Texas A&M contradicted Kyle Rittenhouse's claim he would be attending their school. Now he says he's going somewhere else. But he has yet to enroll in classes there.
Texas A&M confirmed to Insider that Rittenhouse is not enrolled for their summer or fall semesters, though he said he will attend the school in 2023.
news.yahoo.comKyle Rittenhouse now says he’s going to Blinn College, after Texas A&M said he’s not a student at their school
Rittenhouse corrected himself on Monday saying he was attending the Brenham-based community college. Over the weekend, he made a splash when Texas A&M refuted his claim he was an incoming Aggie.
Kiwanis Club presents scholarships, donates to San Marcos Public Library
The Kiwanis Club of San Marcos presented scholarships to five San Marcos High School seniors and made a donation to the San Marcos Public Library during its May 19 meeting.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comTexas A&M students protest after president ends print publication of 129-year-old Battalion newspaper
The student newspaper will continue as an online-only news organization after the spring semester. But the university’s unilateral decision to end the print edition without student input has students and faculty concerned about its editorial independence.
2 Houston universities receive ‘red light’ rating for freedom of expression – Houston Public Media
The study analyzed the written free expression policies of close to 500 colleges and universities. Three Texas schools were ranked harshly and given “red light” status for restrictive speech policies, while most Texas schools earned a “yellow light” rating, which is average.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTexas scientists search for potentially virulent new omicron COVID-19 variant as state health officials push vaccination
So much is unknown about the new COVID-19 variant: the severity of the illness it causes, whether it can resist vaccines and natural antibodies and whether it’s more contagious than the delta variant that has burned through Texas and the U.S. for months.
Lawmakers concerned about UT leaving Big 12 conference make their case to Gov. Greg Abbott's office
As the college athletics world roils over the possibility of the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma leaving the Big 12 conference, a group of Texas legislators with ties to other unive[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] Sports San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comHullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck!: Texas A&M university seeking 5,000 maroon-clad football fans for national commercial
Calling all Aggies: Texas A&M University is seeking 5,000 maroon clad football fanatics for a Midnight Yell Practice reenactment which will be filmed for a national football commercial. The commercial will air during the fall games, Texas A&M Today reported.
KPRC 2 Senior Scholarship: Meet Chloe Short, the senior who says her disability has helped motivate her dedication to push forward
KPRC 2 and Texas Mattress Makers are surprising 20 deserving high school seniors with scholarships. All students selected for scholarships have been nominated by their high schools.
COVID-19 variant cases are on the rise in Texas. Here’s what you need to know.
Last winter, health experts worried about COVID-19 variants spreading quickly across the state, further overwhelming already crammed intensive care units.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comCOVID-19 variant cases are on the rise in Texas. Here’s what you need to know.
Last winter, health experts worried about COVID-19 variants spreading quickly across the state, further overwhelming already crammed intensive care units.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comTexas A&M’s incoming president says she’s planning for a campus in “normal mode” this fall
When M. Katherine Banks became the new engineering school dean at Texas A&M University in 2012, an associate dean drove her to the Zachry Building, the heart of the university’s engineering program in College Station.
Some Texas colleges keep spring break while others adapt due to pandemic concerns
People gathered on the beach in front of Clayton’s Beach Bar during spring break on South Padre Island on Wednesday. In the early weeks of the pandemic in March 2020, colleges across the state extended spring break and then moved to online-only classes afterward largely due to initial fears about facilitating the spread of the coronavirus. AdBut spring break for many is now coinciding with Gov. Ad“With spring break, the biggest high risks are going to be people who are young adults,” Cervantes said. “We encourage you to make good decisions during spring break, just as you did during winter break, and follow the university’s public health guidance: wWear a mask (double up!
