AUSTIN (February 21, 2013)--Gov. Rick Perry appointed two new members to the University of Texas System Board of Regents Thursday, even as state lawmakers are investigating recent actions by the board over University of Texas President Bill Powers.

Perry appointed Ernest Aliseda of McAllen and Jeff Hildebrand of Houston to the board and reappointed regent Paul Foster of El Paso.

Thursday's appointments are for six-year terms and subject to Senate confirmation.

The moves came 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.