John A. Barton

The Board of Regents approved FY 2026 operating budget guidelines and revisions to multiple system policies. Significant actions included the approval of new and increased graduate program fees at Texas A&M University, the renaming of Texas A&M University-Commerce to East Texas A&M University, and the appointment of an interim president for Texas A&M International University. Furthermore, the Board authorized numerous construction and renovation projects across various system campuses, approved the elimination of certain low-producing academic programs, and granted authorizations for property acquisitions and lease agreements. The meeting also addressed academic tenure, faculty development leave, and the establishment of new academic centers and scholarship endowments.

The Board convened for a regular meeting spanning two days, involving recesses for executive sessions. Key discussions involved financial matters, including approving an increase to the FY 2026 Available University Fund (AUF) allocation for several entities. Numerous actions were taken regarding facilities and construction projects, such as approvals for the Player Development Center at Blue Bell Park, the Meat Sciences & Technology Center, and amendments to the Capital Plan to add or re-designate projects across various institutions (e.g., GI Lab Project, Residence Hall Project, Parking Structure #2 Project). The Committee on Academic and Student Affairs addressed mental health support, course review processes, and approved revisions to System Policies 08.01 (Civil Rights Protections and Compliance) and 12.01 (Academic Freedom, Responsibility and Tenure). Additional items included the appointment of new leadership positions such as the Interim Provost at Tarleton State University and the Board of Regents General Counsel, as well as resolutions honoring a retiring director and the Tarleton State University Rodeo Teams. The consent agenda covered approvals for academic tenure, designation of Regents Professor Awards, conferring Emeritus titles, and approving new degree programs at Tarleton State University.

The Board addressed several agenda items. Key discussions included the authorization for the Chancellor to negotiate and execute an agreement for the purchase of hardware, software, and related services for a new supercomputer system, with corresponding appropriations approved. Furthermore, the Board approved an amendment to the FY 2025 -- FY 2029 Capital Plan to add the Texas A&M Maritime Academy Hall Building Envelope Repair Project at Texas A&M University at Galveston, including approval of its scope, budget, and appropriation for construction services. Finally, the Board approved the elimination of the Non-Resident License Option Fee at Texas A&M University at Galveston, effective with the fall 2025 semester.

The agenda for this meeting included significant financial and academic actions for The Texas A&M University System. Key items involved the approval of the FY 2027 Operating Budget Guidelines, increased student service fees for Fall 2026, and approval of new/increased graduate program fees. Numerous capital projects required amendments to the FY 2026-FY 2030 Capital Plan, covering projects such as the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute/Infrastructure/Equipment Project, various renovations at Texas A&M University, and new housing/athletics projects at Texas A&M University-Central Texas and Texas A&M University-Texarkana. The board also addressed revisions to System Policies, including those related to Academic Mission Statements, Core Curriculum compliance, Information Resources, and Information Security, as well as amendments to the Bylaws of the Board of Regents. Further agenda items included authorizations for land purchase and lease negotiations, the honoring of the Women's Volleyball Team, and the approval of multiple new degree programs across several universities (ETAMU, PVAMU, Tarleton, Texas A&M, A&M-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M-Kingsville). Multiple items involved the naming of facilities, centers, and laboratories.

The key discussion topics for this special telephonic meeting included significant personnel appointments and contract authorizations. The Board appointed Dr. Salvador Hector Ochoa as President of Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Additionally, Dr. Ross Alexander was named the sole finalist for the President position at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and Mr. Alphonse Gregory Davis was appointed Director of the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Board also authorized the President to negotiate and execute an amended employment contract with Brent "Buzz" Williams, the Head Men's Basketball Coach. Finally, substantive revisions to System Policy 17.01, Intellectual Property Management and Commercialization, were approved, along with authorization for the Chancellor to adjust the allocation of commercialization income to Texas A&M Innovation, effective March 1, 2023.