Dr. R. Bowen Loftin ’71 was named interim president of Texas A&M University June 15, an immense leadership opportunity he couldn’t have imagined was in his future when arrived in College Station in the summer of 1967. His appointment was made official during a special meeting of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents June 15 and followed the resignation of Dr. Elsa A. Murano, Texas A&M’s 23rd president.
Loftin, who earned a B.S. in physics from Texas A&M University in 1970 and an M.A. and Ph.D. in physics from Rice University, has served as vice president and chief executive officer of Texas A&M at Galveston since 2005. His distinguished career also includes professorial appointments at Old Dominion University and the University of Houston, as well as Texas A&M University where he serves as professor of maritime systems engineering. While at the helm of Texas A&M’s Galveston branch, he has provided steady and inspired leadership through unprecedented events, including the relocation of 1,600 Sea Aggies to College Station after Hurricane Ike damaged the infrastructure of Galveston Island and access to the Galveston campus.
“As a former student, I have an abiding love for Texas A&M University,” Loftin said. “It is a privilege to serve in this interim capacity. I will ensure that we remain committed to our core values as well as to our status as one of the top teaching and research universities in the nation.”
The leadership of The Association of Former Students expressed their appreciation for Dr. Murano’s service to the University, as well as their confidence in Loftin’s abilities to lead the University through a time of transition.
“During her tenure as president, Dr. Murano was genuine and passionate in her devotion to our great University,” said Shelley Potter ’78, 2009 Chair of the Board. “This was evident in many of her actions and especially last fall when she provided tireless leadership in the successful transition of our Galveston students to our College Station campus.”
Both Potter and Association President and CEO Porter S. Garner III ’79 anticipated continued collaboration between the University and The Association of Former Students during Loftin’s service as interim president.
“Throughout our 130-history, The Association has enjoyed positive and productive relationships with the leadership of Texas A&M University,” Garner said. “Bowen Loftin is a great Texas Aggie and a proven leader who will serve our University well. We look forward to working with him to promote the interests and welfare of Texas A&M.”
While Loftin leads operations in College Station during this critical period, Dr. Rodney McClendon ’07, will serve as acting vice president and CEO of TAMUG. McClendon currently serves as executive associate vice president and chief operating officer for the Galveston campus.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents will conduct a national search to identify and hire the 24th president of Texas A&M University. Board of Regents Chairman, Morris E. Foster ’65, said he hoped that search would be completed within six months.
Former students and friends of Texas A&M can follow news regarding the transition of leadership at Texas A&M by regularly visiting
www.AggieNetwork.com .
The Association of Former Students is committed to communicating effectively and efficiently with the Aggie Network. An important part of communication is listening and we invite Aggies wishing to share their thoughts on this matter to send an email to
Communicate@AggieNetwork.com . Information gathered through this process will be cataloged, summarized and shared with appropriate decision makers. Aggies may also share their input by calling (979) 845-7514.
For more information on recent events related to Texas A&M University leadership, please see:
http://news.tamus.edu/2009/06/15/r-bowen-loftin-named-interim-president-of-texas-am/ http://www.theeagle.com/local/Shake-up-at-Texas-A-M http://www.tamu.edu/president/ http://www.kbtx.com/ http://www.thebatt.com/