Williams is a former state senator and previously served the A&M System as vice chancellor of governmental relations.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has approved the new interim president for Texas A&M University, Tommy Williams.
A&M announced that the Board unanimously approved Williams to the position on Friday, Oct. 3.
Williams is a former state senator from The Woodlands and a “longtime public servant,” the university said. Williams previously held the role of vice chancellor of governmental relations for the Texas A&M System, according to the university.
Texas A&M said Williams’ “understanding of higher education policy, leadership experience and ties to the Texas Legislature make him uniquely qualified to guide the university during this transitional period.”
Williams graduated from Texas A&M in 1978 with a degree in business administration, according to the university.
Williams will take over as interim president after former president Mark A. Welsh III stepped down in late September.
“Tommy Williams has a deep understanding of the mission of Texas A&M and the values that define our university,” Texas A&M Chancellor Glenn Hegar said. “His experience in public service and his commitment to the Aggie community will serve us well as we continue to move forward.”
Williams represented Southeast Texas in the Texas Senate from 2003 to 2013, where he chaired the Senate Finance Committee. He later joined the A&M System in 2014 and served until his retirement in 2018. He also served as a senior advisor to Gov. Greg Abbott from 2017 to 2019, the university said.
“I’m honored to return to Texas A&M in this capacity,” Williams said. “This university means a great deal to me, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff and former students to support the continued excellence of this great institution.”
“We’re confident in his ability to lead the university with steadiness and purpose while we continue the search for a permanent president,” Robert L. Albritton, chairman of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, said. “Tommy Williams’ respect for the institution, its students, its staff and its faculty along with his understanding of the needs of our state make him the right fit to serve as interim president of our great university.”
Texas A&M said the Board of Regents is continuing to search for a permanent president.