Susan Ballabina, Ph.D.
28th President of Texas A&M University
Dr. Susan Ballabina was named the 28th president of Texas A&M University on May 6, 2026. With more than three decades of distinguished service within The Texas A&M University System, she is widely respected for her institutional knowledge, strategic leadership and collaborative approach. Throughout her career, Ballabina has played an integral role in advancing systemwide priorities, strengthening external partnerships and supporting initiatives that expand the university’s impact across Texas and beyond.
Prior to her appointment as president, Ballabina served as executive vice chancellor for the A&M System and as chief of staff to General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, the 27th president of Texas A&M. She also served as senior vice president for academic and strategic collaborations and as external affairs officer, leading major strategic partnerships, elevating community engagement and championing key academic initiatives.
Throughout her career, Ballabina has spearheaded transformative initiatives such as Healthy Texas, cultivated landmark partnerships like the Aplin Center and coordinated statewide disaster recovery efforts — including the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas following Hurricane Harvey — demonstrating her lifelong dedication to advancing Texas A&M’s land-grant mission.
She began her career with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in 1994 as a county extension agent, later serving as a regional program leader. She went on to serve as deputy vice chancellor and chief operating officer for Texas A&M AgriLife, overseeing operations, strategic planning and statewide programs serving communities across Texas.
Ballabina holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Tarleton State University, a master’s degree in communications from Stephen F. Austin State University and a doctorate in public affairs from The University of Texas at Dallas. She has been recognized as a Regents Fellow by the A&M System, is a four-time recipient of the Superior Service Award from AgriLife Extension and was named a Distinguished Alumna of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Tarleton.
She and her husband, Eddie, are proud Aggie parents of Vance, class of 2029, and Grant, a high school sophomore.
Administration
The cabinet is composed of senior leaders within the university who provide advice and counsel to the president on strategic and operational matters to advance the university's mission.
The Office of the President is a collaborative team that directly supports the president’s initiatives and priorities and coordinates those efforts in a proactive, transparent way.
The Office of the President works intimately with several partner organizations to elevate the prestige of Texas A&M University throughout the world. These include the Association of Former Students, Texas A&M Foundation, 12th Man Foundation, Corps of Cadets Association and the George and Barbara Bush Foundation.
Texas A&M is a university known for its rich traditions and rich history. As the state’s first public institution for higher education, Texas A&M’s past successes, current directions, and future visions are all due to the leadership of its presidents.