Hegar named Chancellor of Texas A&M University System
Mar. 28—BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar '93 was confirmed Friday as the next chancellor of The Texas A&M University System by a unanimous vote of the Board of Regents.
"I am grateful and honored that the Board of Regents have entrusted me with the responsibility of leading one of the greatest university systems in the nation," Hegar said in a news release. "Our core values unite us and set the Texas A&M System apart from the others, and I remain steadfastly committed to upholding and preserving those values."
Hegar is set to take over one of the nation's largest university systems, with 11 universities and eight state agencies and a budget of more than $7.3 billion. Hegar brings a long history of leadership, innovation and responsible management that has helped guide the Texas economy from the 12th to the 8th largest in the world. He anticipates continued growth for both the state and the Texas A&M System, noting he will work to expand and improve student experiences, create new and dynamic economic opportunities, and serve and protect Texans in every corner of the state.
Hegar will begin leading the System upon retirement of Chancellor John Sharp, the longest serving chancellor in A&M System history. Sharp has announced he is stepping down as chancellor on June 30 after almost 14 years.
Hegar, the state's chief financial officer, is a 1993 graduate of Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Dara '95 have three children: Claire, Julia and Jonah.
"The Board of Regents is confident that Glenn Hegar will be an outstanding Chancellor," Chairman Bill Mahomes said. "He will advance System excellence in its core missions: offering high-quality, affordable education; serving Texans throughout our great state; and conducting world-class research to improve people's lives."
Sharp agreed that Hegar will be an effective chancellor.
"Glenn Hegar understands the power and the potential of the Texas A&M System. I have no doubt he will lead it with integrity and vision," Sharp said. "I wish him and his family the best."
Hegar earned a law degree from St. Mary's University and a master's degree in law from the University of Arkansas. He served in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate before being elected comptroller in 2014. He won re-election in 2018 and 2022.
Hegar grew up in Hockley. As a sixth-generation Texan, he farms land that has been in his family since the mid-1800s.
Hegar was named the sole finalist for the chancellor's job March 7. Under state law, there is a 21-day waiting period before the Board can finalize its selection.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
How the House Settlement will reshape Texas A&M athletics
How the House Settlement will reshape Texas A&M athletics It's time for the universities and colleges to back up the Brinks trucks as they get ready to deal with all the financial obligations as a result of the House settlement approval on Friday evening. After years of lawsuits and the rise of NIL in college athletics, regulation is finally being introduced. However, the legal battles are far from over, and precedent-setting cases will likely continue for years. For now, we can examine how this approval, alongside the Texas bill, will shape Texas A&M athletics, particularly with universities now permitted to directly pay athletes. Financial Impact The most significant factor is money. The landmark case, approved by Judge Claudia Wilken, allocates $2.5–$3 billion to former players from 2016–2024 who were unable to benefit from NIL. Additionally, a revenue-sharing model essentially establishes a salary cap, beginning at approximately $20 million for the upcoming season and increasing annually over the next decade. Scholarship & Roster Changes Another major shift is the removal of scholarship limits, replaced by roster restrictions. Texas A&M head football coach Mike Elko has repeatedly highlighted the challenges this presents when shaping a team while awaiting regulatory clarity. These uncertainties complicate roster management as teams prepare for rapid policy implementation. Title IX Implications An unresolved concern is how funding will be allocated across various sports, particularly women's athletics. Even though money is earmarked for women's sports, the exact distribution under the settlement remains unclear. Following their strong season, fans are calling for increased funding for Texas A&M's softball team, led by Coach Trisha Ford. With the sport's popularity on the rise, financial investments may shift in the coming years. Texas A&M's Position Athletic Director Trev Alberts has faced criticism for his early fiscal conservatism, yet he has positioned Texas A&M ahead of the curve. At the annual SEC meetings, Alberts reinforced the university's commitment to expanding scholarships. Current & Future Scholarship Allocations: Overall: 255 → 400+ 255 → 400+ Football: 85 → 105 85 → 105 Men's Basketball: 13 → 15 13 → 15 Women's Basketball: 15 → 15 15 → 15 Baseball: 11.7 → 34 11.7 → 34 Softball: 12 → 25 12 → 25 Men's Track & Field: 12.6 → 45 12.6 → 45 Women's Track & Field: 18 → 45 While changes will impact each university differently, Texas A&M is well-positioned to provide a strong student-athlete experience without cutting sports. However, the future remains uncertain as college athletics enters a new era of free agency, where players may seek better opportunities elsewhere if an opportunity to secure their future financially presents itself. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
One of Texas's oldest BBQ joints is closing permanently after 34 years
Is there anything that screams Texas more than BBQ? Okay, maybe Friday night lights and chicken fried steak but BBQ is certainly near the top of the list. Barbecue is more than just a meal in Texas. It's a cultural institution, a source of state pride, and a culinary tradition that unites communities across generations. Texans take their barbecue seriously, often debating the merits of brisket, ribs, and sausage with the same fervor others reserve for sports teams. