Taking the Reins: Meet the New CEO of the Texas Exes

On May 1, 2025, after a monthslong search, Robert W. Jones, BBA ’87, Life Member, officially became the new CEO of the Texas Exes. After a high-profile career in public affairs, most notably at Pfizer, and spending a lot of time in New York City and Washington, D.C., he will spend this next chapter of his life back where it all started for him, right here on the Forty Acres.

Since 1919, when John A. Lomax became the first executive director of the Ex-Students’ Association, only seven other people have held the position. Though the title has changed—and the position now comes with a burnt-orange golf cart—the mandate remains the same: Keep alumni connected to the place that changed their lives forever.  

The Alcalde sat down with Jones in May to learn more about his leadership philosophy and what the job means to him.  

Let’s start with what drew you to the job. What made you want to throw your hat in the ring?  

I have loved The University of Texas ever since I can remember—ever since I could crawl. I had a really great career in corporate America, and that’s done, and I see this as an opportunity to serve a place that has been so good to me. The Texas Exes is an extension of the University, and it feels like the perfect place for the next chapter of my life and career.  

Only eight people have had this job in the 140-year history of the association. What aspects of it are you most looking forward to?  

If you look at the mission of this organization, every component of it excites me. Being around students and working on programs that support them and help them thrive—that’s a special honor. Scholarships are important to me; that’s the first thing. UT attracts special people, and it’s very tough to get into. If someone gets admitted here, their financial situation should not keep them from that life-changing opportunity. The second is working across campus with our partners in the President’s Office, Athletics, and all the colleges and schools. Lastly—and really the core of what we do—is serving alumni and keeping them connected to their alma mater. We have 120,000 members and, beyond that, 590,000 Longhorns living around the world. I believe in the power and the tremendous value of our network. It’s enhanced my life greatly, and I want to share that with others.    

How did UT shape your life?  

UT provided me with a world-class academic experience and a rich social fabric. It was a fantastic launching pad for my life—both professionally and personally. I grew up in small town called Gatesville, Texas. I got to Austin and to the campus, and it opened my mind to what was possible.  

What memories do you have of those years in undergrad?    

I can still remember the smell of Moore-Hill Hall, which is where I lived freshman year. It wasn’t good, and it wasn’t bad—it was just Moore-Hill. I remember the excitement of being on the campus. I dreamed of coming here my entire life, and I remember walking around on my first day of class, and the atmosphere was electric. The population of the campus back then was about 10 times the size of my town. It felt like a magical, booming city. And I remember looking around and thinking, Everybody here is a Longhorn; we all have that in common. It was honestly a dream come true.  

All these years later, how does it feel being back? How has the campus changed?  

I think UT has done a great job at preserving the historic places, while keeping our campus state of the art. The Tower restoration is a good example, and that’s about to start. There has been so much expansion, so much progress, and the addition of so many modern, world-class facilities, but, to me, the Forty Acres still has the same feel as it did when I was a student. I think that’s something our leaders should really be commended for—it means a lot to alumni to feel at home.

Did you know about the Texas Exes when you were a student?  

I did. I would always pay attention when I was an undergraduate going to football games. I loved it when they would bring the Distinguished Alumni out on the field at half time—everyone from John Connally to Lady Bird Johnson and Tom Landry. I loved that moment. As a student or a young person just out of school, it’s so important to pay attention to the people who have come before you and become leaders in their respective fields. I always took note of that.  

Well, now look at you—you’ll be walking out on the field with them year after year. Do you think your undergrad self would have predicted that?  

Nope! Definitely not.  

What characteristics do you think we Longhorns have in common?  

Well, graduates of The University of Texas at Austin—let’s just say we are proud. The traditions at UT, whether academic or athletic, are second to none in the United States. This institution really stands for something—excellence and community—and I think we all carry those values with us into our lives because we come from such a remarkable place.  

What has it been like stepping into such a storied organization? Do you want to make big changes?  

Well, the good news is that Exes is in great shape. Chuck Harris, my predecessor, did an outstanding job. The great challenge I have is to improve on things that are already in place. The staff is high-performing and very dedicated, and there is so much tenure among them. I know they love this organization, and I can’t wait to work with them to move into the future.  

What will be your first priorities as CEO?  

I think the most important thing we do at the Texas Exes is the administration of scholarships. I want to continue that success and lean into our legacy in that area. The first one we ever awarded was for $100 back in 1889. I want to focus on fundraising for the Forty Acres Scholars Program, because it has been such a gamechanger for Texas—it’s helped us keep so many brilliant young people here, rather than losing them to the Ivy League. In the long run, that will have a huge impact on our state.  

Do you remember joining the Texas Exes?  

Oh yeah. I graduated from UT in May of 1987, and I took a gap year before going to law school. We didn’t call it a gap year back then—I was poor, and I needed to go to make some money, so I went to work at the Capitol.  

Do you still have your original keyring?  

I sure do. And I am a proud Life Member number 27,239. That’s out of more than 103,000.  

What has the reaction been like from your friends and family since you told them the news?  

I’ve heard the same thing over and over, and I just heard it again this morning, which is, “I cannot think of a more perfect person for this job given your love for UT.” And they are right: I never stop talking about how much I love this University—I feel so fortunate to be able to do this. It’s a dream job to be interfacing with Longhorns all day.  

What are the fun little things you’re excited about in the role? Gameday? The Flying Longhorns?  

I’m in my 35th year as a season ticket holder, and I’ve been to just about every game during that period. So yes, I’d say I’m excited. It’s going to be a fun new gameday experience being at the Alumni Center and working with this staff and our volunteers.  

OK, one last question, and it’s an important one. How many burnt-orange ties do you own?  

OK—I would say I own about 24? And I have a ton of burnt-orange clothing in general, for the days when I don’t have to wear a suit.  

Great. That should get you through at least a month.   

CREDITS: Matt Wright-Steel; Courtesy of Robert W. Jones