Murano wants former Marine Corps commander as VP

Printer friendly version |

E-mail to a friend |

0 17 comment(s) |

Published Thursday, August 14, 2008 2:26 PM

Murano wants former Marine Corps commander as VP

By HOLLY HUFFMAN
Eagle Staff Writer

Texas A&M University President Elsa Murano said Thursday that she plans to recommend a former commander of the U.S. Marine Corps as the next vice president for student affairs.

Joseph F. Weber is an Aggie graduate and a career military officer who recently retired as leader of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command. He graduated from Texas A&M in 1972, making him a member of the same class as Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Murano said Thursday that Weber he had been recommended by various former students and friends of the university. She pointed to his background and experience, calling it a testament to his leadership skills and administrative abilities.

"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," Murano said in an e-mail sent Thursday to A&M faculty, staff and students.

"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."

The appointment still must be approved by the Texas A&M System Board of Regents. The panel is scheduled to meet via conference call at 9 a.m. Friday.

If approved, Weber will replaced Dean Bresciani, who abruptly resigned last month after four years in his post. Bresciani has not spoken publicly about his departure, but he indicated to fellow administrators that he had been asked to resign.

• Holly Huffman's e-mail is holly.huffman@theeagle.com.

Notice about comments:
TheEagle.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. TheEagle.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not theeagle.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.

Full terms and conditions can be read here.

Comments

(Requires free registration.)

17 comment(s) found!

Posted by: On: 8/16/2008

Comment Title: Tuition Increase Coming
With all these new administration positions she's creating, (Weber's wasn't new, but Townsend's was in Student Activities), the poor students will be hit hard with a tuition increase the next time around. You can say you read it here first! WOW! As a taxpayer, do we really need all these overpriced administrators. Interestingly, Dr. Gates, didn't have all these new positions and he seemed to get alot done with good people and built good momentum in the relatively short time he was in Aggieland. Unfortunately, this administration can't even begin to hold a candle to Dr. Gates.

Posted by: On: 8/15/2008

Comment Title: Great pick
I served under Gen Weber in Japan as a young 1stLt. He is an outstanding leader, a great American, and a loyal, die-hard Ag. The Pres could not have made a better pick. Semper Fi and Gig 'em Aggies!

Posted by: On: 8/15/2008

Comment Title: It's not the person, it's the process
It's not about the person. If he's as incredible as some believe (I have no knowledge) then let him rise to the top in an appropriate process. I find it troubling that out students seem to have more appropriate professional sensibilities than does our president. Very troubling indeed.

Posted by: Confused Aggie On: 8/15/2008

Comment Title: Relevant Experience
If this guy is so great and such a Good Ole Ag, then why wasn't he considered for provost, football coach, VP for research, or any of the deans positions available in agriculture, geosciences, vet medicine, etc.?

Posted by: On: 8/15/2008

Comment Title: New name for school
Named after its dictators- Gov. Good Hair as someone referred to him, and Good ole W. All regents are their cronies. Texas A****** & Meathead University...

Posted by: Aggie Band On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: RH Class of '69
I googled it - maybe you should talk to Bob Gates about the 85 billion - he's the one signing their paychecks. I would think an Aggie from the class of '69 would support a retired Aggie General coming back to College Station. I mean, c'mom - we're not talking about the Dean of the Engineering School for God's sake. This job is about supporting the students. Get off your high horse '69..

Posted by: On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: Jed
Hey Jed, no need to stick the word Hispanic in there unless you have something against that. If you have a prejudice due to her race have the balls to say it and not just whisper it.

Posted by: JM On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: Jed is so wrong
Hey Jed -- I'm on your side on the bad choice, but the A&M president is a conservative Republican. She's one of Perry's allies, and far from liberal. Surprise! You and this liberal agree on something!

Posted by: RH Class of '69 On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title:
This guy served as Chief of Staff of Multi-National Forces in Iraq, effectively leading more than 200,000 Americans, foreign nationals, contractors,. . . Do a Google search on 85 billion - Read the AP article on contractors. If this guy impresses you in light of this article, God help A&M. ----"Having someone who spent more than three decades in the service of our country is a selfless example. . . selfless my butt, try self-serving.

Posted by: Jed On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: Liberal trash
How this hispanic liberal woman became president of texas a&m i will never understand. Jed class of 01

Posted by: WhereIsBobGatesWhenYouNeedHim On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: Back to the Future?
President Murano has failed to stand up to the political machine, and she caved to pressure originating with Gov Perry. Perry and the board treat the University like an arm of the GOP - Under the present operation, the University leadership is reduced to a middle management role, and left to put the sugar on burnt toast decisions handed down by the board and chancellor (who get many of their marching orders directly from Perry). This is a shame, the University had gained tremendous momentum under President Gates and has enjoyed a wonderful period of working with the board to make historical progress. TAMU administrators need to grow a spine.

Posted by: Aggie Ninja '05 On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: Relevant Experience!
No relevant experience? Are you kidding? This guy served as Chief of Staff of Multi-National Forces in Iraq, effectively leading more than 200,000 Americans, foreign nationals, contractors, media, and everything else in an environment that would quibble your typical suede coat college professor. Having someone who spent more than three decades in the service of our country is a selfless example of the type of character we desperately need in the leadership of our student organizations. Gig 'Em, Gen Weber. Semper Fi!

Posted by: On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title:
Dear God, how many VP's are needed?

Posted by: Aggie Greek Goddess On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: Listen up Ags
If you listen closely, you can hear the sound of General Rudder cheering from his grave! I had the opportunity of meeting General Weber when I was a student at Texas A&M at an Aggie tailgate. Surrounded by dignitaries and "important people" General Weber chose to spend his time talking to me and my friends about our academic and career aspirations. A&M students have gained a mentor, advocate and special leader for the future. Welcome Home General Weber and family.

Posted by: On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: one more
one more for vice admiral murano... might as well have perry in the office...

Posted by: the old man in the class of '72 On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: turn back the clock
i am surprised it took the gov this long to get weber into the vp slot. weber was in the original list candidates when bresciani was hired and he did not even make the first cut because he had no relavent experience whatsoever. that sure po-ed the gov something fierce. gates took the heat to back the committee, including the threat of being fired - that's what a real president does. looks like the clock just got turned back in aggieland.

Posted by: The Decider On: 8/14/2008

Comment Title: More Truth
Come on Eagle, Weber was Rick Perry's roommate at A&M...that's more than just being in the same class.