A Note of Gratitude to Faculty and Staff

MICHAEL K. YOUNG
President

March 23, 2020

Dear Faculty and Staff,

I would like to express my tremendous gratitude to everyone helping us mobilize the entire university in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a matter of days, your heroic efforts have helped us fundamentally change everything we do – from educating our students, to conducting research, to maintaining essential business operations.

During this challenging time, you have shown us the true character of our university community. Aggies never shrink from a challenge, they always rise to the occasion – with decisive action, inspiring innovation and remarkable determination.

As faculty members, you have demonstrated your incredible care for and commitment to our students. Although circumstances have dramatically altered your plans for research and teaching, you have stepped up at an important moment. You have shared your collective wisdom and resources with colleagues across the university, working rapidly and tirelessly to rewrite syllabi and take all of our educational efforts online. I know how meaningful your efforts are for our students, and I want you to know how much all of us appreciate your hard work.

I also want to thank and recognize the dedication of our exceptional staff across the university. At a time of great need, you have stepped forward with flexibility, resiliency and resolve. In addition to keeping our campus clean and safe, you are providing the entire IT infrastructure that is making all of our endeavors possible – from online classes, to Zoom meetings, to keeping our Learning Management System running smoothly. In only days you have set up both the TAMU Keep Teaching site to help faculty get connected quickly with resources as well as the TAMU Keep Learning site to help students do the same. You have also conducted most of the 1,342 technology trainings centrally, as well as countless sessions in our colleges and departments. The Central TAMU COVID-19 site that provides a centralized hub for updates and resources has been viewed more than 325,000 times.

As we move so many services online, we know the process won’t be perfect. There will be challenges that will arise and things that may not work as planned. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we do our best to maintain the very highest quality of education and research, as well as ensure the health and safety of everyone at Texas A&M.

For many members of our university community, this has been a demanding time. So many of you have worked round-the-clock, night and day, without rest or relief. You have had to adjust work schedules and find new solutions for childcare. While words may be of little comfort, I want you to know this. We all see your efforts. We appreciate all of your contributions. And we are all truly grateful for your extraordinary service.

Thank you for your support and your continued commitment as we work together to keep everyone safe and carry out our educational mission.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Young
President