Texas A&M University has confirmed Susan Ballabina as its 28th president, marking a new leadership chapter for the state’s largest public university as it prepares for its 150th anniversary and long-term strategic growth.
The university’s Board of Regents unanimously approved Ballabina’s appointment on May 6. She will officially step into the role on May 11 after serving as executive vice chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, where she managed operations across 12 universities and eight state agencies.
Ballabina brings more than three decades of experience within the Texas A&M system, having previously held senior leadership roles across the university and Texas A&M AgriLife. University officials credited her with supporting statewide disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey and helping develop initiatives such as the Aplin Center, a hub focused on hospitality, retail and food-and-nutrition education.
Prior to her appointment as executive vice chancellor, Ballabina also served as chief of staff to former university president Mark A. Welsh III, giving her direct experience in university leadership, strategic planning and statewide engagement. Her background includes work across academic administration, government relations and public service initiatives tied to agriculture, education and community development.
“I was a reluctant applicant,” Ballabina said following the vote. “But after going through the process and preparing for the interviews, I became more and more excited about the opportunity.”
Glenn Hegar said Ballabina stood out among a strong national pool of candidates, while Board Chair Robert L. Albritton said the unanimous vote reflected confidence in the university’s future direction.
Regents highlighted Ballabina’s long-standing ties to the institution and her understanding of the university system’s statewide impact across research, workforce development and economic growth. Texas A&M’s research enterprise exceeded $1.3 billion in annual expenditures in fiscal year 2024, placing the university among the nation’s leading public research institutions.
Since the resignation of Welsh in 2025, Tommy Williams has served as interim president during the transition period.
Faculty members and university leaders pointed to Ballabina’s extensive institutional knowledge and statewide leadership experience as strengths that could help guide Texas A&M through its next phase of growth.
Texas A&M enrolled more than 72,000 students in fall 2025 and remains one of the largest public universities in the United States. The university is currently rolling out a new strategic plan alongside preparations for its 150th anniversary celebrations.
“This is an important moment for us,” Ballabina said. “We’re going to celebrate 150 years, roll out a new strategic plan, and stay focused on our students, research and staff.”
