Online survey seeking input on next Aggie president draws more than 11,400 responses
October 13, 2009
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Results to help presidential search committee
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – An online survey seeking comments about ideal characteristics and attributes of the next president of Texas A&M University attracted more than 11,400 responses from students, former students, faculty, staff and other interested individuals, said Texas A&M University System Regent Richard Box, who chairs the 16-member presidential search advisory committee.
The survey, the first conducted by a search committee to solicit input from the university’s various constituencies, was conducted over a six-week period ending Sept. 30. Respondents had the opportunity to select and rank desirable traits for the next president of Texas A&M. The committee is now analyzing the data and comments.
“The electronic survey provided an opportunity for everyone in the Aggie family to participate in the search process, and we greatly appreciate the large response. It clearly indicates great interest in helping us find and attract the best possible candidates for the presidency of our flagship university,” Box said. “The survey and other steps taken by the search advisory committee, including open forums on campus and elsewhere, clearly underscore the commitment by the Board of Regents to make this search process as inclusive and transparent as possible.”
Of the responses, former students accounted for 52 percent, students 34 percent, and staff members of the university 11 percent. Faculty input accounted for 10 percent of all respondents. Survey administrators said that 10 percent reflects a 43 percent participation rate by the university’s approximately 2,700 faculty members. (Respondents could check more than one box, so the total adds up to more than 100 percent.)
The full survey results are posted at http://www.tamu.edu/president/search/news.html.
About the A&M System
The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $3.2 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates more than 115,000 students and makes more than 15 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research expenditures exceed more than $676 million and help drive the state’s economy.
