Leaders react to Sharp retirement announcement, highlight lasting impact and commitment

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Campus, state and even national leaders have shared their reaction after Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp announced he will be retiring next year.

Sharp is rounding out his 13th year in the position, and is the longest sitting chancellor in system history.

Sharp was spoken highly of by coworkers and friends, including Texas A&M Association of Former Students President and CEO, Porter Garner, and Texas A&M System Board of Regents Chairman Bill Mahomes.

“John became a big fan of the Association to the extent that he understood the impact and influence the reach and relevance of the Aggie Network and its impact on Texas A&M on an annual basis and became a big supporter,” Garner said. “Whoever comes in is going to have some pretty big boots to fill but I’ll tell you there’s value in that consistency. There’s value in that stability. There’s value in that tenure of leadership and it has helped so many of us know that we’ve got a leader of our System and somebody that is passionate about this University, who’s compelling for all of us to get behind support and I hope we’ll have that the next chance for I expect we will we should we deserve it.”

Mahomes said the board has a big responsibility now to find the next person to fill Chancellor Sharp’s boots, but said they will have some help and time is on their side.

“He made the announcement early to give us the opportunity to go out and to find the right person. He still has a lot on his plate, the board does too, we’re expecting some really monumental things to happen here and there within the next year and so we think maybe even the best is yet to come so stay tuned,” he said. “There’s only one John Sharp and well, we’ve been very fortunate to have him but we’ll take a good look at it, we’re going to be a national search.”

Texas A&M President General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III and U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul reacted to the news in statements Monday. Both highlight the impact left by Sharp and the need for a successor ready for the job.

“After nearly 15 years, one of Texas A&M University’s biggest champions and most committed former students, Chancellor John Sharp, has announced his retirement. I’ve been honored to call him boss over the last year and I can only imagine what’s in store for the next 12 months,” said Welsh. “Throughout his tenure as chancellor, he has been a tireless advocate and visionary leader for this university and higher education in the state of Texas. He has taken us to levels we could have once only imagined and led us through both good times and hard times. He’s leaving some very large boots to fill, but I know one thing is certain – more big ideas are coming before those boots walk off into the sunset.”

“No one has done more to transform, expand, and elevate the Texas A&M University System than Chancellor John Sharp. His visionary leadership ensured Texas A&M will lead the nation in both academics and national security for decades to come. As someone who married into an Aggie family, I’ve been honored to work with him to advance programs at the Bush School, Rellis Campus, and beyond. I look forward to everything we will accomplish in his last year as chancellor and wish A&M all the best as they look to fill his impossibly big shoes,” McCaul said.

Sharp’s last day as System Chancellor will be June 30, 2025.