Texas A&M University president resigns after ‘gender ideology’ controversy

Mark A Welsh III steps down after student's complaint led to firing of teacher and dismissal of dean and department head

The president of Texas A&M University's main campus is stepping down less than two weeks after a student's viral complaint about gender ideology" in the classroom set off a chain of repercussions, including the firing of the teacher as well as the dismissal of a dean and department chair.

Mark A Welsh III, a retired air force four-star general, has been leading the university since 2022. His career before higher education included time as a fighter pilot, service on the joint chiefs of staff, work as the CIA's associate director for military affairs, a term as commandant of cadets at the Air Force Academy, and a stint as dean of the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M.