The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has officially appointed General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III as the 27th president of Texas A&M University. The decision was made during a board meeting on Tuesday, solidifying Welsh’s leadership role after serving as the interim president since July.
Chairman Bill Mahomes expressed confidence in Welsh, stating, “The board is certain that General Welsh will make a Texas-sized impact as president of our world-class flagship. His remarkable career embodies Aggie core values. Now his mission is to raise Texas A&M’s national stature in research, education, and student experience.”
Welsh, a retired four-star general, was the board’s sole finalist for the presidency, a recommendation put forth by John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. Sharp commended Welsh’s swift and decisive actions during his initial weeks as interim president, emphasizing the veteran leader’s commitment to Aggie core values.
“Welsh is a collaborative, forward-thinking servant leader whose contributions will enhance excellence at Texas A&M for generations. The board is pleased to have him as president,” added Mahomes.
Before assuming the role of interim president, Welsh served as the dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service since 2016. His illustrious career includes four decades in the U.S. Air Force, where he held positions such as a fighter pilot, a four-star general, and the 20th chief of staff of the Air Force.
Welsh’s extensive military service also involved commanding the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, NATO’s Air Command at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, and serving as the associate director of military affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency. Moreover, he held the position of commandant at the United States Air Force Academy.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Welsh released a statement, saying, “It has been an unbelievable privilege to represent Texas A&M as interim president over the last few months — one of the greatest honors of my life.”
The Board also authorized President Welsh to negotiate and execute a ground lease for approximately 32.4 acres of land from NASA. The site will host a research facility focusing on lunar and Mars surfaces, with the Legislature allocating $200 million for its construction. Additionally, the Board approved the second half of the $150 million required for the construction of the Law & Education Building in Fort Worth, marking the initiation of a planned urban research campus.
Welsh, who considers himself an Aggie by association, with familial ties to the university, expressed his readiness to work with the faculty, staff, and students in shaping the future of Texas A&M.
