John Sharp reflects on successes, challenges at Texas A&M
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After decades in Texas politics, John Sharp grew Texas A&M’s profile amid increasing scrutiny of higher education and concerns about perceived liberal bias.
In a wide-ranging conversation marking the end of his 14-year tenure as chancellor, Sharp was unapologetic about his approach. He said he focused on expanding research and the system’s physical footprint and brushed off critics who claim the flagship leans left.
“I get a kick out of watching a couple of legislators pick out one faculty member that’s kind of too liberal,” he said during a Texas Tribune event on Tuesday, touting rankings that consistently place Texas A&M among the most conservative colleges in the country.
Under his leadership, the Texas A&M System secured $3.8 billion in legislative funding, oversaw $12 billion in construction, established a footprint in every major Texas metro, and elevated a once-struggling law school into a top-25 national program. The university system also took on a leadership role at Los Alamos National Laboratory; launched RELLIS, a defense research and testing campus in Bryan; and played a key role in responding to Hurricane Harvey.
