On a move to bolster the leadership within Texas' higher education sphere, Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Stacy Hock and Welcome Wilson, Jr. to top positions on The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Hock assumes the role of chair while Wilson steps into the vice-chair capacity, with both placements effective immediately and serving at the Governor's discretion.
Hock, an Austin-based private investor and philanthropist, has a notable history of senior management tenure at IBM before venturing into various board roles. According to a statement released by the Governor’s office, she's been a figure in the THECB since May of 2024, previously serving as its vice-chair. Her educational credentials are solid, with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Engineering from MIT and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin.
Welcome Wilson, Jr., hailing from Houston, carries an extensive background in both real estate and finance, currently steering the Welcome Group, LLC as president and CEO. Wilson's involvement with THECB dates back to March 2018, evidencing a long-term commitment to higher education in Texas. With tenures on several high-profile boards, Wilson's experience is expected to complement the Board's strategies moving forward.
As stated by the Governor's announcement, Wilson's current affiliations include membership in the Texas Higher Education Foundation and with titles ranging from executive vice president to chairman for various organizations, his network spans across both the business and educational landscapes.