Colleges across Texas shift spring break plans in light of COVID-19
As if COVID-19 hasn't taken enough from us, colleges across Texas have canceled or shifted spring break in light of the virus. The top 10 most-searched destinations for spring break 2021"Definitely, no planned trips. Britto reported in November of last year that Baylor, Rice and Texas Southern universities also planned to eliminate spring break. “This tries to kind of make the best of both worlds.”Prairie View A&M University students will not receive a spring break, per KTRK. College of the Mainland and San Jacinto College students will take spring break from March 15 to 21.
chron.com5 things for Houstonians to know for Tuesday, March 9
Texas A&M University opted for a three-day weekend instead of a whole week off. Ad“The trans community is one of the most overlooked communities in times of disaster,” said Austin Ruiz, communications and marketing manger at The Montrose Center. When COVID-19 hit, The Montrose Center, which serves Houston’s LGBT community, saw a sharp increase in requests for help among Houston’s trans community. “For a trans community member, during the pandemic, it’s incredibly difficult to find places where they can get treatment, whether that’s for COVID-19 or otherwise,” Ruiz said. AdNew state guidelines require all students, teachers, staff and visitors to wear masks on school property, unless school boards vote otherwise.
Several Texas college campuses to keep mask mandates after governor’s order
Graduates at a Texas A&M University's commencement ceremony at Reed Arena in College Station in December. Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas TribuneNeed to stay updated on coronavirus news in Texas? Greg Abbott announced that he will lift the statewide mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions starting Wednesday. Austin Community College, Baylor University, Paris Junior College, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, Southwestern University, the Texas A&M University System, Trinity University, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at El Paso are keeping their current COVID-19 guidelines — which include mask mandates — in place. Disclosure: Baylor University, Lamar University, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at El Paso and University of Houston have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M engineering dean M. Katherine Banks named sole finalist for president
M. Katherine Banks, dean of the Texas A&M engineering school, has been named the sole finalist for president of the flagship university. M. Katherine Banks, dean of the college of engineering at Texas A&M University, has been named the sole finalist for president of the flagship university based in College Station after a national search. AdIf approved, Banks will become the second woman president in Texas A&M history after Elsa Murano, who served in the role from 2008 to 2009. Texas A&M is one of a kind and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”Banks also oversees the Texas A&M System’s engineering programs. AdWhen Banks started at Texas A&M, the engineering college had a little more than 11,000 students.
UT-Austin won't require SAT or ACT scores for 2022 applications due to COVID-19
The University of Texas at Austin is suspending the SAT and ACT test score requirement for fall 2022 applicants, citing continued limited access to testing opportunities for students due the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Houston System also said it would remain test-optional through fall 2022 and would consider making the change permanent. Texas A&M University has also extended its policy to 2022 and anticipates 2023 will be test optional as well. Last year, multiple Texas universities temporarily scrapped the testing requirement for 2021 applicants as the College Board cancelled test exams and large exam sites were closed, including Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University. Elsewhere, other universities had already started to get rid of the standardized test requirement for admission even before the pandemic forced them to announce a temporary pause.
chron.comUT-Austin won't require SAT or ACT scores for 2022 applications due to COVID-19
The University of Texas at Austin is suspending the SAT and ACT test score requirement for fall 2022 applicants, citing continued limited access to testing opportunities for students due the COVID-19 pandemic. The University of Houston System also said it would remain test-optional through fall 2022 and would consider making the change permanent. Texas A&M University has also extended its policy to 2022 and anticipates 2023 will be test optional as well. Elsewhere, other universities had already started to get rid of the standardized test requirement for admission even before the pandemic forced them to announce a temporary pause. “It adds very little value to the prediction of who is going to succeed and who won't and that minor value added is far outweighed by the problems it creates.”Disclosure: Baylor University, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, St. Edward's University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
chron.comTexas experts believe construction changes can cut destruction from weather events down
He made it clear to us he was in favor of changes being implemented in Texas construction. “We could do a lot better with better building codes in Texas and better enforcement of the building codes that do exist,” he said. Thompson said spray foam is a big help during a freeze. Ad“I think that spray foam insulation and pex pipe is the way to go,” he said. “The spray foam used to be really expensive but now it’s come way down because it’s getting used so much,” said Thompson.
