Texas A&M Must Remain True to Its Mission

As a proud 1985 Texas A&M alumna, and part of a multi-generational Aggie family, I have always believed in the unique mission of our university. Texas A&M stands apart for its academic excellence, its traditions, and its culture of patriotism and service.

Recently, troubling events have shaken that confidence. A student was removed from a children’s literature course after objecting to ideological content unrelated to the course description. Recordings later surfaced of President Mark Welsh defending this material, raising serious concerns about whether the university is honoring its commitments to students and parents.

During a visit with honors students in the Professional Program in Accounting, I heard the Dean describe A&M’s role not as “planting apple seeds” but as cultivating “orchards” of leaders who will feed and shape their communities. This vision represents what Texas A&M has always been: a place where young men and women are formed to lead with integrity, service, and courage.

The old saying is true: “Four years after graduation, they call Aggies ‘Boss.’” This is not because A&M trains activists. It is because it forms leaders. Woke ideologies have no place in that formation.

I have joined fellow alumni, public officials, and grassroots leaders in calling for accountability at Texas A&M. Course content must align with published descriptions. Students must be free to express religious and legal objections without retaliation. And the leadership of Texas A&M must recommit itself to the values that distinguish our university from so many others.

Texas A&M’s reputation matters. It matters for the students choosing where to study, for the families who sacrifice to send them, for the alumni who support their alma mater, and for the state of Texas that holds A&M as its flagship.

It is time to restore trust. Texas A&M must remain true to its mission.

Karen M. Early ’85
Texas A&M Alumna
State Delegate, Republican Party of Texas (2024)
Contributor, Texas & National GOP Platforms

Texas A&M University Leadership

1. President Mark A. Welsh III

• Email: president@tamu.edu

• Contact Form: President’s Office Contact

• Phone (Office): (979) 845-2217

2. Board of Regents, Texas A&M System

• Email: bor@tamus.edu

• General Contact Page: Board of Regents Contact

• Phone: (979) 458-7700

3. Chancellor Glenn Hegar

• Email: chancellor@tamus.edu

• Contact Page: Office of the Chancellor

• Phone: (979) 458-600

  State Officials

  4. Governor Greg Abbott

  • Online Contact Form: Office of the Governor Contact

  • Phone: (512) 463-2000

  • Twitter/X: @GovAbbott

  5. Attorney General Ken Paxton

  • Online Complaint/Inquiry Form: Attorney General Contact

  • Phone (Constituent Services): (512) 463-2100

  • Twitter/X: @KenPaxtonTX

  6. Representative Marc LaHood (District 121)

  • Legislative Website Contact: House Member Page

  • Capitol Phone: (512) 463-0646

  • District Phone (San Antonio): (210) 308-9700

  • Twitter/X: @marclahood121

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