Former State Senator Tommy Williams Named Interim President of Texas A&M University

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents appointed former state Senator Tommy Williams as interim president of Texas A&M University on Friday.

Williams, a 1978 graduate of Texas A&M, steps in following the resignation of former president Mark A. Welsh III. Welsh departed amid political pressure linked to a controversial incident involving a student confrontation with a professor over gender-identity topics in a children’s literature course.

The students’ grievances were highlighted in videos posted on social media, which led to significant public discussion. Welsh initially defended the professor, Melissa McCoul, but later decided to fire her as the backlash grew. He resigned on September 19, with ongoing scrutiny regarding his management of the situation.

James R. Hallmark had been serving as the acting president following Welsh’s resignation. The board’s decision to appoint Williams continues a trend where universities have chosen current or former politicians for leadership roles instead of academic professionals.

Texas Tech University and the University of Texas System also recently appointed former politicians to leadership positions. In a changing landscape, many Texas universities are reevaluating their administrative strategies amidst fears of political interference potentially threatening academic freedoms.

Williams has a well-established political background, serving in the Texas House of Representatives and then in the Texas Senate from 2003 to 2013, where he chaired several important committees. Following his legislative career, he worked as vice chancellor of governmental relations for the Texas A&M University System.

“I’m honored to return to Texas A&M in this capacity,” Williams said. “This university means a great deal to me, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff, and former students to support the continued excellence of this great institution.”

Chancellor Glenn Hegar expressed confidence in Williams’s capabilities, highlighting his understanding of the university’s mission and values. He also emphasized Williams’s ties to the Texas Legislature as an asset during this transitional period.

Robert L. Albritton, chairman of the Board of Regents, reiterated the board’s trust in Williams’s ability to lead effectively as they continue searching for a permanent president.