Dwindling food, flooded halls, unflushable toilets: Texas’ university dorms descend into chaos during winter storm
While some campuses have slowly regained power over the past 24 hours, many dorms still lack access to consistent water and food. Ad“I feel like I’m in hell, like I’m in prison,” said Texas State University freshman Nicholas Ware, who spent three days without heat and power until Wednesday evening. Texas State officials did not return a request for comment. At Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, students have been without water, which has limited their access to toilets. “People have just assumed that that's not something they need to worry about right now.”Disclosure: Facebook, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M again delays decision on moving Sul Ross statue, as committee warns inaction will damage university
A diversity committee at Texas A&M University said school officials must resolve the decades-long debate over moving or removing the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross, a former Texas governor and Confederate general, or else the university risks long-term damage to its reputation. Three university fundraising foundations were interviewed by the committee, including the Texas A&M Foundation and 12th Man Foundation. Instead, many Texas universities decided to address diversity and inclusion issues by investing in diversity training, scholarships and professional development to boost diversity. That’s very disappointing.”The report noted that current students believed the university cared more about wealthy, white donors than their desires. Caston, who graduates this spring, said she’ll continue to push Texas A&M to move the statue even after she‘s no longer a student.
UT-Austin keeping most classes virtual through January as coronavirus infections soar in Travis County
The flagship university is keeping most classes online through January as coronavirus infections soar in Travis County. The University of Texas at Austin is shifting more spring semester classes completely online through the end of January as COVID-19 cases continue to ravage the city and state. When UT-Austin shifted entirely online the week of Thanksgiving, average daily cases hovered around 240 in Travis County. Texas A&M University is also requiring students who live on campus to get tested within the first week of classes, on or before Jan 22. Disclosure: Rice University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Hundreds of students used Chegg to cheat during online exam, Texas A&M alleges
COVID-19 definitely added a learning barrier for students of all ages and grades this year, but the semester just got a bit harder for some college students at Texas A&M University. According to the Texas Tribune's Kate McGee, hundreds of Texas A&M students in an online finance class received an email in early December alerting them to concerns of cheating. Faculty members became suspicious when some students in the class answered online test questions too quickly, McGee reported, later finding entire exams posted on Chegg, a “homework help” website. In a statement to the Tribune, a Chegg spokesperson said they support academic integrity and will work with the university if cheating is suspected. As of Dec. 14, no students have been suspended or expelled from the university, but the investigation process could take up to a month.
chron.comTexas A&M Investigating ‘Large Scale’ Cheating Case As Universities See More Academic Misconduct In Era Of Online Classes – Houston Public Media
The University of North Texas saw a 20% increase, and Texas State University saw reports of cheating increase by one-third over the previous fall. In the case at Texas A&M, students interviewed by The Texas Tribune said they used a website called Chegg to access answers on assignments. According to Powers' email, Texas A&M's online learning platform, Canvas, tracks how long test questions are displayed on a student's screen. Davenport said there's even websites where students can pay someone to take their entire online class for them. Disclosure: Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTexas A&M investigating "large scale" cheating case as universities see more academic misconduct in era of online classes
But officials are investigating a 'large scale' cheating case in a finance class this fall as universities across the country see an increase in cheating in remote classes. The University of North Texas saw a 20% increase, and Texas State University saw reports of cheating increase by one-third over the previous fall. According to Powers’ email, Texas A&M’s online learning platform, Canvas, tracks how long test questions are displayed on a student’s screen. Davenport said there’s even websites where students can pay someone to take their entire online class for them. There’s something questionable there.”Disclosure: Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Congrats, Houston: We no longer have the most congested road in Texas
Jill Karnicki / Staff photographerHouston just lost a No. 1 ranking in the state of Texas. But save any disappointment—it wasn't exactly a badge of honor. In Texas A&M University's annual study of the most congested roadways in Texas, a stretch of I-35 in Austin bumped part of the West Loop from its top spot, making IH-610 from Katy Freeway to Southwest Freeway now the second most congested roadway in Texas. West Loop was previously ranked number one the past two years.
