The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents officially appointed Gen. Mark A. Welsh III as permanent president.
On Tuesday, Dec. 12, the A&M Board of Regents held a special meeting to select the next university leader and discuss other agenda items. The regents unanimously approved Welsh for the position, who will now serve as the 27th president.
“I’ve had a lot of proud moments in my life and a lot of memorable moments, and this was right at the top of the list,” Welsh said.
Welsh was officially named as the sole finalist for the position at the recommendation of Chancellor John Sharp on Friday, Nov. 17. Following this, the regents had to wait 21 days to receive input from students and faculty before they could appoint Welsh.
“The board is certain that Gen. Welsh will make a Texas-sized impact as president of our world-class flagship,” Chairman Bill Mahomes said in a statement. “His remarkable career embodies Aggie Core Values. Now, his mission is to raise Texas A&M’s national stature in research, education and student experience.”
In the same statement, Welsh said he was honored to be selected.
“It has been an unbelievable privilege to represent Texas A&M as interim president over the last few months — one of the greatest honors of my life,” Welsh said. “I’m grateful to the Board of Regents and Chancellor Sharp for their confidence in me, and I look forward to continuing to work with our incredible faculty, staff and students to map out the road ahead for Texas A&M. I’m ready to get started.”
After the resignation of former President M. Katherine Banks on July 21, Welsh stepped into her role and was later approved on July 30 as interim president. Before accepting his presidency, Welsh was the dean of the Bush School of Government & Public Service from May 2016. Welsh is a retired four-star general and served as the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, totaling 40 years of military service.
Reflecting on his time as interim president, Welsh said his biggest takeaway is how great Aggies are. Welsh said A&M’s biggest strength is its students, faculty, staff and former students who care about their institution.
“All of those people are so incredibly positive about their school and that’s how they see it — their school,” Welsh said. “I think all of us who are privileged to work here and kind of carried by that. It’s a thrill to be here.”
