The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has selected Dr. Jerry R. Strawser to serve as the university's interim provost and executive vice president. The board voted unanimously to approve the appointment, which is scheduled to take effect on September 1.
Strawser currently holds the position of professor and KPMG Chair in the James Benjamin Department of Accounting at Mays Business School. The university noted that he brings extensive experience to the role, having previously worked as a faculty member, academic dean, and university-level administrator. He earned both his bachelor's and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M.
Prior to this new appointment, Strawser spent nearly seven years serving as the university's chief financial officer and executive vice president of Finance and Operations. He has also held the title of interim provost and executive vice president in the past. During his tenure as associate dean for Graduate Programs at Mays Business School, he oversaw the introduction of two new MBA programs.
The university stated that his efforts helped improve the program's national ranking and secured over $149 million in commitments for faculty, student, and program support.
President Susan Ballabina commented on the decision, noting that Strawser has supported the university community for 25 years in various leadership capacities. "For 25 years, Dr. Strawser has offered his expertise and leadership in support of our university community as a faculty member, an academic dean and as a university-level administrator," Ballabina said.
She expressed confidence that he would continue to guide the institution's research, teaching, and service missions during his interim term.