chron.comFrassati Catholic Magazine: Curtain Call
"I wanted to focus on the younger age range, students either in high school or early college," Medina said. In the Fall of 2013, Medina was drawn to Frassati Catholic as it opened its doors. So, what if you have no acting, singing or dancing background? Medina welcomes one and all to at least "Be Our Guest" as they will "Put our Service to the Test" to find a place for everyone in the Frassati Catholic theater program. They do smaller performances, see shows, host acting and stage workshops and host a variety show as a performance opportunity as well.
Despite rising COVID-19 cases, universities including Texas Tech and Texas A&M are planning in-person fall graduations
Texas Tech University senior Klay Davis is thrilled he'll have the chance to graduate college in-person this December. Texas Tech administrators said last month the university will host multiple in-person commencement ceremonies over a two-day period, as well as a virtual ceremony. At Texas Tech, students helped drive the effort to bring back in-person commencement. Other universities plan to hold in-person commencement ceremonies throughout spring 2021 for those who graduated in spring 2020, depending on the status of the pandemic. Disclosure: Lamar University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at El Paso, University of Texas at San Antonio and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M's football game postponed after player, staffer test positive for COVID-19
Credit: Allie Goulding/The Texas TribuneThe Southeastern Conference has postponed this Saturday’s Texas A&M football game against the University of Tennessee to Dec. 12 after an A&M football player and staff member tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the program’s total number of positive cases to three. A second player had tested positive prior to the South Carolina game. In June, 13 University of Texas at Austin athletes tested positive for COVID-19. Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University postponed a game in early September. Disclosure: Texas A&M University, Baylor University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at El Paso have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas colleges offer free coronavirus tests. Why aren't more students getting tested?
The University of Texas at Austin said it could test up to 5,000 asymptomatic students, faculty and staff weekly. Texas A&M University trumpeted a similar goal of testing more than 5,000 students each week – about 7% of the student body. UT-Austin, which has more than 50,000 students, has only required students to be tested before attending football games. That included the 1,198 students tested for the first home football game on Sept. 12. Disclosure: The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at El Paso, the University of North Texas and Baylor University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
SH-249 Expansion: A faster route to get to Aggieland is on the way
HOUSTON – A new section of the SH-249 project opened in early August in one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. This new stretch of concrete is a very important piece of the SH-249 expansion project as it helps lead construction into the Todd Mission area, just west of Magnolia. Section 1a of the SH-249 project is 6.4 miles long, with two lanes traveling in each direction. “The State Highway 249 expansion will be a great future new highway alternative route for Aggies traveling to and from Houston. TXDOT invested just shy of $800 million on the SH-249 expansion project.
Student athletes get COVID-19 tests three times a week, while experts say testing for other university students is lagging
Public health experts say Texas universities should increase testing of all students to prevent community spread of the coronavirus as classes resume. Texas A&M University reported 327 new positive tests the week ending Aug. 29, down slightly from the 371 it reported a week prior. UT-Austin, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University encourage participation in asymptomatic testing but stop short of requiring it. Texas Christian University does not offer routine testing for students without symptoms, according to The Dallas Morning News. Disclosure: Baylor University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas at Austin and University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M President Michael Young says he will retire May 31 to return to faculty
Michael K. Young has been president at Texas A&M University since 2015. Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneTexas A&M University President Michael Young will retire at the end of the academic school year, he said in a letter obtained by The Texas Tribune. Young has expressed a desire to retire and return to teaching and research as a tenured faculty member of the Bush School, Sharp wrote in another letter obtained by the Tribune. The creation of the Institute not only achieves President Youngs desires, it also will allow for an orderly transition from President Young to his eventual successor, Sharp wrote. Our hope is to have the new President chosen and in office by June 1, 2021, Sharp wrote at the time. Disclosure: Texas A&M University and the Texas A&M University System have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
2 sororities at Texas A&M University placed in quarantine after 14 positive COVID-19 cases
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – As classes begin for many colleges across the country, campus officials are starting to see a growing number of positive cases among students. On Thursday, Texas A&M University says there are more than a dozen cases of the coronavirus in two sororities. The University said there were 14 cases of the coronavirus linked to Kappa Kappa Gamma and Delta Delta Delta sororities. The vice president of student affairs, Daniel J. Pugh, Sr., addressed the positive cases on Thursday. Pugh said the university is working with Texas A&M ambassadors Greek life leaders, county and health officials to educate students and organizations about COVID-19 guidelines by the CDC.
