Main Campus Quick-Look Assessment

The Path Forward, adopted in December 2021 by former President M. Katherine Banks, was an ambitious administrative reorganization plan with 41 recommended initiatives that led to robust change across Texas A&M University. In early August 2023, and at the direction of General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, then interim president, a small team was charged with leading a quick-look assessment on the Path Forward. The team, led by Joe Pettibon, vice president for planning, assessment and strategy, conducted more than 100 listening sessions with key stakeholders to gather feedback on the successes and opportunities for adjustment, as warranted, for major initiatives of the Path Forward.

In early September, the team shared initial findings with the president’s cabinet. Following that briefing, listening sessions were held with leadership groups across campus, including the Dean’s Council and executive committees of the Faculty Senate, Council of Principal Investigators, Distinguished Professors, University Staff Council and Senior Faculty Advisory Committee, as well as student leaders.

On Sept. 19, then Interim President Welsh shared the assessment team's report with the university community, asking for feedback to be submitted through an online form by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

The interim president and quick-look assessment review team also participated in six in-person, informal listening sessions hosted across campus prior to the online form closing.

After a thorough review of all feedback, the quick-look team revised recommendations and final decisions were made, which are captured in this revised report. The final decisions and next steps were communicated to the university community at an all-faculty, staff and student meeting on Oct. 4.