Despite the cries of several Democratic state senators who called for more racial diversity on The University of Texas board of regents, the senate on Tuesday voted to approve three new appointees to the university system's governing body.

Retired state Sen. Kevin Eltife, McCombs Partners CEO Rad Weaver and former vice chair of the UT System board Janiece Longoria will join the nine-member board of regents, replacing regents Alex Cranberg, Brenda Hall Pejovich and Wallace Hall for a six-year term.

The three newcomers, who were first appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, responded to questions from the Senate Nominations Committee two weeks ago.

Senators voted 29-0, with Sen. Boris Miles (D-Houston) and Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas) abstaining. They said they were both disappointed that no African-Americans were appointed.

"I think this is a missed opportunity," West said.

Sen. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) and Sen. José Menéndez (D-San Antonio) also raised concerns about the lack of African-American and Latino representation on the board.

"Diversity is something that doesn't happen by accident," Menendez said. "It has to be intentional."

The UT board of regents convenes today and Thursday for its first meetings of the year.