We Are All Aggies

Howdy,

When I meet with people across campus, I'm always struck by the extraordinary array of individuals who are drawn to Texas A&M. Throughout its history, our university has been a magnet for some of the most talented, creative and hard-working students, faculty and staff from all walks of life and nearly every region of the world.

With every new year, our academic community is enriched and strengthened by those who bring new perspectives, new ideas and new innovations to the heart of our campus.

I am proud to lead a university that is deeply devoted to timeless traditions, guided by its core values, and yet open to engaging with a variety of different viewpoints. We may come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, but all of us have the ability to find common ground in our shared humanity. By seeing the world from new perspectives, and by understanding other points-of-view, our lives are enriched and our perception of the world is forever changed.

For the past 10 years, Texas A&M has pursued an ambitious Diversity Plan that has helped enhance diversity and inclusion across the university. In the next few weeks, the members of the President's Council on Climate and Diversity (PCCD) will provide me with updates on our progress over the past year. We are very fortunate for the leadership of Provost Carol Fierke, as well as the daily dedication of the entire council, especially Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity Dr. Robin Means Coleman and Dean of the College of Architecture and PCCD Chair Dr. Jorge Vanegas.

As we begin February, think about attending the wide variety of events and offerings being provided for Black History Month. And please consider visiting The Diversity Gallery, which will be on display Tuesday, February 11, in Rudder Exhibit Hall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

While Texas A&M has recently made strides by earning the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award and being named a Diversity Champion, we realize we still have work to do before we reach our goal of ensuring that all campus members feel accepted, valued and motivated to achieve their highest potential.

Together, we have the power to welcome and embrace every member of our campus community. Thank you for remembering that no matter where we are from, what jobs we do, or what subjects we study, we are all connected, all linked, all human. And in the end, we are all Aggies.

Sincerely,
Michael K. Young