Texas A&M Chancellor Announces Retirement

COLLEGE STATION, TX — John Sharp, Texas A&M’s longest-serving chancellor, announced his plans to retire Monday, July 1, 2024.

Sharp, who informed the Board of Regents of his decision several weeks ago, made the announcement to his staff Monday that he will retire in June 2025.

Sharp, 73, will have served as chancellor for nearly 14 years when his tenure ends.

“Texas is grateful for Chancellor John Sharp’s unwavering commitment to improving higher education in the State of Texas,” Governor Greg Abbott said. “His extraordinary leadership throughout his time as Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System provided young Texans with the tools they need to thrive in our booming economy.”

Sharp earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M in 1972. He was a member of the Corps staff of the Corps of Cadets, and was elected student body president.

In 1978, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives. He later was elected to serve in the Texas Senate, on the Texas Railroad Commission and twice as state comptroller.

Among Sharp's accomplishments overseeing A&M's system was an $11.4 billion building boom for 306 projects that improved facilities at all 11 system universities and eight state agencies.

He also oversaw the construction and renovation of athletic facilities throughout the system, most notably Kyle Field. Reopened in 2015 with more than 102,000 seats, it is the fourth-biggest football stadium in the nation.

The Board of Regents will conduct a national search in the coming months for Sharp’s successor, said Chairman Bill Mahomes.

“It’s an understatement to say we have giant boots to fill,” said Mahomes, a regent since 2015. “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 in every corner of the state.”