August 14, 2008

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

Over the past several weeks, I have been engaged in a process to evaluate Texas A&M University's position of Vice President for Student Affairs and to ultimately identify the right candidate for this extremely important position on our campus. As you know, the Division of

Student Affairs impacts every single Texas A&M student through a wide range of functions such as student government, counseling, student activities, health services, Rec Sports and the operations of the Memorial Student Center, to name just a few. Student Affairs also works in conjunction with student leaders to facilitate activities that are central to the Aggie Spirit, such as Muster, Silver Taps, The Big Event, Fish Camp and Parents' Weekend.

Last month, with the assistance of the Division of Student Affairs, I hosted a couple of focus groups with students to get their perspective on the qualities they would like to see in the next Vice President. Over and over again, these students expressed the desire for someone who would be approachable and down-to-earth, inclusive of all students, passionate about his or her job, able to communicate and innovate, and exhibit tremendous care for students, while serving as a staunch advocate and champion for their best interests. And foremost, the next Vice President must have an in-depth understanding and great appreciation for Texas A&M's values and traditions.

Frankly, these comments were not surprising to me, for they are qualities that I also value in the Vice President for Student Affairs. These are similar themes that I have heard from various other groups of students and former students over the past eight months and in my previous role as a Vice Chancellor and Dean. It is evident that Texas A&M needs an effective administrator in this position who works across the various divisions and academic units on our campus, and manages a diverse portfolio of student services in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

Since my appointment as President in January, I have also been approached by students, both current and former, who are concerned about the slow decline in the practice of some of Texas A&M's most valued and recognizable traditions. I have observed this decline for myself and it also concerns me.

In addition, my interactions with many of you, including Deans and members of the faculty, have identified a desire for there to be "one education" at Texas A&M, or in other words, a closer connection between academic endeavors and student activities. And finally, we have a need for better inclusion and integration of graduate students, international students and other groups into the mainstream of student life at Texas A&M. Strengthening these areas form some of the basic tenets of Vision 2020 - our quest to be recognized as one of the top 10 public institutions of higher education in the country.

After much consideration of this information as well as the evaluation of potential candidates, I have decided to recommend to the Board of Regents that Mr. Joseph F. Weber '72 serve as Texas A&M's next Vice President for Student Affairs. Support for Mr. Weber has come via recommendations from numerous former students and friends of Texas A&M. Through my personal interactions with him in recent days, I have experienced firsthand the passion and energy he will bring to Student Affairs, and I truly believe he is the right person to serve in this capacity at this time in our university's history.

Mr. Weber has a distinguished career with the U.S. Marine Corps, having served in various capacities, most recently as the head of the Marine Corps Forces Command. His background and experience are a testament to his tremendous leadership skills, as well as his abilities as an effective administrator in large, complex organizations. You don't get to lead one of the three major commands in the Marine Corps - responsible for 74,000 people and an $80 million budget - if you don't know how to plan, implement, and achieve results. Joe is greatly admired by the diverse population of Marines under his command. They see him as a person of great character and integrity, who is caring and passionate for doing what is right for those under his care.

In addition, Joe is an Aggie through and through. He and his wife Brenda are absolutely dedicated to Texas A&M, and they have passed that love for the university to their children: Clint '98 and Julie '01. Through their children, the Webers have been actively involved in the Corps of Cadets, Muster, Greek Life and even Vision 2020. It is obvious that Joe understands Texas A&M's traditions and values, and he is committed to preserving them for future generations of Aggies. He is also a leader who has dedicated his life to the development and mentoring of young people. In a letter of support, our own state Senator Steve Ogden said that Joe was a "talented leader of impeccable character" and offered his unqualified endorsement for him to serve as Vice President for Student Affairs.

Joe's work experience is replete with skills and talents that are transferable to the successful leading of any organization, and especially those dealing with young people. He believes in teamwork and in the leadership that comes from serving side by side with others. Given the outstanding group of professionals in our Division of Student Affairs, I have no doubt he has a team that can help support him with direct experience in this field that will complement his own. In fact, Joe's background in fiscal management and strategic planning should bring a new perspective to Student Affairs that can provide innovative approaches to enhancing the functions of the Division to the benefit of our students.

Pending approval by the Board of Regents this Friday, August 15th, I ask that you help me welcome Joe and Brenda Weber to Texas A&M next week. They are already part of the Aggie Family, and I have no doubt that Joe will serve our students with the same dedication and passion that we expect from someone who has a distinguished career in serving our country.

Thank you, and Gig 'Em!

Dr. Elsa A. Murano

President

Comments

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9 comment(s) found!

Posted by: MNB On: 8/18/2008

Comment Title: This is not a military school
She must want to take us back 20 years and rather then 2020; she has made many bad decisions since she has been appointed and continues to mess up the structure/system. Bring Gates back to clean up this mess.

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Posted by: NMD On: 8/18/2008

Comment Title: Elsa Murano should resign
This is what happens when you put people in-charge who have no clue of how to do the right things! She is a mistake for Aggies, she should go.

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Posted by: BND On: 8/18/2008

Comment Title: Elsa Murano is corrupt
She continues to loose mark about integrity and process and continue to hire her people in six figures position! She is a desire in making for A&M, bad way of doing the right thing, she needs to resign

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Posted by: On: 8/16/2008

Comment Title: What a joke
As "Concerned" stated, if Mr. Weber is so good, he would of done well through a national search and an open process, giving the faculty, staff and students an opportunity to voice their opinions or concerns. Perhpas it was a political favor; why would the president make such a whimsical move if she's only had "personal interactions with him in recent days". Is this what's called transparent leadership?

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Posted by: FAST '69 On: 8/16/2008

Comment Title: SOUNDS GOOD TO ME
I think Mr. Weber will be great. I never served in the military, but most Marines are special people. I know most Aggies are. With the combintation and his credentials, he should serve well.

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Posted by: Wade Johns On: 8/15/2008

Comment Title: Fine Choice
I served under General Weber in the 11th Marines. He was widely admired and respected. He identifies well with people and never forgets a name. I will be proud to have him in that job.

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Posted by: ag77 On: 8/15/2008

Comment Title: Name that Tradition!
Which ones are you referring to??? Bonfire? Forget it, ain't going to happen. What else? Maybe traditions decline because society, students, and times change. There were plenty of "traditions" that were around in the 1920's and 30's at A&M that are gone now...are those the ones you are talking about?

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Posted by: -concerned On: 8/15/2008

Comment Title: Why no process?
President Murano, If Weber is such a great candidate, I'm sure he would have fared well in a process that included the division, the faculty, and more importantly, the students.

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Posted by: Rick On: 8/15/2008

Comment Title: Great pick
Gen Weber will be a fabulous pick. I met the General when I was a young Lt in the USMC. He was kind, engaging, thoughtful and I was immediately impressed. He loves A&M and is a fine addition to their staff. Congratulations Pres Murano on a great selection.

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