Major leadership changes hit the UT System as UT Arlington President Jennifer Cowley returns to teaching and MD Anderson’s Peter Pisters retires after 32 years.
Major Leadership Shakeup in UT System: Presidents of UT Arlington and MD Anderson Step Down
Two major institutions within the University of Texas (UT) System are navigating significant leadership transitions this semester following the departure of their top executives.
In concurrent announcements, UT Arlington (UTA) President Jennifer Cowley revealed her transition back to a faculty role, while UT MD Anderson Cancer Center President Peter Pisters confirmed his retirement, capping off an extensive career in healthcare leadership.
UT Arlington: Jennifer Cowley Returns to the Classroom
After serving four and a half years as the first female president of UT Arlington, Jennifer Cowley announced her decision to step down in a recent letter to the campus community. Noting that it was the right time to return to her roots in higher education, Cowley will resume her work as a professor of public affairs and planning.
While her official departure date has not yet been specified, UT System Chancellor John Zerwas confirmed that a succession plan will be shared soon.
During her tenure, Cowley oversaw several major milestones for the Arlington campus:
- Record Enrollment: UTA welcomed its largest freshman class in its 130-year history, with over 5,100 first-time college students enrolling for the fall 2025 semester.
- Campus Expansion: She helped drive progress on "UTA West," a new 51-acre campus in Parker County slated to open in 2028.
- Financial Aid: Cowley successfully expanded tuition assistance programs for undergraduate residents.
However, her presidency also faced tough economic realities. Earlier this year, Cowley addressed budget shortfalls caused by a state-mandated tuition freeze and federal immigration policies that impacted lucrative international student enrollment. To balance the budget, the university implemented a voluntary separation incentive program—resulting in over 200 staff retirements—and consolidated or cut several degree programs.
MD Anderson: Peter Pisters Retires After 32 Years
Meanwhile, in Houston, the renowned UT MD Anderson Cancer Center is bidding farewell to its president, Dr. Peter Pisters. Pisters is retiring after a remarkable 32-year career at the institution, having spent the last nine years at the helm. Notably, he was the first faculty member to rise to the rank of president at the cancer center.
Pisters leaves behind a massive institutional legacy, most notably spearheading a $10 billion capital expansion plan and launching a massive fundraising campaign that has already secured $2.16 billion of its $2.5 billion goal.
What’s next for MD Anderson?
- Interim Leadership: Dr. Jeffrey Lee, a veteran surgical oncologist and executive at the center, officially took over as interim president on August 26.
- Long-term Plans: Pisters will assist with the transition through the end of September. UT officials have indicated that Dr. Lee is expected to guide the institution for the next several years, and no immediate search for a permanent replacement has been announced.
The Scope of the UT System
These simultaneous executive changes mark a transitional era for the University of Texas System. As one of the largest public university systems in the United States, it oversees nine academic universities and four health institutions. With an annual operating budget of $36.6 billion, the UT System currently provides education and resources to more than 270,000 students across the state.
0 Comments