In his first email to UT, interim president appoints David Vanden Bout as provost. Jay Hartzell had appointed Rachel Mersey to that post Jan. 5.

James Davis, the university's senior vice president and chief operating officer, has been named the interim president of UT, effective immediately, according to a Feb. 19 announcement.

Austin's chief operating officer since 2023, ends President Jay Hartzell’s tenure months earlier than anticipated.

The University of Texas chief operating officer Jim Davis, who has close ties to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, was named interim president of the flagship university. According to system leadership personnel,

James Davis will transition from his role as the university's senior vice president and chief operating officer to lead the university as interim president.

Davis will take over the role effective immediately. He replaces Jay Hartzell who is leaving to lead Southern Methodist University.