Jim Davis named 31st president of UT Austin
After taking over for Jay Hartzell as interim president in February, Jim Davis was named the sole finalist to become the permanent president of The University of Texas at Austin in late July. On Wednesday, the University of Texas System Board of Regents officially appointed Davis as the 31st president of UT Austin at their August board meeting.
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“Jim Davis has a remarkable track record of getting monumental things done on the Forty Acres,” UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife said in a statement. “We have no doubt that under his leadership, working with the Board of Regents, UT Austin will achieve even higher levels as one of the world’s great public universities.”
“I’m grateful for the trust of Chairman Eltife and the Board of Regents and am honored to serve as our university’s president,” said Davis.
Added Davis on X, “I am honored to be named the 31st President of UT Austin. UT is my home, and I am deeply grateful to the UT System Board of Regents for the trust placed in me to lead this incredible University. Our future is bright, and I believe our best days are ahead.🤘”
Davis, a Texas graduate who attended Harvard Law School, has held various roles with UT Austin since 2018. Prior to his rise to president, Davis was senior vice president and chief operating officer. Before that, Davis was vice president for legal affairs and business strategies.
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Before joining UT Austin, Davis worked in the Texas Attorney General’s office as the deputy attorney general for civil litigation. He was a partner and head of regulatory and administrative litigation with Locke Lord from 2000 to 2014, according to his LinkedIn page. Locke Lord eventually became Troutman Pepper Locke.
Davis also served as a cryptographer in the United States Navy prior to attending UT. He attended Austin High School.
In addition, John M. Zerwas, MD was named Chancellor of The University of Texas System. He too was named sole finalist for the position on July 21.
“Dr. Zerwas is a dedicated public servant and proven leader at the highest levels of university academic and health administration. He is uniquely equipped to lead the UT System as we continue to serve our students and patients across this great state,” said Eltife.