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Today, Texas barbecue spots range from humble roadside shacks to acclaimed craft establishments, drawing locals and tourists alike for a taste of slow-smoked perfection. The lines outside legendary spots like Snow's and Franklin Barbecue are a testament to the devotion Texans have for their smoked meat, with some fans lining up before dawn for a chance at the day's best cuts. There are even four Texas BBQ restaurants with a Michelin Star. But the competition is fierce, just like it is for all restaurants these days. After 34 years of serving up classic Central Texas-style barbecue in Arlington, Bodacious Bar-B-Q will close its doors this August, confirming rumors circulating among loyal patrons. Owner Fran Ruegsegger announced the news in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing gratitude for the generations of customers who have become "more like family and friends instead of just customers," according to a report on Chron. The Arlington location, which opened in 1991, is part of a broader legacy that began in 1965 when Dallas native Roland Lindsey founded the first Bodacious in Longview. Related: Beloved local family diner closing after nearly 40 years Over the decades, Bodacious expanded across North and East Texas, each location independently owned but united by a commitment to traditional fare: brisket, hot links, pork ribs, ranch-hand stew, and the beloved Bo-Pie, a concoction of Fritos topped with chopped brisket, beans and cheese. Ruegsegger emphasized that the restaurant isn't closed yet and encouraged customers to stop by before the final day, which is still to be determined. "God never closes one door that He doesn't have a better one to walk through, so we are excited for whatever opportunities God has ahead for us," Ruegsegger wrote. When Bodacious closes its doors it will mark the end of an era for one of Arlington's most cherished barbecue joints. The closure of Bodacious Bar-B-Q in Arlington is not an isolated event, but part of a larger wave of restaurant shutdowns sweeping across Texas and the nation. The restaurant industry has faced mounting challenges in recent years, from rising costs and shifting consumer preferences to increased competition and the lingering effects of economic headwinds. More Food: Applebee's brings back all-you-can-eat deal to take down Chili'sPopular Mexican chain reveals surprising growth plansStarbucks CEO shares plan for a whole new menu In 2025, nearly 40% of U.S. restaurants reported a sales decline, and the pace of closures among both family-owned eateries and major chains has accelerated. Even iconic brands like Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, and Wendy's have shuttered hundreds of locations, while others have filed for bankruptcy or downsized to adapt to new market realities. The restaurant industry is experiencing a shift toward restaurants that can accommodate digital ordering and delivery and a lean staff. Running a restaurant where someone has to be on site at the crack of dawn to get a fire going, a requirement for a place that cooks BBQ, is a tall order. Bodacious BBQ in Arlington will close its doors in August so get in there and order up some of their signature brisket while you still can. Related: Another iconic Las Vegas Strip restaurant closing permanently The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Newsweek
Texas-Oklahoma Rail Line Serving Thousands Could Be Scrapped
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amtrak has stated that it will have to suspend its Heartland Flyer service, which operates between Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City, adjacent to the I-35 corridor, unless it receives additional funding from the state of Texas. Newsweek reached out to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Transportation via email for comment. Why It Matters According to Amtrak, the Heartland Flyer served over 80,000 customers in the 2024 fiscal year, bringing in $2.2 million in ticket sales, with the Texan economy benefiting "significantly" from the service. The company said that the Heartland Flyer "generates $5.3 million in direct economic benefits and an estimated $23.7 million in overall economic activity." It warned its end would weaken transportation links to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which is due to host several 2026 Soccer World Cup matches. What To Know In a press release published on Thursday, Amtrak said it would have to suspend the Heartland Flyer service "no later than Oct. 1 unless Texas secures its share of funding." Amtrak said earlier this year that the Texas Department of Transportation asked for $7.05 million to support the Heartland Flyer, but this "was not approved in the legislative budget cycle." The Heartland Flyer is a state-supported train, meaning it connects multiple settlements along a route of less than 750 miles, with the project funded by state authorities in Texas and Oklahoma and operated in partnership with both states' transportation departments. A map showing the current Heartland Flyer line from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City. A map showing the current Heartland Flyer line from Fort Worth to Oklahoma City. Amtrak/Google Maps Overall, Amtrak runs 30 state-supported routes across the country, working with 21 agencies from 18 states. Heartland Flyer is also connected to the Texas Eagle service, which runs to Chicago and San Antonio, and the Sunset Limited, which travels between San Antonio, El Paso and Los Angeles. On Wednesday, the Trump administration warned that it could slash federal funding for the currently under-construction California High-Speed Rail line, intended to link Los Angeles and San Francisco. What People Are Saying Amtrak President Roger Harris, in a press release: "Reliable rail service provides a vital transportation option for residents and visitors alike, strengthening regional mobility, economic development, and tourism. "With service that supports Texas' continued economic growth and the region's connectivity, sustaining the Heartland Flyer is essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring long term mobility in the region." Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, in the same press release: "The Heartland Flyer is key to ensuring Fort Worth's continued success as a global destination and is central to the city's tourism industry, business community, and thriving economy. Fort Worth is the busiest Amtrak station in Texas – generating millions in economic impact annually – and as people continue to move to our region, travel reliability, mobility choices, and connectivity will be key to our competitiveness." Gainesville Mayor Tommy Moore, in the press release: "This is more than just trains and tracks. The Heartland Flyer supports nearly $20 million in annual economic activity and almost 30 full-time jobs. It provides a vital transportation option for Texans and Oklahomans alike – and losing it will be a major setback for mobility, our environment, and our economy. By working together, I believe we can find a solution that keeps the Heartland Flyer on track. I'll keep the public informed every step of the way, and I'll keep fighting to make sure this critical service stays in place for years to come." Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, in the press release: "Oklahoma City has long been committed to a comprehensive, connected transportation system, and we have benefited from the Heartland Flyer's contribution to that vision. We recognize that Texas benefits greatly from the visits of our residents via the Flyer, and we also deeply appreciate the amenity and the connection to the entire Amtrak system. The Heartland Flyer is a vital link that supports economic opportunity throughout our region." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether Texan authorities will provide the funding Amtrak says is required to keep the Heartland Flyer operating.
