Daily Texan Staff
UT Board of Regents Chairman Don Evans resigned from the board Friday to concentrate on his duties as the Bush Administration's Secretary of Commerce.
Evans, 54, leaves the Board of Regents after six years of service and four years as chairman.
"The opportunity to be of public service to the State of Texas during my term on the Board of Regents has been a high honor and a great privilege," Evans wrote in a letter of resignation to Gov. Rick Perry. "The 15 fine institutions in the UT System are true Texas treasures and will always hold a special place in my heart."
Evans, a long-time friend of President George W. Bush, was confirmed Saturday by the U.S. Senate as head of the Commerce Department.
Regent Tom Loeffler was appointed chairman in place of Evans until his term expires in February. Perry must then select a replacement for Evans and either reappoint or replace Loeffler and Rita Clements, whose terms expire Feb. 1. It is currently unclear whether the governor will appoint new board members or keep Loeffler and Clements.
Loeffler, who was the board's highest-ranking vice chairman, said he wishes Evans well in his new job and hopes to follow his example in leading the board.
"Don Evans has done an outstanding job of leading the Board of Regents for the last four years," Loeffler said. "I look forward to assuming the duties of chairman for the remainder of my term on the board."
A UT alumnus and former U.S. representative from San Antonio, Loeffler has served two six-year terms as a regent. He also served as a special assistant for legislative affairs to President Gerald Ford in 1975.
"[Evans'] tradition of leadership will be upheld by Tom Loeffler, whose knowledge of the UT System and commitment to Texas higher education are unsurpassed," said UT Chancellor Dan Burck. "The UT System is indeed fortunate to have the benefit of his guidance at this time."
The board will elect a new chairman and other officers after Perry appoints new regents and they are confirmed by the Texas Senate. The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 14-15 in Austin.
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