Neal Weaver, the current president of Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), was unanimously voted to be the 11th president of Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches.
Weaver was the sole finalist in the University of Texas System Board of Regents’ search for a president to succeed Dr. Steve Westbrook. He will take over responsibilities from interim president Gina Oglesbee. Oglesbee has led the university since Dr. Westbrook’s sudden retirement May 31, 2023.
A presidential search advisory committee, chaired by UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken, recommended Weaver for the role. Weaver comes with 33 years of experience in higher education administration across four public university systems.
“Dr. Weaver’s accomplishments in fostering student success, driving enrollment growth, and spearheading successful fundraising efforts make him an ideal fit to lead Stephen F. Austin State University into new opportunities as a member of the University of Texas System,” Chancellor Milliken said.
Weaver has served as president of GSW for seven years. He previously served as vice president for university advancement and innovation at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, vice president for institutional advancement at West Texas A&M University and vice president for university relations at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.
There is a 21-day waiting period before the UT Regents can officially name Weaver president.