A&M System Chancellor Addresses Issues in Education at Public Forum

Commerce, TEXAS (Feb. 2, 2012)—John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, held a public forum February 2 at Texas A&M University-Commerce to discuss issues impacting higher education, and the collaborative efforts between the A&M System and A&M-Commerce. The event was open to the community, and served as a time for the public to ask questions, and learn more about Sharp’s vision for A&M-Commerce.

“A&M-Commerce is a rising star within the A&M System, and is experiencing tremendous growth thanks to the leadership and vision of people like President Dan Jones,” Sharp said. “Going forward, I see it as the A&M System’s responsibility to help facilitate additional growth by making sure A&M-Commerce has the ability to provide students with the best facilities and faculty possible.”
The public forum capped off a day filled with campus tours, meetings with university administrators and a student leader forum that allowed Sharp to discuss issues directly impacting the lives of students.

Sharp has served as chancellor of the A&M System since September 2011. As chancellor, Sharp leads the 19-member system, which has an annual budget of $3.3 billion. Enrollment at the A&M System’s 11 universities and health science center has grown to more than 120,000, and externally funded research expenditures are in excess of $780 million.

Sharp brings with him more than three decades of public service. He is a 1972 graduate of Texas A&M University and later earned a master's degree in public administration from Texas State

University. He came to the A&M System from Ryan & Company, where he was a principal with the largest state and local tax consulting firm of its kind in Texas.