Texas A&M University President Resigns Amid Controversy

College Station, Texas, September 19, 2025

News Summary

Mark Welsh, the president of Texas A&M University, has announced his resignation effective Friday at 5 p.m. His departure comes after just two years in office, amid controversies surrounding a viral video incident and the subsequent termination of a professor over gender-related teaching content. Pressure from lawmakers prompted discussions for change within the university’s leadership, with support for Welsh voiced by student organizations. A nationwide search for a new president will begin shortly, while an interim leader will be appointed to guide the university through this transition.

College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh has announced his resignation, effective Friday at 5 p.m. The announcement follows a nearly two-hour meeting held by Chancellor Glenn Hegar and the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.

Welsh’s resignation comes after just two years in his position. He took office in 2023, following a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force. His departure is rooted in ongoing controversies, particularly surrounding a recent classroom incident involving a viral video related to a children’s literature lesson addressing gender issues. This incident led to the termination of professor Melissa McCoul, which drew significant public scrutiny and criticism.

Pressure on Welsh escalated as Republican lawmakers, including Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Governor Greg Abbott, expressed their dissatisfaction with how the university handled the situation. Chancellor Hegar articulated the necessity for change, aiming to realign Texas A&M’s future with its core values. This resignation arrives amid rising tensions regarding educational policies encompassing issues of race and gender.

Despite calls for Welsh’s resignation, support for his leadership was voiced by the Texas A&M Student Government Association and Aggie Moms, both of which sent letters to the Board of Regents in his favor. Nonetheless, Hegar and Board Chairman Robert Albritton commended Welsh, acknowledging him as a “man of honor” who demonstrated dedication during his presidency.

Welsh played a pivotal role in the controversial termination of McCoul, which was based on allegations of her teaching content that purportedly deviated from established course descriptions and norms. These claims have since been contested by both McCoul and her attorney. The fallout from this incident spurred wider discussions within the university regarding its educational policies focused on race and gender, ultimately leading Welsh to initiate an audit of course content across the university system.

The timing of Welsh’s resignation, occurring just as the academic year was about to begin, highlights the polarized atmosphere surrounding contemporary educational discussions. Following Welsh’s departure, the Board of Regents has committed to a nationwide search for a new president while also appointing an interim leader to guide the university.