The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on appointed John A. Barton vice chancellor for business affairs on Thursday. The veteran engineer and public-sector leader has served in interim role since January, overseeing the offices responsible for facilities planning and construction, risk management, real estate, land management and System training. From the Texas A&M Press Release: âJohn has already been doing the job, and doing it exceptionally well,â Chancellor Glenn Hegar said. âThe best part of todayâs appointment is that we get to drop âinterimâ from his title. He knows how Texas works because he has spent nearly four decades helping it work. He listens, solves problems and takes care of people and public resources. We are fortunate to have him.â Barton brings 39 years of experience in state government, higher education and the private sector. His work has included capital planning, major construction programs, public-private partnerships, real estate, risk management and financial stewardship. He began his career at the Texas Department of Transportation in 1986 and rose through a series of leadership positions, including district engineer, chief engineer and deputy executive director. Barton ultimately oversaw agency operations supported by an annual budget of more than $10 billion. His work at TxDOT included major public-private transportation projects representing billions of dollars in investment, including State Highway 130, the North Tarrant Express, the LBJ Express and the DFW Connector. Barton first joined the A&M System in 2016 as associate vice chancellor and executive director of the RELLIS Campus. He also led the Texas A&M Center for Infrastructure Renewal and helped guide the Commission to Rebuild Texas following Hurricane Harvey. After serving seven years as a senior vice president at HNTB Corporation, Barton returned to the A&M System in October 2025 to again lead the RELLIS Campus. The Board appointed him interim vice chancellor for business affairs in January. âTexas A&M gave me my start, and serving this System is a privilege,â Barton said. âThe work is large, but it is never abstract. It is about creating safe places for students, protecting public assets and helping our universities and agencies deliver for Texas. I am grateful to Chancellor Hegar and the Board for their trust, and I am proud to continue working alongside this team.â Barton earned a bachelorâs degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University in 1986. He has been a licensed professional engineer in Texas since 1991. His honors include the Federal Highway Administratorâs Public Service Award, the Governor Rick Perry Leadership in Transportation Award and recognition as a distinguished graduate of Texas A&Mâs Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. About The Texas A&M University System: The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest and most impactful higher education systems in the country, with an annual budget of $9.1 billion. Its statewide network includes 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&MâFort Worth and the Texas A&MâRELLIS Campus. The A&M System also plays a direct role in U.S. national security as a member of the teams that manage and operate Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Pantex Plant for the U.S. Department of Energyâs National Nuclear Security Administration. The A&M System serves approximately 175,000 students and reaches millions more through research, service and outreach programs each year. With nearly $1.6 billion in annual research expenditures, the A&M System fuels innovation, supports communities and drives Texasâ economy forward.