Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III will step down from his position on Friday, September 19, 2025, following a period of intense scrutiny over course content at the university. His resignation comes after the demotion of two administrators and the termination of a professor related to a dispute over LGBTQ topics in a literature class.
The university's Board of Regents has appointed Dr. John C. Sharp to serve as interim president while a national search for a permanent replacement is conducted. The controversy gained significant attention after a video of a classroom confrontation went viral, leading to calls for action from state lawmakers.
Key Takeaways
- Mark Welsh III is resigning as President of Texas A&M University effective September 19, 2025.
- The resignation follows the demotion of two administrators and the firing of one professor over a course content dispute.
- A viral video showing a student-professor confrontation over alleged LGBTQ content in a course sparked the controversy.
- The Board of Regents has ordered a system-wide audit of all university courses to ensure compliance with laws and descriptions.
- Dr. John C. Sharp has been named interim president.
Leadership Change Announced
The leadership transition at Texas A&M University was confirmed in a statement from Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the TAMU Board of Regents. Mark A. Welsh III will officially leave his post at 5 p.m. on Friday, concluding a tenure that began in December 2023. He had previously served as interim president starting in July 2023.
In the official announcement, university leadership acknowledged Welsh's service while signaling a need for a new direction.
"President Welsh is a man of honor who has led Texas A&M with selfless dedication," Chancellor Hegar stated. "We are grateful for his service and contributions. 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."
Board of Regents Chairman Robert Albritton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Welsh's contributions. "General Welsh’s legacy of leadership and service is one that the Aggie family will always remember," Albritton said. "The Board of Regents is united in ensuring that this transition strengthens the university’s future and keeps Texas A&M true to its mission and values."
Events Leading to the Resignation
The president's departure is the culmination of several weeks of turmoil that began with a viral video. The video showed a student in a children's literature course confronting a professor about the inclusion of what the student described as LGBTQ content.
Viral Video and Administrative Actions
Following the video's circulation, President Welsh announced the demotion of two "key leaders" within the university's College of Arts and Sciences. He stated the decision was based on misleading course descriptions that did not align with the actual material being taught, causing students to be let down.
Shortly after the demotions, a professor was terminated. Chancellor Hegar clarified that the termination was due to the professor's failure to align her course content with the official course description provided to students.
Timeline of Key Events
- Early September 2025: A video of a student confronting a professor over course content goes viral online.
- Following Week: President Welsh demotes two administrators in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Soon After: A professor is terminated for misaligned course content.
- September 18, 2025: President Mark Welsh III announces his resignation.
Political Pressure and System-Wide Audit
The situation at Texas A&M quickly drew the attention of Texas state officials, who exerted public pressure on the university's leadership. The viral video became a focal point for lawmakers concerned about curriculum in public universities.
Calls for Terminations
Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, calling for the firing of "the professor who acted contrary to Texas law."
State Representative Brian Harrison, a Texas A&M alumnus, took a more aggressive stance, calling for President Welsh himself to be fired. Harrison has been a vocal critic of LGBTQ-related coursework at the university. He also released audio on X of a conversation he claims was between Welsh and a student, where Welsh allegedly confirmed the existence of such courses and suggested creating a new academic track for LGBTQ literature.
Course Audit Mandated
In response to the growing controversy, the Texas A&M Board of Regents directed Chancellor Hegar to initiate a comprehensive audit of every course offered at all campuses within the university system. The stated goal of the audit is to ensure all courses are in full compliance with applicable state laws and that their content accurately reflects their public descriptions.
The Legal and Policy Landscape in Texas
The debate at Texas A&M is unfolding within a specific legal context in the state. In 2023, Texas passed legislation banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and programs at all public universities.
Furthermore, a new law, Senate Bill 37, is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. This bill will grant university regents significantly more authority and oversight regarding the curriculum and content of courses taught at public institutions.
The Path Forward for Texas A&M
With Welsh's departure imminent, the university is moving to establish new leadership. The Board of Regents has already named Dr. John C. Sharp, a well-known figure in the A&M system, as the interim president to guide the university through this transitional period.
The board has also announced its intention to launch a nationwide search for a permanent president. The search will aim to find a leader who can navigate the complex academic and political environment while upholding the university's core mission.
The outcome of the system-wide course audit and the direction set by the new leadership will be closely watched by students, faculty, alumni, and state lawmakers. The events of the past month have placed Texas A&M at the center of a broader national conversation about academic freedom, curriculum control, and the role of public universities.
