At the end of this academic year, I will be completing my 10th year as President/CEO of Texas A&M University-Commerce. I believe the decade has brought many meaningful changes to the university, and I have been pleased to have played a role in those events. After considerable thought and reflection, I concluded it is time to step aside and let a new leader take this fine university to new heights.
Consequently, on August 8, I informed Chancellor Mike McKinney of my desire to step down from my position as president and CEO at the end of July 2008.
This decision was not an easy one because a college campus is an extremely exciting place to work. What is especially rewarding is the interaction Nancy and I have with students and faculty, two groups that really keep you on your toes. I ultimately based my decision on the fact that I have accomplished most of what I had envisioned for my presidency and my conclusion that, overall, things are going well here at Texas A&M-Commerce University.
While the addition of many new buildings, the razing of many more, the addition of 20 new academic programs and enrollment nearing a 30-year high have been satisfying, so have other things. The fact that our relationship with our Foundation and Alumni Boards has improved dramatically, that we are bringing in more gifts and research dollars and have the University on a sound financial basis have also brought me great satisfaction.
My 38 years at this institution, particularly those of the past decade, have been especially rewarding, and I leave with the conviction I have helped make this institution a better place. I have been blessed by being surrounded by so many administrators, faculty, staff and students who have served me and the University in such outstanding fashion. Together, we have made Texas A&M University-Commerce a higher education institution of which we can all be proud.
I can assure you, just as I did Chancellor McKinney, I will “sprint through the finish line” by working tirelessly and diligently to the end of my tenure to serve the students, faculty, staff and alumni of this university. I am looking forward to a great year!
President Keith D. McFarlandPresident and CEO