THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 | SERVING TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893 | © 2020 STUDENT MEDIA
COVID-SHAMING ON PG. 7
FALL SPORTS UPDATE ON PG. 4
Young to retire in May 2021
ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING PRESIDENT YOUNG’S TENURE Research expenditures up from $854 million in 2014 to $965 million in 2019 More than 750 National Merit Scholars recruited to campus First year retention rate up from 89.8% in 2015 to 94.2% in 2020 Four year graduation rate up from 54.1% in 2015 to 58.6% in 2020 Enrollment increase from 62,185 students in 2014 to more than 71,200 in 2020 More than 450 faculty added since 2015 Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION
On Sept. 2 President Michael K. Young announced his plans to retire after the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year.
Michael K. Young announces he will assume new role at Bush School following his exit from Office of the President By Brady Stone and Hannah Underwood @bradystonex and @hannahbunderwoo
T
exas A&M University President Michael K. Young announced Sept. 2 he will retire from his position, effective May 31, 2021. According to a statement released by the university, Young and his wife have been discussing his retirement for over a year.
“We concluded that, after almost a quarter century of serving in senior academic leadership roles and an increasing desire to turn back to topics that occupied much of my previous career, this would be our last year,” Young said. Young has served as A&M’s president since 2015, when he was recruited by A&M System Chancellor John Sharp from the University of Washington where he also served as president. “I thank Mike Young for his tremendous service to Texas A&M,” Sharp said. “When we recruited him, we wanted him to help Texas A&M become the best public university in the country and we have made great strides in doing so under his leadership. We appreciate his service and look forward to recognizing his achievements in the months
to come.” Following his tenure as president, Young will join the faculty of the Bush School of Government and Public Service as the director of A&M’s new Institute for Religious Liberties and International Affairs. “I am at heart an academic and I have an opportunity here created last year an institute for religious liberties and international affairs that is an area that I feel passionately about and have been working on for much of my career,” Young said. “[I have] a chance to stay here and really advance that cause both academically and I’m a bit of an activist as well.” Chairman of the University System Board of Regents Elaine Mendoza said Young’s achievements during his presidency include boosting the reputation of A&M and helping
students flourish. “President Young has been a transformational leader, contributing to a rise in Texas A&M’s national and international reputation as a global tier one research institution while meeting the growing needs of the citizens of Texas,” Mendoza said. “Of particular note is his work toward student retention, helping those who come to Texas A&M succeed in fulfilling Texas A&M’s mission to graduate leaders who selflessly serve.” During Young’s five years as president, A&M research expenditures have reached almost $1 billion, almost two million square feet of space have been added to the university and the Student Success Initiative has increased A&M’s first-year retention rate as well as the YOUNG ON PG. 3
SEC on-field restrictions alter traditions Band prohibited from marching, Yell Leaders move into stands By Rebecca Morris @RebeccaSheWrote While the sidelines will seem bare and the field will seem silent during halftime at Texas A&M football games, the Aggie Band and Yell Leader team are finding new ways to keep the spirit this fall. Since the SEC announced restrictions for on-field personnel on Aug. 28, the Aggie Band, now unable to perform a live half-time show, has decided to pre-record their drill and display it on the video screens during their usual performance slot. Band director Timothy Rhea said the band made this back-up plan in early August while considering potential situations for the fall. “I understand this is a decision from the SEC, but am disappointed for the members and supporters of the Aggie Band as well as the other bands in the SEC,” Rhea said. “The current Aggie Band has handled the many adjustments to our fall procedures in the same manner as they approach all things — dedication, excellence and enduring pride in all that we do.” The half-time performance will be virtual, though band commander Ross Beazley said the Aggie Band will continue performing in the stands with added safety precautions like social distancing and specialized band facemasks. “I know the safety of the students, players, coaches, faculty and everything is the most SPIRIT ON PG. 3
Meredith Seaver — THE BATTALION
On Sept. 2, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band practiced on Kyle Field for the first time this fall.
REGISTER
NOW! www.blinn.edu
n
Fall Second 8-week courses begin Oct. 9
blinnbound@blinn.edu
Courses that fit your schedule. Tuition that fits your budget.