John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, announced his retirement effective June 30, 2025. Sharp will have served nearly 14 years in his role, overseeing 11 universities, eight state agencies, Texas A&M-Fort Worth, and Texas A&M-RELLIS. The A&M System, with a $7.3 billion budget, serves over 157,000 students and boasts research and development expenditures exceeding $1 billion annually.
In his announcement email, Chancellor Sharp expressed gratitude to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, elected officials, and the faculty, staff, and students for their support during his tenure.
Dr. Ross Alexander, President of Texas A&M University-Texarkana, praised Sharp’s contributions, noting significant campus developments such as the Lois & Cary Patterson Student Center (2018) and the Building for Academic and Student Services (2019). Upcoming projects include a $45 million Business, Engineering, and Technology building and the Red River Credit Union Athletics Complex.
Sharp’s impact extends beyond physical infrastructure, transforming Texas A&M University-Texarkana into a respected regional university.
Sharp and his wife, Diana, plan to move to Austin to spend more time with their family. Sharp stated, “While I am retiring from this job, I will find ways to continue to serve the great state I love.”
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents will launch a national search for Sharp’s successor. Chairman Bill Mahomes commented, “John Sharp is an Aggie icon – bigger than life – and we all are the beneficiaries of his bold leadership. He has made the System smarter, more innovative, and more responsive to the needs of Texans.”
