Texas A&M has a long history of highly qualified, distinguished individuals serving as its president. Since The Battalion’s 100th anniversary edition in 1993, the university has seen eight more presidents, each bringing their unique backgrounds and experiences to Aggieland to continue improving the institution. Battalion coverage of these influential people  has included front-page spreads when they took office, in-depth interviews on controversial topics and more. In the coming years, The Battalion is committed to continue reporting on the office of the university president. Below are some of the highlights from each individual’s time in the position and experience prior to serving as president. 
Michael K Young
May 1, 2015 – Present
• Graduate of Harvard Law School 
• Taught at Columbia University for 20 years. 
• Served as the president of University of Utah and University of Washington
• Former positions in the government include Deputy Under Secretary for Economic and Agricultural Affairs and Ambassador for Trade and Environmental Affairs in the Department. 
• Work on treaties including the North American 
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
• Running the university’s fundraising campaign, 
Lead by Example. 
Mark A. Hussey 
Interim President, Jan. 14, 2014 – April 30, 2015
• Previously vice chancellor for A&M System. 
• Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2008
• Oversaw A&M System’s four agricultural agencies 
• Managed the design and construction of A&M AgriLife headquarters. 
• Planned the launch of Lead by Example fundraising campaign 
R. Bowen Loftin, Class of 1971
President, Feb. 12, 2010 – Jan. 13, 2014
• Interim President, June 15, 2009 – Feb. 11, 2010
• Previously vice president and chief executive officer of A&M Galveston 
• Professor of electrical and computer engineering and computer science at Old Dominion University of Norfolk, Virginia
• Executive director of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center. 
• Served during major changes including A&M’s move to the SEC, the Memorial Student Center renovation and student enrollment surpassing 50,000 students. 
• Became the chancellor at University of Missouri following his time at A&M.
Elsa A. Murano
President, Jan. 3, 2008 – June 15, 2009
• First woman and first Hispanic-American president
• Previously vice chancellor for A&M University System and dean of college of agriculture and Life Sciences. 
• Made changes to the academic master plan
• Permitted A&M Galveston students to attend A&M for the rest of the semester after Hurricane Ike.
• Resigned to be a professor and research in the department of nutrition and food science. 
• Currently serves as director of Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at A&M.
Eddie J. Davis, Class of 1967
Interim President, Dec. 17, 2006 – Jan. 2, 2008
• Corps of Cadets commander as a student
• Retired colonel for U.S. Army Reserves
• Previously served as president of the A&M Foundation until 1993 when he was called to be interim president.
• As president, Davis played a key role in instituting A&M’s emergency notification system, Code Maroon.
• Spent 20 years leading fundraising campaigns through the A&M Foundation until his retirement in 2016.
• Currently a principal gifts officer at the Foundation
Robert M. Gates
President, Aug. 1, 2002 – Dec. 16, 2006
• Previously served as interim dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service (1999-2001)
• Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Nov. 6, 1991 – Jan. 20 1993
• As president, he started the Regents’ Scholars Program 
• Served when A&M’s Qatar branch opened. The new location was used as a shelter following Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.
• Resigned from position as A&M president to be secretary of defense when he was nominated by George W. Bush. 
• On Feb. 2, 2007 he was chosen by the A&M University Board of Regents to hold the title of president emeritus.
Ray M. Bowen, Class of 1958
President, June 1, 1994 – July 31, 2002
• Previously the Interim president of Oklahoma State University. 
• Launched Vision 2020, A&M’s strategic plan to become one of the top 10 public universities in the U.S.
• President during 1999 bonfire collapse that killed 12Aggies.
• Served when the Student Recreation Center was built.
• Currently serves as a visiting distinguished professor at Rice University
E. Dean Gage, Class of 1965
Acting President, Sept.1, 1993 – June 1, 1994
• Previously served as a provost and academic vice president. 
• Oversaw the university’s change to the Big 12
• Served when A&M launched its official university website
• Withdrew as a candidate for the president in 1994 and became the associate dean for professional programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. 
 Information compiled by editor-in-chief Megan Rodriguez using the Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Foundation websites.