Foster reappointed as regent

Gov. Rick Perry has reappointed El Paso Businessman Paul Foster to the University of Texas System Board of Regents.

Foster, executive chairman of Western Refining, currently serves as vice chairman of the board of regents. He has served as a regent since October 2007.

Perry also appointed two new regents: Jeff Hildebrand, chairman and CEO of Hilcorp Energy Company, and Ernest Aliseda, a managing attorney for the Loya Insurance Group.

“I deeply appreciate the dedication of each member of The University of Texas System Board of Regents, who are charged with overseeing the universities within the system," Perry said in a statement. "These volunteers sacrifice time away from their families and their careers on behalf of past, current and future students, enhancing the mission of the system and ensuring academic excellence and accountability to taxpayers."

Perry lauded the work of the board of regents.

“The efficiencies and reforms taking place at The University of Texas System and on each individual campus, such as offering a four-year tuition freeze as an option to students, are a testament to regents’ commitment to the students and taxpayers of our state," Perry said.

The senate must confirm the appointments. Their terms would expire Feb. 1, 2019.