The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents today named Dr. M. Katherine Banks as the sole finalist for the position of president of Texas A&M University.
“This is a tremendous honor,” Banks said. “The core values of Texas A&M, its rich traditions, unique culture and commitment to the greater good is the very foundation of this great university and resonates deeply with me. I hope to build upon that framework in our pursuit of preeminence, without losing what makes Texas A&M so special. Texas A&M is one of a kind and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Banks is currently director of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, dean of the Texas A&M College of Engineering, and vice chancellor of engineering and national laboratories for the A&M System.
In those roles, she spurred unprecedented growth in the College of Engineering while also being a pivotal leader in some of the A&M System’s greater accomplishments, including recruiting the Army Futures Command to the RELLIS Campus and winning a federal contract to help manage Los Alamos National Laboratory.
On Wednesday, Chancellor John Sharp recommended Banks as sole finalist and the board approved. Under state law, regents name a finalist for at least 21 days before making the appointment at a subsequent meeting.
“The board was excited to know the search yielded tremendous interest and many qualified candidates,” said Elaine Mendoza, chairman of the Board of Regents. “This speaks to the stellar reputation, credibility and positive momentum of Texas A&M University. The board is confident that Dr. Banks will lead the university to even greater heights while celebrating the traditions and spirit that make Texas A&M unique.”
For more information, see the full press release about Banks being named sole finalist.