Since mid June 2009, the nationally-recognized university with a 46,000-plus student enrollment may be in danger of losing its reputation due to ongoing governing disputes and a power struggle over the school’s leadership.
The Texas A&M Power Struggle
In May 2009, Texas A&M System Chancellor Mike McKinney announced that he was considering combining his job with the Texas A&M presidency, a position then held by Elsa Murano. According to a July 1, 2009 article in The Eagle, Bryan-College Station’s local newspaper, McKinney issued a derisive performance evaluation of Murano earlier in February. Murano responded by claiming the evaluation was unwarranted.
Murano announced her resignation on June 14, 2009. The next day, the Texas A&M Board of Regents, the governing body that oversees the university system’s policy, approved a plan to merge itself with the administration of the College Station campus. A&M System officials claimed the merger would save money and keep tuition affordable. The board appointed R. Bowen Loftin as interim president and announced a new president would be selected within six months.
Political Implications and Public Reaction
McKinney is a former chief of staff to Texas Gov. Rick Perry, and Perry is an alumnus of Texas A&M University. Some local officials and educators claim, according to The Eagle, that the governor is paving the way to become president or chancellor of his alma mater. Some distinguished professors at the university have declared political corruption is the culprit.
Other Texas A&M officials have left their posts – by choice or otherwise – and many faculty members have publicly expressed their indignation with the situation. Some fear that Texas A&M’s reputation is at stake, and that the leadership crisis is damaging the university’s exemplary reputation. The Eagle has reported that major financial donors to Texas A&M have threatened to cease their support.
The Situation Intensifies
On June 29, 2009, a faculty survey showed that a large majority of respondents supported a resolution of “no-confidence” against McKinney. The next day, Texas A&M's Faculty Senate passed the resolution. While this does not necessarily mean McKinney will be removed from office, it does show that his support has waned greatly.
The resolution was the first time Texas A&M’s Faculty Senate brought forth and passed a resolution of this type. However, some faculty senators who supported the resolution claim they have no personal vendetta against the chancellor. Others say that the no-confidence resolution was not in the best interest of the university.
According to The Eagle, many faculty members are concerned that plan to merge the Board of Regents with the Texas A&M’s leadership is irresponsible, and that shared governance is improper. Meanwhile, layoffs and budget cuts at Texas A&M’s College Station campus continue, and additional Faculty Senate and Board of Regents meetings are planned to deal with the ongoing situation.
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