Davis, who was named interim president one day earlier, replaced a provost who was named to the position by the university’s previous leader last month.

Davis will take over the role effective immediately. He replaces Jay Hartzell who is leaving to lead Southern Methodist University.

University of Texas System officials have named James E. Davis as interim president of the flagship, taking over for outgoing President Jay Hartzell immediately. Davis most recently served as senior vice president and chief operating officer at the University of Texas at Austin.