Year In Review: Highlights Of 2022 At Texas A&M
The New 20-Acre Aggie Park Opened In The Heart Of Campus
The new “outdoor student center” opened Sept. 4 with a dedication ceremony where President M. Katherine Banks said the addition is sure to become a key destination for current students, former students and visitors. Formerly known as Spence Park, the space across from Kyle Field was transformed over the course of two years.
Along With Aggie Park, There Were Several More New Additions To Campus
The latest sweet spot to open on campus is the Debbie ’74 and Kent ’72 Moore Family Creamery, located at Aggie Park. The creamery serves up classic Blue Bell flavors, as well as other frozen treats.
The Southside Recreation Center, located across from the Commons Residence Halls near the intersection of Bizzell Street and Mosher Lane, was added to the growing number of recreational facilities on campus. With the addition of the new 63,500-square-foot building, people now have access to a rec facility on campus within a five- to 10-minute walk of most academic and residence buildings.
At the beginning of the year the West Campus Food Hall opened its doors. The two-story building has several retail dining options, and seating and study areas throughout.
Texas A&M Achieved Federal Designation As A Hispanic Serving Institution
The designation by the U.S. Department of Education provides access to additional funding to improve enrollment and graduation rates among Hispanic students. To be eligible for the designation, at least 25 percent of an institution’s undergraduate enrollment must be Hispanic-identifying. Timothy P. Scott, vice provost for student success, said at the time that the designation was indicative of the university’s dedication to serving all citizens of Texas.
Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis Was Named The Corps Of Cadets’ 46th Commandant
Michaelis, a 1993 graduate, started Oct. 1 as the commandant of the Corps of Cadets, which is the largest uniformed student body in the country outside of the military academies. He most recently served as commanding general at the U.S. Army Training Center & Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Texas A&M Announced The “March To 3,000” Campaign
The Corps, which is the university’s oldest student organization, had 2,143 members as of fall 2021. The effort to grow the Corps to 3,000 members was announced in April. To grow membership, the university has funded two scholarships, and recruitment and retention strategies are under evaluation.
Texas A&M Celebrated The 50th Anniversary Of Title IX
The landmark piece of legislation that made all forms of sex discrimination illegal in federally funded educational programs and activities turned 50 in 2022. Texas A&M opened as an all-male military college 146 years ago. Due to Title IX and the strides made by courageous Aggies, as of this fall, nearly 47 percent of the university’s students are female, and women’s sports teams have secured national championships.
The Bush School Turned 25
The Bush School of Government and Public Service was founded in 1997 on Texas A&M’s College Station campus under the 41st president’s philosophy that public service is a noble calling. The school is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout the 2022-23 academic year with a series of programs and events.
Texas A&M Launched A New College And A New School
Two new major academic units were created out the university’s administrative reorganization: the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA).
The College of Arts and Sciences brings together three key former colleges – Geosciences, Liberal Arts and Science – as well as University Studies and the biomedical sciences undergraduate degree program previously housed within the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
PVFA is now the home of the Dance Science, Performance Studies and Visualization programs. Students will gain the skills and theoretical frameworks needed to become leaders in the fine arts world.
The Creator Of Buc-ee’s Donated $50 Million For A New Academic Center
In June the university announced former student Arch “Beaver” Aplin III’s gift for an academic center on the Texas A&M campus that will serve as an immersive learning laboratory for students. The Aplin Center is envisioned to house programs in hospitality, retail studies and food product development, as well as degree programs in viticulture, fermentation processes, coffee and food science. With a prime location across the street from the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, Aplin said he hopes the center will be a “go-to gathering place” on campus.
