Retirement of Brigadier General (Ret.) Joe E. Ramirez

General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III
President

October 31, 2024

Members of the Aggie Family,

I’m writing to share that Brigadier General (Ret.) Joe E. Ramirez ’79, Vice President for Student Affairs, has announced his retirement, effective Jan. 1, 2025. It’s bittersweet that I share this news with you on the eve of his 14th anniversary with Texas A&M University.

Having a dedicated public servant, leader and former student at the helm of Texas A&M’s Division of Student Affairs has cultivated a spirit of intentionality, collaboration and a strong sense of pride for our university. His leadership made a difference. While we will miss seeing him on campus, I’m very happy for Joe as he embarks on the next chapter of his life, and I am confident that his passion for Texas A&M and all the things that make this place special will bring him back to campus frequently. 

Before returning to Aggieland as the 45th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets in 2010, Joe led soldiers around the world, serving in command and leadership positions in various joint and operational commands during his 31 years in the military. His assignments while in the U.S. Army include serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for United States Central Command during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and as Deputy Division Commander for the 2nd Infantry Division in the Republic of Korea. 

After a distinguished military career, he could easily have settled into a quiet retirement. Instead, Joe chose a path of purpose and continued service, stepping into the role of Commandant of our nation’s largest remaining senior military college. For 11 years, he dedicated himself to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of leaders, instilling in them the values of discipline, honor and service. It was during this period that the Corps experienced its most significant growth since the early 1970s, expanding from 1,800 cadets to more than 2,550.

In 2021, rather than stepping back after 42 years in the workforce, Joe accepted a new challenge when he was appointed Vice President for Student Affairs. For the last four years, he has continued to impact the lives of students, the Aggie Family and the local community. Through his unwavering commitment, he exemplifies the true spirit of selfless service — proving that retirement is merely a new chapter, not the end of a journey.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Joe for his service, not just to the faculty, staff and students at Texas A&M, but also to his local community and our country. Throughout his career, both in the military and at his beloved alma mater, he has exemplified the Aggie Core Values that we hold so dear. 

I hope you will join me in wishing Joe all the best in his retirement. I know his wife, Terry, and the family will be happy to have more time with him, and that’s something we can all celebrate! I'll follow up soon with next steps regarding our national search to identify the next leader for the Division of Student Affairs. One thing is certain: that person will have big shoes to fill.

Thanks and Gig ’em!

r/mark
General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, President