on race, gender, and DEI.

Ballabina's system role positions her to restore stability, focusing on core missions amid culture wars.

Diverse Stakeholder Perspectives

Reactions are largely positive but nuanced. Chancellor Hegar lauded her as a "proven leader" ready for accountability. Alumni like Aplin and R.C. Slocum endorse her integrity. Faculty voices split: Tracy Hammond called her "smart, capable, trustworthy," ideal for the moment; Leonard Bright worries she may not robustly defend academic freedom against regents.

On forums like TexAgs and Reddit's r/aggies, sentiments mix admiration for her rise from extension agent with critiques of limited research pedigree and perceived political alignment. Overall, optimism prevails for continuity.

Texas A&M at a Glance: Scale and Impact

With ~76,000 students on the flagship campus (systemwide over 150,000), Texas A&M leads Texas public research expenditures at $1.39 billion (FY2024), topping national agricultural sciences. Enrollment growth (11.6% in five years) prompted a pause for infrastructure. As a land-grant powerhouse, it drives innovation in energy, health, and agriculture.

Key Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Ballabina inherits a politically charged environment: GOP oversight on curriculum, federal funding uncertainties, and state budget pressures amid inflation. Enrollment management, faculty hiring ($25M initiative), and research expansion loom large. Yet, opportunities abound in celebrating the sesquicentennial, boosting Texas student access, and leveraging A&M's #1 Texas research status for economic impact.

Her disaster recovery experience equips her for resilience, while partnerships like the Aplin Center signal innovation in career prep.

Broader Implications for U.S. Higher Education

This internal appointment reflects trends favoring proven administrators over outsiders in turbulent times. For Texas, it signals stability post-scandals, potentially easing tensions with lawmakers. Nationally, it highlights balancing academic freedom, political accountability, and missions in R1 institutions. Ballabina's trajectory—from extension agent to president—inspires public servants eyeing leadership, emphasizing loyalty and results.

For more on the announcement, see the official Texas A&M System release. Student insights available via The Battalion.

Photo by Terren Hurst on Unsplash

Looking Forward: A New Chapter for Aggieland

As Ballabina stated, she aims to build on Texas A&M's "remarkable impact" on students and Texas. With her deep institutional knowledge, she is poised to navigate challenges, foster unity, and propel the university toward sustained excellence in its next 150 years. Stakeholders anticipate a presidency emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and the Aggie spirit of selfless service.