Fall 2025 Centurions Meeting Recap
October 24, 2025, UT System Administration Building
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.
Spring 2025 Centurions Meeting Recap
March 28, 2025, UT Tyler
The Chancellor’s Centurions’ Spring 2025 meeting was held via Zoom at UT Tyler on Friday, March 28. A growing institution, UT Tyler merged with the UT Health Science Center at Tyler in 2021 to better serve the educational and health care needs of East Texas, including the establishment of the region’s first medical school. As with previous spring meetings and campus visits, this meeting focused on the institution’s efforts to support first-generation students.
The meeting began with a welcome from President Julie Philley, who invited Centurions to visit the campus in person. Provost Amir Mirmiran highlighted the impact of UT Tyler’s First-Generation Student program and spoke about UT Tyler’s overall mission and vision.
Dr. Colleen Swain, associate provost for undergraduate education; Sarah Bowdin, associate vice president for academic success; Daniel Deslatte, chief business officer; and Sidney Wilson of the Academic Success team organized and led a panel of UT Tyler first-gen students to discuss the challenges of adapting to college life. Several students said they would not be on track to finish their degrees without the campus program and the strong sense of support provided. Students noted that the program gave them the tools and confidence required for academic success.
UT Tyler’s first-gen program aims to decrease the retention gap between first-gen and other students. The efforts are making an impact—first-gen student retention is approaching the rate of non-first-gen students at UT Tyler.
As part of their service to and support for UT institutions, the Centurions announced a $20,000 contribution in support of UT Tyler’s First-Generation Student program.