Were being treated as guinea pigs: Faculty members fear in-person return to Texas universities
If faculty members didn't fit in those categories and still wanted to teach remotely, they were asked to have conversations with their department heads about specific accommodations. Texas A&M will have around 1,800 faculty members teaching courses with an in-person component and 1,300 teaching online-only classes, Fierke said. But allowing faculty members to work from home because of individual safety concerns does not seem to be the norm, Kelchen said. There will be around 1,200 faculty members teaching courses with an in-person component. Disclosure: Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, the Texas A&M University System, Texas Christian University, Texas State University, the University of Texas at Austin and The New York Times have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
What losing football to COVID-19 would mean for Texas college towns: "Its like losing Christmas"
Texas five major conference football teams Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Austin are massive economic drivers for their cities of Waco, Fort Worth, College Station, Lubbock and Austin, respectively, generating a flood of seasonal business for hotels, restaurants and bars in a typical year. Across Texas, university leaders have supported allowing football to move forward if conference division leaders allow it. We want to play football in the fall, said Texas A&M System John Sharp in a statement to The Texas Tribune on Monday. For college towns, its like losing Christmas, Berg said. Disclosure: Baylor University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A&M University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M can't remove Sul Ross statue without the Legislature's approval, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says
The Lawrence Sullivan Sul Ross statue on the campus of Texas A&M University. Shelby Knowles for The Texas TribuneOnly the Texas Legislature has the authority to permanently remove the Lawrence Sullivan Ross statue at Texas A&M University, Attorney General Ken Paxton said in an opinion released Friday. Those task forces will ultimately make a recommendation on how best to address concerns about Sul Ross and other monuments, Young said. A&M System Chancellor John Sharp previously opposed removing the statue, then later said that he supported the task forces' review. "While my personal opinion has not changed about the importance of Lawrence Sullivan Ross to Texas A&M, we Aggies must stand united against racism and love one another," Sharp's statement said.
Texas college football is limiting stadium capacity, mandating masks and testing athletes. Heres what you need to know.
Many athletics officials seized on that number, including UT-Austin Athletics Director Chris Del Conte as recently as last week. At Texas Tech University, officials are also looking at capping stadium capacity at 25%. The Texas Tech athletics department is projecting a loss of $14.1 million from interrupted ticket sales and other pandemic-related expenses, athletics director Kirby Horcutt has said. The Big 12 Conference which includes Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech and the No. Disclosure: Texas A&M, Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M System will provide free COVID-19 tests, but its a mixed bag for other schools
Allie Goulding/The Texas TribuneThe Texas A&M University System is expected to begin offering free on-campus COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff by the end of the week. The university system will send out about 15,000 mouth swab test kits each month to be distributed across its 11 university campuses. System officials have $16 million set aside for the COVID-19 testing program, said Laylan Copelin, system spokesperson. The University of Texas at Austin, one of Texas most populous schools, will charge for a COVID-19 test. Disclosure: Texas A&M System, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas-Arlington, University of Texas at El Paso, and Texas Tech University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporcate sponsors.
