Centurions Meeting Recaps

The Chancellor's Centurions Spring 2026 Meeting and Luncheon was held on Friday, April 24, at UT Arlington (UTA). A record number of members traveled from Michigan and across Texas to learn firsthand about the second-largest university in the UT System.

The Centurions were welcomed by Marie Schultz, vice president for development and alumni relations; Dr. Ashley Purgason, vice president for student success and a former Centurions chair; Dr. Brandon Wright, assistant vice president for student success; and Dr. Joanna Merritt, director of university analytics. 

Attendees learned more about UTA's first-generation students, who make up 56% of the university’s undergraduate population (18,500 students), and how initiatives like UTA’s First-Gen Brunch and Alumni Mixer, First Generation Education Series, First Generation Celebration, and Transition Program are helping those students stay enrolled, graduate on time, and enter the workforce ready to thrive. 

In support of these programs, the Centurions made a $20,000 gift to UT Arlington dedicated to first-generation initiatives. The gift was made possible by membership contributions, matched by the Chancellor and the Chancellor's Council Executive Committee. 

That afternoon, UT Arlington President Jennifer Cowley shared highlights of UTA 2030, the university's strategic plan that is built around "fostering a vibrant learning community that empowers all students to succeed in their academic, personal, and professional goals." 

The Centurions ended the day with a campus bus tour and visit to UTA's School of Social Work and Smart Hospital. They also got an inside look at the virtual reality learning lab at the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, where they learned that UTA is the largest producer of baccalaureate-educated nurses in Texas, and the nation’s largest not-for-profit college of nursing.

The Fall 2025 meeting of the Chancellor’s Centurions was held Friday, October 24, at the UT System Administration Building in Austin. UT System Chancellor John M. Zerwas, MD, addressed the group, expressing his appreciation for their advice, guidance, support and unique perspectives.

As part of his update on the UT System, Chancellor Zerwas highlighted the transformative power of a UT education, not only for graduates but also for the state’s workforce and economy. He also noted the importance of UT’s health enterprise in educating the state’s health care providers and caring for millions of patients each year. And he explained how UT institutions power discovery and innovation nationwide, advancing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. 

Attendees also heard from Dr. Archie Holmes, executive vice chancellor of academic affairs. Dr. Holmes discussed “Credentials for the Future,” an initiative he is leading to address the growing demand for short-term credentials among employers and education consumers. The micro-credentialing program, launched in partnership with Coursera, is 100% free for students, faculty, staff and alumni. 

Yvonne Addison assumed the role of chair for 2025-2026 and recognized Andrew Grabato for his leadership through the past year. The group then welcomed 22 new members. 

Cole Tomberlain of Longview, a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, was elected as chair-elect.