Mark A. Welsh III has resigned as president of Texas A&M University following intense political pressure and a viral video controversy involving a professor's lecture on gender identity. The resignation, announced Thursday, marks the second time in two years that the university's top leader has departed under contentious circumstances.
The Texas A&M System Board of Regents confirmed that Welsh's final day will be Friday. Officials will appoint an interim president while launching a national search for a permanent replacement for the leader of one of the nation's largest universities.
Key Takeaways
- Mark A. Welsh III resigned as president of Texas A&M University after less than two years in the role.
- The resignation followed a viral video and political backlash over a lecturer's classroom discussion on gender identity.
- Welsh initially defended the lecturer but later fired her and removed two department administrators.
- He is the second consecutive president to leave the position amid controversy, raising concerns about leadership stability.
- The university system has ordered a comprehensive audit of all courses across its 12 campuses.
The Catalyst for Departure
Welsh's resignation is the direct result of a rapidly escalating situation that began on September 8 when state Rep. Brian Harrison posted a student-recorded video on the social media platform X. The video showed a student questioning a presentation on gender and sexuality by senior lecturer Melissa McCoul.
The student suggested the lecture might be illegal, citing former President Donald Trump's statements on gender and their personal religious beliefs. A separate video clip showed Welsh telling a student he would not fire the professor, which further fueled criticism from conservative circles.
In a statement on Thursday, Chancellor Glenn Hegar acknowledged Welsh's service but supported the leadership change. "President Welsh is a man of honor who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication," Hegar said. "At the same time, we agree that now is the right moment to make a change and to position Texas A&M for continued excellence in the years ahead."
A Swift Reversal
Initially, Welsh appeared to stand by academic freedom. However, as political pressure mounted, including from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the administration's position shifted dramatically. Patrick stated that "change needs to happen" if the university's leadership did not reflect state values.
Within hours of the video's circulation, Welsh and Hegar issued statements condemning "indoctrination." Welsh then removed a dean and a department head from their administrative roles. The next day, he terminated McCoul's employment, a move that concerned some faculty members about academic freedom protections. McCoul has since filed an appeal against her termination.
Background on Texas DEI Law
A Texas law banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at public universities went into effect in 2024. However, the law does not prohibit classroom discussion or research on topics such as gender, sexuality, or race. Texas A&M had previously passed an audit confirming its compliance with the anti-DEI statute.
A Presidency Marked by Instability
Welsh, a retired four-star Air Force general, became president in 2023. He was tasked with stabilizing the university after his predecessor, M. Katherine Banks, resigned over a failed hiring attempt involving a prominent Black journalist, Kathleen McElroy. Critics of that hiring process had raised concerns about McElroy's past work in diversity and inclusion.
Despite enjoying broad support from students and faculty for his efforts to restore morale, Welsh's tenure was short-lived. His departure means Texas A&M has now seen two presidents leave in just over two years.
Faculty members had rallied in support of Welsh before his resignation. In a letter to the board, prominent professors described him as a rare leader with an "unwavering ethical compass" and warned that his removal would further damage the university's reputation for leadership instability.
Texas A&M University at a Glance
- Founded: 1876
- Enrollment: Approximately 79,000 students
- Status: Flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System
- System Size: 12 universities across Texas
System-Wide Course Audit Ordered
In an attempt to address the controversy, Welsh announced a comprehensive review of all 16,000 course sections at the College Station campus. The goal was to ensure course content aligns with published descriptions. The Board of Regents expanded this initiative, directing Chancellor Hegar to audit courses across all 12 universities in the system to ensure compliance with applicable laws.
Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton later clarified his view in an interview, stating he believed McCoul's teaching broke the law not because of DEI, but because the content was not relevant to a children's literature course. "You have to stay within your subject area," Albritton said, distinguishing the lecture from what might be appropriate in a psychology class.
"Does that belong, trying to teach kids... that it's okay to have this behavior and this behavior? Not in children’s lit," Albritton stated, explaining his position on the course content.
Leadership and Legacy
Mark Welsh is not a Texas A&M alumnus, having graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy. However, he has deep ties to the university through his family and previously served as dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service starting in 2016.
During his brief presidency, he initiated several key projects, including the Task Force on Academic Freedom & Faculty Protection, which was created to address concerns raised during the previous administration. He also commissioned studies on university capacity and student experience, which resulted in a five-year pause on undergraduate enrollment growth to preserve the unique Aggie culture.
Known for his transparency, Welsh frequently communicated with the campus community through letters and updates. His supporters, including former Chancellor John Sharp, believed he was on track to become one of the university's most popular presidents. His sudden departure leaves the future of Texas A&M's leadership uncertain as it prepares for another presidential search.
