President Ray Keck Stepping Down

On January 11, 2018, Texas A&M University-Commerce President Dr. Ray Keck, announced his intention to step down effective August 31.

Dr. Keck assumed the presidency at A&M-Commerce in 2016, bringing stability, strategic vision and thoughtful leadership during a challenging time in the university's history. His service to the Texas A&M University System spans more than two decades and includes a distinguished presidency at Texas A&M International University.

“Both institutions are better off today because of his efforts,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. “We will always be grateful to President Keck and Patricia for their unwavering dedication to our students, faculty, and staff. As they embark on their next adventure, we wish them and their family nothing but the best.”

In regard to his decision, Dr. Keck gave the following statement:

University president offers both the most rewarding and most challenging job imaginable. To have served as a president in The Texas A&M University System for almost seventeen years and in two universities has been for me, and for Patricia beside me, the high point of our professional lives. Laredo is our home, its University and people always with us. Texas A&M University-Commerce—faculty, students, staff, and alumni—opened hearts and lives to us, and we now feel deeply embedded in East Texas. We are grateful to Chancellor Sharp for the opportunity to be reborn amid the extraordinary talent and devotion which drives A&M-Commerce. We cannot imagine our lives now apart from those we have come to know and love in Hunt County. It is time to redirect passion and energy, to return to teaching and to continue to assist, in every helpful way, a new leader for A&M Commerce. Go Lions!

President Keck will take one year of developmental leave and return to A&M-Commerce as a member of the faculty.

In February, The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents will name a Presidential Search Advisory Committee, which will then begin the process of identifying potential candidates for President Keck’s successor at A&M-Commerce.