Perry appoints 2 new UT regents amid Senate probe

AUSTIN (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry has appointed two new members of the University of Texas System Board of Regents, even as state lawmakers investigate recent actions by the board over University of Texas President Bill Powers.

Perry appointed new members Ernest Aliseda of McAllen and Jeff Hildebrand of Houston. Perry also reappointed regent Paul Foster of El Paso. Thursday's appointments are for six-year terms and subject to Senate confirmation.

The moves comes a day after the Legislature announced a special joint panel will investigate whether some board members have mistreated Powers and his family or have stepped too deep into campus affairs.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has accused some board members of backroom "character assassination" of Powers, who is believed to be fighting to hold onto his job.