Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Christina Melton Crain, Jodie Lee Jiles, and Kelcy Warren to the University of Texas System Board of Regents. Their terms will expire on February 1, 2031.

Christina Melton Crain, based in Dallas, is the founder, president, and CEO of Unlocking Doors and has an extensive background in law and corrections. She has held various leadership positions, including past president of the Trinity River Authority of Texas Board of Directors and former chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. Crain is a life member of the UT Austin College of Liberal Arts Advisory Council and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from UT Austin and a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law.

Jodie Lee Jiles, from Houston, is the director of business development for Transwestern. He has been involved in various educational and business organizations and is the former chairman of the Texas Business Leadership Council. Jiles is currently chairman of Loving Kids and an emeritus trustee of Texas Children’s Hospital. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Texas Southern University and a Master of Professional Accountancy from UT Austin.

Kelcy Warren, also from Dallas, manages a vast array of energy partnerships, including Energy Transfer LP. He serves on the board of directors for the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation and the University of Texas Board of Regents. Warren is involved in numerous philanthropic activities, focusing on energy and children's charities. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science from UT Arlington.

The reappointments are pending Senate confirmation.