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Message from Dr. Merrell
To our campus community:
For the introduction of the Sea Aggie—a showcase for news, information and features about our people and programs—it is only fitting that we also introduce our new president.
It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Texas A&M University at Galveston—Rear Admiral Robert Smith III, USNR, (Ret). Graduating from Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 1961, he is a distinguished former student and member of the Corps of Cadets Hall of Honor.
Bob Smith is the right person at the right time. During these days of continuing budgetary shortfalls, we need a leader who not only cares for the future of Sea Aggies, but also understands finances and fundraising. Our new president has impeccable credentials in these areas. Since 1987, Admiral Smith served as senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas with responsibility for Houston-based operations. He also served in leadership positions at the Federal Reserve Bank in Dallas and successfully managed numerous special assignments coordinating Federal Reserve System and Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas responsibilities.
Beyond his banking experience, Admiral Smith served in the Navy for nearly 35 years in both active duty and reserve service. He retired from the military in 1996. He continued with his banking and community activities and served on numerous local and national civic boards, including the Board of Visitors for our Galveston campus. Recently, he retired from his Federal Reserve responsibilities to accept his new post at TAMUG.
As you can see, Admiral Smith offers a unique blend of strong financial management and leadership skills, unwavering commitment to public service and familiarity with the Galveston campus and its operations. With these credentials and an outstanding record of service to our state, he will be a champion for the tremendous academic, maritime and research programs of our marine-oriented campus.
I value the admiral’s leadership and management experience. He is inheriting a campus community with great promise—one that has been tested. We have weathered a great storm, and it has made us stronger. We have rebuilt our waterfront and are constructing new buildings to prepare for a boom in student population. We now go forward with a new leader at the helm. Please join me in welcoming Admiral Smith as he begins his service as our next president.
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