Regents Approve Key Leadership Appointments Supporting Nuclear Security and Enterprise Operations – A&M System News
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PRESS RELEASE
Regents Approve Key Leadership Appointments Supporting Nuclear Security and Enterprise Operations
January 14, 2026 • 3 min. read
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas —
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents today approved two senior executive appointments that reinforce the System’s capacity to meet national security obligations and provide disciplined leadership over enterprise operations statewide.
Acting under System Policy 01.03, the Board appointed:
- Dr. L. Diane Hurtado as Vice Chancellor for Nuclear Security Initiatives
- John A. Barton, P.E. as Interim Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs
Each appointment was recommended by Chancellor Glenn Hegar. The actions reflect the central importance of these roles to the A&M System’s mission, public responsibilities, and long-term strategic direction.
"These positions represent core responsibilities entrusted to the A&M System," said Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton. "Our obligations in the nuclear security enterprise—and our stewardship of major public assets across Texas—require disciplined leadership at the highest level. Today’s appointments ensure we continue to meet those expectations with integrity, focus, and professionalism."
Appointments:
Dr. L. Diane Hurtado, Vice Chancellor for Nuclear Security Initiatives:
Dr. Hurtado is a three-time Texas A&M engineering graduate and one of the nation’s leading experts in nuclear security, research engagement, and national laboratory operations. She previously served as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration, where she led high-explosives and energetics strategy and chaired the Defense Programs Science and Technology Council. Within the A&M System, she has held senior roles in national laboratories management, research security, federal relations, and national security initiatives. She received the NNSA Administrator’s Silver Award in 2025 and the A&M System Regents Fellow Service Award in 2019.
John A. Barton, P.E., Interim Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs:
Barton brings nearly 40 years of experience across state government, higher education, and the private sector. He has directed statewide operations with annual budgets exceeding $10 billion, led national professional service lines in the private sector, oversaw major public-private partnerships representing billions in infrastructure investments, and held senior executive positions at several universities.