Colleagues,
Today marks the first day of classes for the fall semester at Texas A&M University. It is a time of excitement with a campus full of activities and the hope of eventual cooler weather (OK, in November, maybe). The fall semester brings us Midnight Yell Practice, Corps March In, Fighting Texas Aggie Football, Soccer, and Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and a fresh start on our hopes and dreams of undefeated seasons and straight A’s.
For the students, about one-fourth of you will be taking your first classes at Texas A&M — often entering classrooms many times the size of those you left behind. Take a deep breath and hang in there. Trust me that you will get through it. Know that there are many current and former students who have come before you who figured out not just how to survive but thrive through it all.
For the returning students, it has been 12 months since we have been in full face-to-face mode after COVID-19. Remember that part of your education, perhaps the most important part, includes activities outside of the classroom: the organizations, internships, high-impact learning experiences and student worker positions that help to mold you into the person you will be when your graduate. Have a sense of urgency to catch up for earlier missed opportunities.
For the faculty, staff, advisors, graduate teaching assistants and others who work with students, thank you for what you do to make the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences so special. You are the spark that often ignites students to pursue new dreams, to venture out of their comfort zones and to believe in themselves, maybe for the first time. Never doubt your importance to the success of our students. Decades from now, when these former students are asked about their experiences at Texas A&M University, positive interactions with you will still be fresh in their memories.
This will be my 50th fall semester at Texas A&M University, and in each one of them, I have been excited for a new beginning, the chance to meet new people and the opportunity to learn something new. I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you, starting today.
Thanks and Gig ’em,
Jeffrey W. Savell
Vice Chancellor and Dean, Agriculture and Life Sciences