Its insane that this is not even up to me: International students at Texas universities cant return without in-person classes
If I'd known, obviously I would have chosen in-person classes." But ... theres a tidal wave of online classes coming our way, to hybrid schools. At UT-Austin alone, there are more than 5,000 international students, according to the schools international office. He views this as a necessary way to protect international students an "already vulnerable" group. Disclosure: Texas A&M University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas at El Paso have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M announces more online offerings, classroom capacity caps and daily cleaning schedules for fall return
Texas A&M University announced on Tuesday its plans to navigate school instruction for the fall semester. Allie Goulding/The Texas TribuneWith universities and colleges continuing to navigate teaching in a pandemic, Texas A&M University announced on Tuesday that half of its classes will be taught exclusively online. But safely hosting students for the fall semester will lead to a series of adjustments. This comes after Texas A&M officials floated the possibility of holding Saturday classes to spread students out. The university previously announced that classes would begin three days earlier and that final exams would be moved online after the Thanksgiving break.
Texas A&M announces task force to weigh removing statue of Sul Ross, Confederate general and former governor
The Lawrence Sullivan Sul Ross statue on the campus of Texas A&M University. Shelby Knowles for The Texas TribuneAn ongoing struggle between Texas A&M students and university officials over a Confederate statue on campus has reached new heights in recent weeks. The statue commemorates Lawrence Sullivan Ross, a Confederate general and former Texas governor that students at Texas A&Ms College Station flagship have zeroed in on as the campus' most flagrant reminder of systemic racism. "Earlier today I met with Chancellor John Sharp to discuss continued racism on the Texas A&M campus," Young wrote in a letter. Young said he would ask this group to make a recommendation for Ross' statue in the near future.
Texas A&M System approves $100 million scholarship fund to address "diversity issues"
The Academic Building on the Texas A&M University campus on March 26, 2018. Sharp also emphasized the need for A&M's student population to reflect that of the state. Currently, white students comprise more than half of the student population at A&M's College Station campus, while black students make up less than 4%, according to 2019 data. Hispanic and Asian students students make up 21% and 8% of the student population, respectively. Disclosure: The Texas A&M University System has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
Texas A&M System makes plans for how to handle in-person instruction this fall
The Academic Building on the Texas A&M University campus on March 26, 2018. Shelby Knowles for The Texas TribuneWhen Texas A&M students return in the fall, they will experience a host of changes, from hybrid classes held both in-person and online to a curtailment of out-of-town trips. Texas A&M University System officials voted Friday on systemwide guidance for the fall semester. The University of Texas system got $172.5 million for its 14 institutions. Disclosure: Texas A&M System has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
WATCH: Roof of historic The Dixie Chicken bar in College Station collapses after heavy wind, hail damage
HOUSTON – The roof of the historic The Dixie Chicken bar in College Station collapsed Wednesday night after heavy rain and hail passed through the area, causing the iconic bar and grill to close its doors indefinitely. Roof of historic bar, The Dixie Chicken, caved in after heavy rain and hail on May 27, 2020. (Image courtesy of Ashley Walton) (KPRC)According to Adam Drake, marketing director for Dixie Chicken Incorporated, the College Station staple has been around since 1974 and has weathered plenty of storms in the past. He said about 80 people were inside the Dixie Chicken when the roof gave in. Officials at the scene told KBTX that people were inside the bar when the roof collapsed but no one was injured.
Texas Unemployment Rate Hits Worst On Record At 12.8% Houston Public Media
Until now, the states worst-ever monthly unemployment rate was 9.2% in November 1986, as Texas reeled from the last big oil bust. A combination of the coronavirus pandemic and a contracting energy industry are expected to slow Texas economic recovery. The states April jobless rate was 12.8% Texas worst monthly tally on record. The price of oil, which for the first time ever briefly plunged negative in April, is tightly tied to the Texas economy and state budget. Disclosure: Texas A&M University, the University of Houston and the University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors.
houstonpublicmedia.org2 workers injured in oil tank explosion in Galveston
GALVESTON, Texas Two people are injured after an oil tank explosion in Galveston, authorities said. The Galveston Fire Department was called out to the Pelican Island Storage Terminal on GTI Boulevard on Pelican Island following the explosion to put out a crude oil tank fire, a city official told i45 Now. Officials said crews appeared to have been welding near or at the tank that carries 2 million gallons of heavy crude oil products when the tank exploded. The facility is an oil storage terminal that can hold 500,000 barrels of heavy fuel storage, carbon black oil, vacuum gas oil and fuel oil cutterstock, according to the website. WATCH LIVE: Sky 2 is over the scene of an oil tanker explosion in Galveston County.
