Students voice support of Welsh in letter to Hegar, Albritton and regents

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Stephen Whitaker

The Texas A&M Student Government Association voiced its support of Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III on Wednesday in the form of a letter signed by over 100 current and former students sent to Chancellor Glenn Hegar, Board of Regents Chairman Bob Albritton and other members of the board.

The letter comes over a week after Welsh fired English professor Melissa McCoul following a video surfacing that reportedly showed McCoul interacting with a student over material she was teaching in a children's literature class earlier this summer. The material may have run afoul of a 2023 Texas law that bans universities from teaching diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) coursework.

Welsh also demoted English department head Emily Johansen and College of Arts and Sciences Dean Mark Zoran. Both Johansen and Zoran are still employed by the university in their roles as English professor and as biology and neuroscience professor.

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In the letter, the students talk about Welsh's leadership in this chapter of Texas A&M history and that it "reflects his deep love for our institution."

The students also share in the letter the ways Welsh has exemplified his love and stewardship for A&M.

"His humility and steadfast presence have fostered trust and confidence throughout our campus community," the letter states. "President Welsh consistently strengthens the values-based culture that defines our University and has instilled a renewed sense of pride in the students of our campus."

McCoul is appealing the firing and considering legal action, according to a statement from her attorney sent to The Eagle last week.

The students never mention any of that in their letter. They instead share with Hegar, Albritton and the regents their belief in Welsh.

"By consistently upholding and living out the Aggie Core Values, he has shown what it means to lead with character. His example inspires students to carry those same values into our daily lives, preparing us to serve others and lead with conviction," the letter states. "He has also reminded us that being an Aggie means more than academic achievement. It means embracing citizenship and love for our country, grounded in a sense of duty to those around us. He has exemplified what it means to be a force for good in our communities."

The letter was signed by the current student body president, head yell leader and Corps Commander along with former student body presidents, head yell leaders and corps commanders.

"Students have come to know President Welsh not only as a leader but also as a listener and mentor. He has stood among us at Silver Taps and Bonfire Remembrance, quietly grieving with us. He has shared moments of celebration at Midnight Yell and graduation," the letter states. "Through his student-focused initiatives and countless interactions he has had with students across campus he has shown his leadership is not distant or detached but rooted in genuine care."

Pressure was first exerted on Welsh by state Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, who shared the original video on Sept. 8.

Harrison called for Welsh to be fired after another audio clip between him and the student from the class surfaced where he suggested the professor would not be removed. The students in the letter defend Welsh and the results he has brought to the university.

"To us his leadership is a canvas painted with reverence, altruism, sincerity and diligence. It is a reflection of a president who leads with both conviction care, seeking to understand before action and consistently putting students at the center of his decisions," the letter states. "Our goal is not to claim his perfection but to recognize his character and the evident results of his leadership across campus. Under his stewardship, Texas A&M has achieved significant progress in academics, research and recognition and we stand stronger because of it."

The students closed out the letter by arguing A&M is better with Welsh as president than it was before.

"We are thankful for and confident in President Welsh's ability to guide Texas A&M with integrity, to preserve the traditions that make our university unique and to prepare us for a future defined by excellence," the letter states. "Texas A&M is better, stronger and more equipped to stand as a force for good because of President Welsh's service. We stand united in support of his leadership, committed to working alongside him to ensure that Texas A&M continues to thrive as the best university in the nation, where tradition excellence walk hand in hand."

The A&M Board of Regents has made no indication it intends to consider removing Welsh from his position. There is a special regents meeting scheduled for Thursday afternoon with personnel items on the agenda, but those items pertain to appointing a president at Texas A&M International University and naming the sole finalist for the position of president at the system's newest school, Texas A&M-Victoria.

Welsh's next scheduled public speaking engagement is at the annual Convocation and State of the University Address scheduled for Sept. 30.

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