Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp will recommend Mark Welsh III, the interim President at Texas A&M University, as the sole finalist for the permanent position. The Board of Regents is expected to officially name Welsh the sole finalist after a 21-day waiting period. Faculty members have expressed concerns about the lack of faculty involvement in the decision-making process and the university's ability to attract top external talent. Welsh has been praised for his leadership and efforts to involve faculty, students, and staff in decision-making.
Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks has resigned following controversy over the failed hiring of a journalism professor. The university had announced the hiring of Kathleen McElroy, a journalist and professor, but later changed the terms of her proposed employment. McElroy, who is Black, believes her hiring was affected by backlash due to her work on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. A state law banning such programs in public universities is set to go into effect next year. The university is launching an investigation into the failed hire, and the Faculty Senate has formed a fact-finding committee. McElroy intends to remain a professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
Texas A&M President Kathy Banks claims she was unaware of changes made to an offer letter that resulted in a prospective journalism professor declining the position due to conservative backlash. The university's administration did not reach out to the candidate again, citing the potential for legal action. The mishandling of the hiring process has led to calls for an investigation by the Faculty Senate, as professors express dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency. The incident has damaged the university's reputation and highlights the ongoing scrutiny and resistance faced by universities regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
The majority of faculty members at West Texas A&M University have voted no confidence in University President Walter Wendler, following his decision to cancel a drag show on campus in March. The vote is non-binding, but 68.58% of eligible ballots voted in favor of no confidence.
