Starting Oct. 16, Jay Dyer, former legislative director to Gov. Greg Abbott, will serve as deputy to UT President Gregory Fenves for government relations. 

In his new position, Dyer will manage all University contact with the legislature and other state agencies for funding, research and student support issues. During legislative sessions, he will advise the University president on pending legislation that could affect the University. Dyer is an alumnus of the College of Liberal Arts, where he majored in government and is a graduate of the School of Law.

“Jay brings tremendous knowledge and experience in state government as well as a deep commitment to the University of Texas,” Fenves said in a press release Tuesday.

Fenves also said Dyer will be an asset in accomplishing the University’s legislative goals, such as maintaining affordable education for students. 

“As the state’s flagship university, our future depends on having the trust of the Texas Legislature and state leadership, being accessible and affordable for students and their families and providing value to the entire state,” Fenves said in the press release.

Dyer served as senior counsel while Abbott was attorney general. During this time, Dyer also was selected to serve on the oversight committee for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

After Abbott was elected governor, Dyer was promoted to legislative director. He worked directly with the legislature in this role from 2015 to 2017 for two regular sessions and one special session. 

“It was an honor and privilege to serve the state of Texas as a part of Gov. Greg Abbott’s administration,” Dyer said in the press release. “I very much appreciate the opportunity to return to the University of Texas, and I look forward to helping UT build upon its well-established commitment to excellence.”