Duke Austin

Earl C. “Duke” Austin, Jr. of Houston, Texas, was reappointed by Governor Greg Abbott in February 2023 to a six-year term on the Texas State University System Board of Regents. He serves as president and chief executive officer of Quanta Services, a Fortune 200 energy infrastructure services company serving the electric power, renewable energy, pipeline, and communications markets. Under Regent Austin's leadership, Quanta Services has scaled to more than $27 billion in annual revenue and a global workforce of approximately 68,000 professionals, solidifying its position as North America’s largest infrastructure solutions provider.

A fourth-generation electric utility industry leader, Regent Austin brings decades of operational, strategic, and executive leadership experience to the energy and infrastructure sector. He joined Quanta Services through the acquisition of North Houston Pole Line Corp. and has held several senior leadership roles, including leading the Electric Power, Natural Gas, and Pipeline Division and serving as chief operating officer, prior to his appointment as president and chief executive officer in 2016.

In addition to his role at Quanta Services, Regent Austin serves in several prominent leadership and governance capacities, including the CEO Roundtable, the Greater Houston Partnership, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas.

A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Regent Austin earned a Bachelor of Science in business management and accounting. He received the Sam Houston State University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2016. Regent Austin resides in Houston with his wife and family. His term on the Board of Regents expires in 2029.