
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has made recent moves to shape the future of higher education in the state, with the appointment of three individuals to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Yesterday, January 5, as informed by the Governor's official website, Darryl Heath and Colt McCoy were newly appointed, while Ashlie Thomas was reappointed, with their terms set to last until August 31, 2031. This board is pivotal in providing leadership and strategic planning for the higher education system across Texas.
Their backgrounds vary, with Heath bringing in over three decades of experience from his work at Accenture. Now retired, he steps into this role additionally serving as the executive director of the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Innovation Partnership and holding positions with the Texas Higher Education Foundation Board of Trustees and the Texas A&M College of Engineering Advisory Board. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University.
Colt McCoy, perhaps better known for his time on the football field, has transitioned smoothly to play a significant role in real estate and civic engagement. As the Fort Worth partner for Tenant Advisory at HPI Real Estate and Investments, McCoy has plenty to contribute to higher education from his advisory board experiences at both the Fort Worth Real Estate Center and the University of Texas Real Estate Center. His academic pursuits culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from UT Austin.
Ashlie Thomas brings a diverse set of experience from the corporate and non-profit sectors. As vice president of C.L. Thomas Inc., her presence has been felt in multiple community organizations, including Citizens Medical Center Board of Managers and Victoria Economic Development Corporation. Her impact extends to education through her board member role at the Victoria College Foundation. Thomas is equipped with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and an MBA from Lynn University, accompanied by a Master of Science in Sports Management from Texas A&M University.









