College Station, Texas, September 19, 2025

News Summary

Mark A. Welsh III has resigned from his position as president of Texas A&M University following backlash over a classroom presentation on gender identity. His resignation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding diversity and inclusion initiatives within the university. Following Welsh’s departure, the Texas A&M System Board of Regents will search for an interim president and a permanent replacement. Welsh had garnered support from students and faculty but faced criticism from conservative lawmakers regarding his ability to address state values in education.

College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh Resigns Following Controversy Over Gender Identity Teaching

Mark A. Welsh III resigned as president of Texas A&M University on Thursday, effective immediately, following a controversy surrounding a classroom presentation on gender identity. This incident prompted a viral video to circulate, leading to significant backlash from various political figures primarily across the Republican spectrum.

The Texas A&M System Board of Regents is in the process of appointing an interim president and will conduct a search for a permanent replacement in the coming weeks. Chancellor Glenn Hegar commended Welsh as “a man of honor” and expressed gratitude for his service during his brief tenure.

Welsh had gained substantial support from students upon his arrival in 2023, where he was credited with restoring faculty morale after prior issues related to academic freedom. While he faced intense scrutiny concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Welsh had supporters among faculty members who characterized him as a principled leader. They sent letters to the Board of Regents in an effort to back him during the upheaval.

The Controversy

The controversy ignited when a student raised concerns about a professor’s presentation on gender and sexuality. The reaction from conservative lawmakers was swift and critical, culminating in discourse led by Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who stated that if Welsh could not uphold what he described as state values, changes within the administration were necessary.

Despite his popularity on campus, Welsh’s struggle to gain broader community support became evident. He had previously removed a dean and department head over course content controversies, and most notably, he terminated the employment of the lecturer central to the gender identity issue. This latter move, while intended to address the concerns raised, led to further discussions among faculty regarding the implications for academic freedom.

Impact on Diversity Initiatives

This controversy occurred against a backdrop of ongoing debates about DEI initiatives in Texas public education. Following state-level legislation banning DEI programs, Welsh conducted a thorough audit of 16,000 course sections to ensure compliance with evolving legal standards. The university received a clean audit for its adherence to DEI laws over the past year.

Welsh’s resignation marks a continuation of instability at the university, as it follows the resignation of former President M. Katherine Banks, who also departed amid controversy. Welsh, a retired four-star general and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, was initially seen as a stabilizing presence at Texas A&M, known for being approachable and involved in campus life. He often attended student events and maintained a transparent leadership style that included regular communication with the campus community.

In light of this recent development, Chancellor Hegar indicated that the time is ripe for changes that would help ensure Texas A&M’s excellence in the future. The Board of Regents is expected to announce an interim president soon, as the search for a long-term replacement begins.

Key Facts

• Mark A. Welsh III resigned as president effective immediately.
• Controversy arose from a classroom presentation on gender identity.
• Texas A&M System Board will seek an interim and permanent president.
• Welsh faced significant criticism from Republican lawmakers.
• His leadership aimed to restore faculty morale despite challenges with broader community support.

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Additional Resources

• KBTX
• Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
• CBS Sports
• Google Search: Marcel Reed Texas A&M
• The Statesman
• Google Scholar: Bryce Anderson Texas A&M
• Spectrum Local News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mark A. Welsh III
• Gig ‘Em Gazette
• Google News: Texas A&M football throwback uniforms

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