A Message from Interim President Mark A. Welsh III
General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh IIIInterim President
August 25, 2023
Members of the Aggie Family,
I hope the first full week back in Aggieland has been good for each of you. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the increased activity across campus — students truly bring this place back to life each August. As we dive into the new semester, I wanted to share two quick updates.
During the recent All-Faculty and Staff meeting, I announced that Joe Pettibon, vice president for planning, assessment and strategy, is leading a quick-look assessment on the Path Forward. Next week, Joe will share initial findings and recommendations with the university leadership team. Following that briefing, we will hold listening sessions with leadership groups across campus, including the Dean’s Council and executive committees of the Faculty Senate, Council of Principal Investigators, University Staff Council, Distinguished Professors, Senior Faculty Advisory Committee and our student leaders. Once we’ve completed listening sessions with these groups and made any necessary modifications, we will share the recommendations broadly with the university community for comments. I expect to share final decisions in an in-person meeting with all faculty and staff as soon as we complete the above process.
Additionally, as you are aware, the 88th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 17 (S.B. 17) during its regular session to prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion programs and practices at public universities by Jan. 1, 2024.
Last week, The Texas A&M University System approved revisions to System Policy 08.01, which provides the framework for the university’s implementation of the requirements of S.B. 17. I encourage all of you to review the policy. We will work with the System to ensure full compliance by Jan. 1, 2024. Our individual differences make this university stronger, and as we navigate the implications of S.B. 17, I want to be clear that we are committed to maintaining a welcoming environment for all and a world-class educational experience for our students.
Thanks for all that you do to make Texas A&M a special place to live, work and learn. I look forward to sharing additional updates on these items soon.
r/mark
General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, Interim President