Brandon Simmons finishes term as TSU Chairman and is tapped by Governor to lead new Texas Higher Education Agency

Brandon L. Simmons has been named by Governor Greg Abbott to lead the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman as its new Director of Institutional Policy and Oversight. This key appointment, subject to Senate confirmation, involves overseeing a crucial function that acts as an intermediary among Texas’s institutions of higher education, the legislature, and the public on issues like institutional governance and student success. Furthermore, the Office holds responsibility for financial compliance, data reporting, and general oversight of these institutions.

“Texas continues to lead the nation with more top-ranked research universities and programs than any other state,” said Governor Abbott. “In order to maintain this lead, we must place the success of Texas students first. Brandon Simmons’ achievements and dedication to educate our future leaders as an entrepreneur, professor, and university chairman will help ensure Texas’ higher education institutions continue to set the national standard and prepare our students to thrive.”

Simmons, a former tech executive and venture capitalist, currently serves as a distinguished professor of business at Wiley University in Marshall, Texas. He will step down from the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, with Regent James Benham taking over as chair.

Simmons’ appointment is pending confirmation by the Texas Senate.