Former NFL quarterback Colt McCoy is making a new play in Texas education as Governor Greg Abbott announced a wave of appointments to key state boards and commissions this month, including several high-profile selections that could reshape policy across higher education, healthcare, and public safety.
The appointments, which touch everything from university governance to pharmaceutical initiatives and domestic violence prevention, come as Abbott continues to put his stamp on Texas state agencies midway through his third term as governor. Most notable among them is McCoy, the former University of Texas and NFL quarterback, who was named to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board alongside Darryl Heath and reappointed member Ashlie Thomas, all for terms extending through August 2031.
Higher Education Shake-Up
McCoy’s appointment signals Abbott’s continuing interest in bringing high-profile Texans into state governance roles. The coordinating board oversees the state’s public universities and community colleges, making it a powerful force in shaping educational priorities across Texas. “The governor clearly wants recognizable names who can draw attention to higher education issues,” said one education policy expert who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about the appointments.
In a separate move affecting higher education, Abbott appointed David Jennings as Texas Woman’s University Student Regent for a term ending May 2026, giving students representation in the university’s governance structure. The governor also bolstered the University of Houston System Board of Regents, selecting Tommy Lucas, O.D. and Lynden Rose while reappointing Alonzo Cantu for terms that will expire in August 2031.
Healthcare and History
Beyond education, Abbott’s appointments touched several other critical areas of state policy. Why the flurry of activity now? Some political observers suggest the governor is positioning allies in key roles as his administration faces mounting challenges on multiple fronts.
The governor tapped Jason LaFond for the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board through February 2027, potentially influencing how the state approaches drug pricing and availability. The Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee also saw new leadership with Abbott selecting Dr. Ann Shippy, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Dr. Natalie Bachynsky for terms running until September 2027.
History buffs might be interested in Abbott’s choice for Texas State Historian. The governor chose Dr. Richard B. “Rick” McCaslin for the role, which runs through December 2027. McCaslin, a respected academic in Texas historical circles, will be responsible for increasing public knowledge about the state’s rich and complex past.
Public Safety Focus
Perhaps most ambitious among Abbott’s recent moves is the formation of a new task force dedicated to preventing domestic violence homicides. In a sweeping action, the governor appointed 21 members to the Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force, with terms that will continue “at the pleasure of the Governor” — giving Abbott ongoing control over the group’s composition.
The Texas Crime Stoppers Council, which coordinates efforts to solve crimes through anonymous tips and rewards, also saw changes with Abbott reappointing Dr. Perry Gilmore and bringing on Jeff Jordan for terms through September 2029.
What’s the strategy behind these appointments? Political analysts note that Abbott has consistently used his appointment power to place allies in key positions while occasionally selecting high-profile figures like McCoy who bring public attention to state boards that typically operate outside the spotlight.
“These appointments represent the quiet exercise of executive power,” said Dr. James Thompson, political science professor at Southern Methodist University. “While legislation gets all the headlines, these boards and commissions make countless decisions that affect Texans’ daily lives.”
As the appointees take their positions in the coming months, their influence will likely extend well beyond Abbott’s time in office — with some terms running into the 2030s, ensuring the governor’s imprint on state policy will remain long after his final term ends.
