Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III has resigned from his position, a decision announced by the Texas A&M System on Thursday, September 18, 2025. His departure follows a public controversy surrounding a professor's lesson that included the topic of gender identity. On Friday, hundreds of students gathered to show their support as he left the university's administration building for the final time.
Key Takeaways
- Mark A. Welsh III resigned as President of Texas A&M University, effective Friday, September 19, 2025.
- The resignation follows a national controversy sparked by a viral video of a professor discussing gender identity in a children's literature course.
- Welsh, who served since 2023, received a large, supportive farewell from students upon his departure.
- The Texas A&M System will appoint an interim president and begin a national search for a permanent replacement.
Details of the Resignation
The Texas A&M System Board of Regents and Chancellor Glenn Hegar formally announced the resignation on Thursday evening. The decision came approximately one week after a video from a summer course gained national attention, leading to intense debate and pressure on the university's leadership.
In a statement, Chancellor Hegar acknowledged Welsh's service. "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."
The university confirmed that an interim president would be named shortly. A comprehensive national search will be conducted to find a permanent successor to lead the nearly 79,000-student institution.
Background of the Controversy
The events leading to the resignation began with the circulation of a video online. The footage showed a now-former professor including the topic of gender identity in a children's literature class. This lesson became the subject of widespread discussion on social media and in national news, placing the university's curriculum and leadership under scrutiny.
Welsh's Farewell Message
On Friday morning, Welsh released a letter addressed to the university community. In it, he reflected on his tenure without directly detailing the recent controversy.
"When I was first appointed as President of Texas A&M University, I told then Chancellor John Sharp and our Board of Regents that I would serve as well as I possibly could until it was time for someone else to take over," Welsh wrote. "Over the past few days, it’s become clear that now is that time."
He described his two-year presidency as a "remarkable gift" and expressed gratitude to the university's leadership, faculty, and staff. His most extensive praise was reserved for the student body.
"You make this university whole," he stated. "You give it a pulse. You bring it light. Thank you for constantly reminding me that living our Core Values lays the foundation for a life of value."
An Emotional Departure
The former president's final exit from the administration building on Friday was met with a large crowd of students and supporters. Hundreds of people gathered to applaud Welsh and his wife, Betty, as they left.
Video from the event showed Welsh hugging students, including a university yell leader. The university's live mascot, Reveille, was also present. According to reports from the student newspaper, The Battalion, the crowd joined the Welshes in singing the university anthem, "Spirit of Aggieland." At the conclusion of the song, Welsh raised a fist and shouted, "God bless all of you!" to loud cheers.
Strong Student Support
Throughout the week, student support for President Welsh was evident. More than 100 current and former student leaders co-signed a letter to the Board of Regents on Wednesday, expressing admiration for his leadership and urging them to retain him. Many students and faculty credited the retired four-star general with restoring stability and trust after a period of administrative turmoil.
A Presidency Focused on Stability
Mark Welsh, a former chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, began his presidency in 2023. He took office during a challenging period for Texas A&M, which had faced issues related to academic freedom and administrative transparency under the previous leadership.
Many members of the university community viewed his leadership as a stabilizing force. Even among those who disagreed with his handling of the recent controversy, some expressed that his resignation was an unwarranted outcome.
Looking Ahead for Texas A&M
With Welsh's departure, the Texas A&M System is now tasked with finding a new leader who can navigate the complexities of a major public university. The upcoming national search will be closely watched by faculty, students, and alumni.
In his final letter, Welsh shared his enduring affection for the institution.
"I will always see you as a shining city on a hill; a wonderful place that welcomed Betty and me into its family... a place where history, tradition, pride, legacy and belief in something bigger than yourself swirl around you as you walk the campus," he wrote. "You have always inspired me … and I’m gonna miss you."
The search for the next president will begin in the coming days as the university community processes this sudden change in leadership.
