Texas A&M President Mark Welsh Announces Resignation Amid Campus Turmoil

In a surprise move, Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III announced his resignation following a special meeting of the A&M System Board of Regents on Thursday, Sept. 18, ending his tenure amid controversy over faculty dismissals and student protests.

The decision comes after weeks of campus unrest triggered by the termination of an English professor over a viral classroom video and subsequent demands from state lawmakers for Welsh’s removal. His departure marks a swift conclusion to a presidency that began amid high expectations in December 2023.

Resignation Cited Board Consensus and Leadership Legacy Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Board of Regents expressed gratitude for Welsh’s distinguished Air Force and academic service while agreeing that a leadership change was necessary to restore campus unity. Welsh, a retired four-star general, will remain in office until 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, as the board launches a national search for his successor.

Timeline of Events

  • Sept. 9: Welsh rescinded administrative roles from the English department chair and dean after a student’s viral protest over gender identity content.
  • Sept. 10: The English professor featured in the video was fired, sparking condemnation from faculty and student groups.
  • Mid-Sept.: Republican lawmakers, led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, publicly criticized Welsh for “radical trans indoctrination” and demanded his ouster.
  • Sept. 18: Special regents meeting convened; Welsh’s resignation announced minutes after session adjourned.

Campus Reactions and Next Steps Faculty members and student leaders had submitted letters of support, praising Welsh’s transparency and calling his leadership vital for institutional stability. Nevertheless, the board concluded that new leadership would better position Texas A&M for future excellence. An interim president will be appointed immediately to ensure a seamless transition, and a permanent replacement will be selected through a national search.

Implications for Texas A&M Welsh’s exit underscores the growing influence of political pressures on higher-education governance in Texas. As the university prepares for leadership turnover, stakeholders will watch closely how the next administration navigates campus free-speech debates and state regulatory demands.