Jay B. Silveria

Jay Benton Silveria (born c. 1963) is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force who has served as president of the University of Arkansas System since 2024. He previously served as superintendent of the Air Force Academy from 2017 to 2020. His previous commands include deputy commander of the United States Air Forces Central Command, commander of the United States Air Force Warfare Center, and commander of 48th Fighter Wing. Rated as a command pilot, Silvera has more than 3,900 flying hours.

In September 2017, Silveria received national acclaim for his speech to the cadet wing at Mitchell Hall. Silveria admonished the cadet wing for an event which transpired at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School, where a preparatory school cadet candidate submitted accusations of racism. Silveria's speech quickly garnered national attention, as he scolded the Air Force Academy cadet wing and demanded the "racists... to get out." Shortly thereafter, however, the claimant at the Air Force Academy Preparatory School confessed that the event was a hoax.

He served as Executive Director of the Washington, D.C., branch of Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service until January 2025. On November 18, 2024, the Board of Trustees for the University of Arkansas System announced that Silveria would succeed Donald Bobbitt as the System’s president.

Education The son of a master sergeant, Silveria is a 1981 graduate of Lakenheath American High School in England, where he participated in soccer, baseball, forensics, drama, and the National Honor Society; he was voted "Most Talented" by his classmates.

Silveria earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1985 from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1997, he received a Master of Social Science degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs of Syracuse University. He later attended the National War College at Fort Lesley J. McNair, in Washington, D.C., and graduated in 2005.

On November 18, 2024, the Board of Trustees for the University of Arkansas System announced that Silveria would succeed Donald Bobbitt as the System’s president.