Interim President Jim Davis Nominated as Finalist for Permanent Role
Jim Davis, the interim president of the University of Texas, has been named the sole finalist for the permanent president position. This decision was announced by the University of Texas Board of Regents on Monday. Davis stepped into the role when former president Jay Hartzell left to become the president of Southern Methodist University (SMU).
In addition to Davis, John M. Zerwas, MD, has been named the sole finalist for the position of UT System chancellor. The board’s announcement highlights the significant contributions Davis has made over the past seven years. According to UT System chairman Kevin Eltife, Davis has been deeply involved in some of the most complex and transformative initiatives at UT Austin.
“The regents have worked directly with Jim Davis over the past seven years on some of the largest and most transformational and complex initiatives ever undertaken by UT Austin,” Eltife said in a statement. “His understanding of almost every facet of UT Austin’s opportunities and challenges is remarkable, and his versatility in being able to navigate them, all the way from conception to successful execution, has served UT very well.”
Davis expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the board. “I am grateful for the trust of Chairman Eltife and the Board of Regents and am honored to be considered to serve as our university’s president,” he said.
Background and Career of Jim Davis
Jim Davis is a graduate of the University of Texas and attended Harvard Law School. He has held various roles with UT-Austin since 2018. Before becoming interim president, Davis served as senior vice president and chief operating officer. Prior to that, he was vice president for legal affairs and business strategies.
Before joining UT-Austin, Davis worked in the Texas Attorney General’s office as the deputy attorney general for civil litigation. From 2000 to 2014, he was a partner and head of regulatory and administrative litigation with Locke Lord, which later became Troutman Pepper Locke.
Davis also served as a cryptographer in the United States Navy before attending the University of Texas. He graduated from Austin High School.
Next Steps in the Selection Process
According to a release, the board’s final action to approve Davis will be subject to a 21-day waiting period. In accordance with Regents Rule 20201, Section 1.9, Chairman Eltife will appoint a special committee composed of faculty, staff, student, alumni, and community representation, along with two UT presidents. This committee will be asked to offer the regents advice and an evaluation on Davis, consistent with a review usually provided by a presidential search advisory committee, although no regents will participate on the committee.
This process ensures that Davis will be thoroughly evaluated before any final decision is made. The involvement of diverse stakeholders reflects the importance of the role and the need for careful consideration.
A Legacy of Leadership
Throughout his career, Davis has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service. His experience in both the public and private sectors, as well as his time in the military, has equipped him with a unique perspective that benefits the university.
As the selection process moves forward, the UT community will be watching closely to see how this next chapter unfolds. With Davis’s background and the support of the board, there is optimism about the future of the University of Texas.