Texas A&M, UH systems plan to open colleges this fall
Texas A&M, UH systems plan to open colleges this fallMari Fuentes-Martin, the Texas A&M University San Antonio vice president for student success and engagement, talks with students who chose to stay in dorms at a snack social Thursday. Photo: Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News Photo: Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Texas A&M, UH systems plan to open colleges this fall 1 / 1 Back to GalleryThe Texas A&M University and University of Houston systems intend to reopen their colleges this fall. The UH system is preparing for three methods of learning: fully online, fully on-campus, and a hybrid form, all of which will depend on public health conditions in the city. Research labs at UH colleges can open as early as May 5, but it is voluntary and up to researchers, Khator wrote. University of Texas at Austin President Greg Fenves said the college will make an announcement by the end of June about whether UT will reopen in the fall.
chron.comTexas A&M suspends classes until March 18 over coronavirus concerns
Texas A&M suspends classes until March 18 over coronavirus concernsTexas A&M University in College Station has announced that it is suspending classes for a week to plan for how to handle coronavirus concerns. >>See how coronavirus has cleared out the streets and landmarks of some population centers... less Texas A&M University in College Station has announced that it is suspending classes for a week to plan for how to handle coronavirus concerns. >>See how coronavirus has cleared out the streets and ... more Photo: TAMU.EDU Photo: TAMU.EDU Image 1 of / 123 Caption Close Texas A&M suspends classes until March 18 over coronavirus concerns 1 / 123 Back to GalleryTexas A&M University in College Station has announced that it is suspending classes to plan for how to handle coronavirus concerns. Texas A&M is not requiring that all courses move to an online format at this time. RICE CANCELS CLASSES: Novel coronavirus prompts Rice University to cancel in-person classes for weekSpring break at Texas A&M runs from March 9-13.
chron.comTwo dead, one wounded in shooting at Texas university campus
(Reuters) - Two women were killed and a toddler was wounded on Monday in a shooting at a residence hall on the Texas A&M University campus in Commerce, authorities said. The wounded toddler, a boy about 2 years old, was in stable condition at a local hospital, Texas A&M-Commerce Police Chief Bryan Vaughn said in a briefing. In October, two people were killed and about a dozen more were wounded at an off-campus Halloween party near the campus, part of the statewide Texas A&M University system. My son is safe today but tired of the nonsense on this campus! a Facebook user named Yolanda Temple posted after Mondays shooting at the campus, where 12,000 students take classes. Students and staff were initially told to shelter in place, but campus police later lifted the order.
feeds.reuters.comTexas A&M student tests negative for coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told Texas A&M officials Sunday that samples tested negative for the respiratory virus. The strain of coronavirus has sickened nearly 3,000 and killed 56 in China, officials said. We are very pleased with this news and grateful to those community caregivers involved for their expertise, proactive action and compassion demonstrated in treating our student, said Martha Dannenbaum, director of Texas A&Ms Student Health Services. A Baylor University student who recently traveled to China is also being tested by federal health officials for a possible case of the virus. The student is experiencing mild symptoms and has been isolated as a precaution, Baylor officials said Friday.
chron.comTexas A&M campuses to become smoke, tobacco free in 2020
EMBED >More News Videos "I came very close to death" | ABC13's Nick Natario spoke with Texas A&M student Hunter Sims, who is recovering from what he says was a vaping related illness. COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KTRK) -- In the new year, Texas A&M campuses will be tobacco and smoke-free, the university system announced Tuesday, two months after instituting a ban on e-cigarettes and vaping. "Across the nation, more than 2,000 universities have already become smoke-free and tobacco-free," Young said. With your help, everyone who comes to Texas A&M will be able to enjoy a healthier and more comfortable campus community. It's horrible for you, and I came very close to death, and I'm lucky."
