Campus Life

Message From Interim President John L. Junkins

Junkins welcomes Aggies back for the start of a new semester and encourages cooperation with COVID-19 protocols.
By Texas A&M University January 19, 2021

Howdy!

As we begin a new year, I would like to welcome all of you. I hope that the holidays provided you with time to rest and relax and that you are also looking forward to the start of a new semester.

As a member of the faculty and Aggie family myself for the past 35 years, I have seen the powerful impact that this university has on the lives of so many. I want to thank you for continuing your educational journey at Texas A&M.

This semester our highest priority is to promote your health and safety. As we respond to the challenges presented by COVID-19, we continue to expand and modify plans to provide you with a high-quality education and promote the wellbeing of all of our students, faculty and staff.

While vaccines are on the horizon that will be the key to conquering COVID-19, your full cooperation is needed today: Follow testing and classroom protocols, as well as other guidelines. Continue to physical distance. Wear face coverings. Wash your hands regularly. Visit the COVID-19 central site for regular updates and to answer your questions.

As we begin classes the day before the presidential inauguration, I would also like all of us to channel our core of values of Respect and Leadership. As I shared at the time, this month’s breakdown in civility in our nation’s capital was a terrible day in history. Regardless of passions or any views across the political spectrum, Aggies are called upon to use civil discourse, especially when interacting with individuals who hold views that are not in alignment with our own.

One final thought for Aggies near and far is to enjoy your experience. During this semester, some of you will have classes in person while others will connect virtually. And yet, we are reminded that no matter what separates us, we are at our best when we are united in spirit – that unbreakable bond of Aggie core values, our common traditions, and collective experiences. This is something that carries through the rest our lives and even beyond, from “Howdy” to “Here.”

In that spirit, I look forward to working together to make this a great semester at Texas A&M.

Gig ’em,

John L. Junkins
Interim President

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