Incoming AD Ross Bjork Welcomed To Texas A&M

Incoming Texas A&M University Director of Athletics Ross Bjork was formally introduced to athletics staff, student-athletes and the general public during a standing-room-only welcome event in the Ford Hall of Champions at Kyle Field early Monday afternoon.

Bjork said during his introductory remarks that attitude and effort will form the foundation for what he hopes to accomplish at Texas A&M, which is to be No. 1 academically and athletically.

“Nothing will work unless we do, and we will always have a positive attitude,” he said. “If athletics operates the right way, we can be a vehicle to propel the university.”

Bjork, who served as University of Mississippi’s athletics director since 2012 before being selected Texas A&M’s new athletic director May 23, will officially begin his duties at Texas A&M on June 8.

He also placed an emphasis on the entire athletics staff being engaged with the broader Texas A&M community.

“We cannot operate Texas A&M Athletics sitting behind our desk,” he said. “We have to be involved in our community in Texas and beyond.”

The welcome event was attended by several hundred people, including Texas A&M coaches, student-athletes, business leaders and members of the community.

Texas A&M President Michael K. Young, who introduced Bjork to the room, said that one of the most attractive aspects about Bjork was the academic success of Ole Miss athletes.

“We wanted somebody who aspires to the same level of excellence that we do at this university across the board,” Young said.

Young placed an emphasis on the Texas A&M core value of integrity.

“We are going to win, we’re going to win a lot, but we’re going to win the right way,” Young said. “That is essential to who Texas A&M is, what we do and who we are.”

Prior to Bjork and Young’s remarks, former Texas A&M football coach and current Interim Director of Athletics R.C. Slocum, expressed his thanks to the university for being able to serve in an interim capacity.

“In the spirit of the 12^th Man, I was excited to come off the bench and try to help,” Slocum said.

The welcome event and press conference can be viewed in full on 12^th Man.com.