College Station, Texas, September 19, 2025
News Summary
Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh resigns following a controversial classroom incident over a children’s literature lesson about gender. His resignation, effective at 5 p.m. Friday, comes after calls from conservative Texans and the termination of professor Melissa McCoul. Chancellor Glenn Hegar emphasized the need for change, praising Welsh’s dedication but highlighting the tensions surrounding educational standards and societal values. The university will begin a national search for a new president while appointing an interim leader.
College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh is resigning from his position effective Friday at 5 p.m. This announcement was made by Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents following a nearly 2-hour Board meeting. Welsh’s departure is occurring amidst renewed calls from conservative Texans demanding his resignation, sparked by a controversy involving a video of a classroom disagreement.
The video in question depicted a disagreement regarding a children’s literature lesson that focused on gender, which subsequently led to the termination of professor Melissa McCoul. Claims were made against McCoul alleging that her course content did not conform to curriculum standards, a decision Welsh endorsed. However, McCoul’s attorney has countered that her course content was consistent with expectations. In addition to McCoul’s termination, Welsh also ordered the removal of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the head of the English Department from their roles.
Chancellor Hegar expressed that it is the “right moment to make a change” for Texas A&M’s future success. He praised Welsh as a “man of honor” who has dedicated his service to the university. However, the controversy surrounding the classroom incident and subsequent faculty termination drew criticism from Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, who emphasized the importance of the university reflecting the values of Texas.
In response to the situation, the Texas A&M Student Government Association and other student groups sent letters to the Board of Regents expressing support for Welsh in hopes of preventing his resignation.
Welsh’s presidency began in 2023 after his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, and he previously served as dean of the university’s School of Government and Public Service. Following his resignation, Chancellor Hegar indicated that a national search for a new president would be initiated, alongside a timely appointment of an interim leader.
Upcoming Transition
The leadership transition is critical as Texas A&M navigates this contentious moment, striving to regain stability within its administration. The Board of Regents’ swift action reflects the ongoing tensions in academia regarding content and representation in educational settings, particularly as they relate to broader societal values.
In summary, President Mark Welsh’s resignation represents a significant moment for Texas A&M University, as leaders seek to address the complexities of educational standards in light of societal expectations while pursuing the future development of the institution.
FAQ
What is the reason for Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh’s resignation?
Welsh’s resignation comes amid renewed calls from conservative Texans for his resignation due to a controversy involving a video of a classroom disagreement over a children’s literature lesson about gender.
Who was terminated in relation to the controversy?
The termination of professor Melissa McCoul was a key event related to the controversy, as claims were made that her course content did not align with curriculum standards.
What actions did Welsh take concerning faculty members?
Welsh ordered McCoul’s termination, and he also ordered the removal of the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the head of the English Department from their roles.
What did Chancellor Hegar state about Welsh’s presidency?
Chancellor Hegar stated it is the “right moment to make a change” for the university’s future success, praising Welsh as a “man of honor” who has served Texas A&M with dedication.
What steps will be taken following Welsh’s resignation?
Chancellor Hegar mentioned a national search for a new president would be conducted along with the timely appointment of an interim leader.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Resignation Effective | Friday at 5 p.m. |
| Controversy Source | Classroom disagreement over children’s literature lesson about gender |
| Termination of Faculty | Professor Melissa McCoul |
| Other Faculty Changes | Removal of dean and head of English Department |
| Future Plans | National search for new president and interim leader appointment |
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Additional Resources
- Bloomberg: Texas A&M President Welsh Resigns After Gender Lesson Backlash
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
- KBTX: Texas A&M University President Ousted After Viral Video Controversy
- Google Search: Texas A&M University President Resignation
- New York Times: Texas A&M President’s Gender Ideology Controversy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gender Ideology
- CNN: Texas A&M University President Stepping Down
- Google News: Mark Welsh Texas A&M
- CBS News: Texas A&M President Mark Welsh Resigns Amid Political Backlash
- Google Scholar: Texas A&M President Welsh
- Washington Post: Texas A&M President Resigns Amid Gender Controversy
- Houston Chronicle: Welsh Out at A&M
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