abc13.comHouston university among those tapped for new ESPORTS deal
HOUSTON, Texas -- A Houston ESPORTS platform has announced that four universities - including one in town - have made moves to optimize the company's technology.Texas A&M University, the University of Texas - Austin, Louisiana State University, and Houston's own University of St. Thomas have made a deal with Mainline. The company, which just closed a $9.8 million series A round, is a software and management platform for esports tournaments.The four schools will use the software to host and grow their on-campus esports communities, according to a news release.For more on this story, please visit
abc13.comHouston ESPORTS company taps nearby universities for partnerships
HOUSTON, Texas -- A Houston ESPORTS platform has announced that four universities - including one in town - have made moves to optimize the company's technology.Texas A&M University, the University of Texas - Austin, Louisiana State University, and Houston's own University of St. Thomas have made a deal with Mainline. The company, which just closed a $9.8 million series A round, is a software and management platform for esports tournaments.The four schools will use the software to host and grow their on-campus esports communities, according to a news release.For more on this story, please visit
abc13.com20 years later: Remembering Texas A&M bonfire collapse
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - On this day 20 years ago, tragedy struck Texas A&M campus. It was a tradition that started 90 years earlier, and to build the bonfire meant you were all in -- an Aggie, true and through. The night that changed A&M historyAt 2:42 a.m., something went wrong during the bonfire build. Tim, though still alive after the bonfire collapse, had sustained multiple injuries by the time he was freed from the stack and taken to the hospital. Comstock said, I speak to this day under the name The 13th Man.The bonfire no longer takes place on campus, but students have resumed an unofficial bonfire that burns every November.
Powerful videos, memories and moments 20 years after tragic bonfire collapse
Remembering the 12 lives lost 20 years after the tragic A&M bonfire collapse. From videos to the Bonfire Memorial, the lives lost are still being remembered and honored 20 years after the fact. Read moreWhat to know about the Houstonians killed in the Texas A&M bonfire tragedy 20 years agoNathan West Scott on the left. Read moreWhat KPRC 2 viewers remember about Texas A&M bonfire 20 years laterRemembering the 12 lives lost 20 years after the tragic A&M bonfire collapse. Read more5 powerful videos that remember the A&M bonfire 20 years since its collapseRemembering the 12 lives lost in the tragic bonfire collapse at Texas A&M.
What KPRC 2 viewers remember about Texas A&M bonfire 20 years later
1999: In College Station, Texas, 12 are killed and 27 injured at Texas A&M University when the 59-foot-tall Aggie Bonfire, under construction for the annual football game against the University of Texas, collapses in the early morning hours.HOUSTON - The 20th anniversary of the Texas A&M bonfire collapse is on November 18. It was my junior year, I was on bonfire my freshman & sophomore years, made tons of great friends and memories. We literally made a call list and went down one by one checking on friends, praying they would pick up the phone. Kay Carlisle:"I remember trying to contact our youngest son who had said he was going to be a part of it. I also remember fiercely being in support for never having another bonfire on or off campus in honor of the 12 that died."
5 powerful videos that remember the A&M bonfire 20 years since its collapse
1999: In College Station, Texas, 12 are killed and 27 injured at Texas A&M University when the 59-foot-tall Aggie Bonfire, under construction for the annual football game against the University of Texas, collapses in the early morning hours.HOUSTON - As the anniversary approaches, the Texas A&M community remembers their fellow Aggies involved in the 1999 Bonfire Collapse which killed 12 and injured 27. For nearly 100 years, students in College Station came together for an annual bonfire ahead of the university's football game against its rival, the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns. Here are five videos that perfectly tell the story of the accident which occurred 20 years ago. Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial 20 Year Anniversary TributeTexas A&M - Bonfire Remembrance 10th Anniversary1999 Bonfire Football Game | Texas A&M vs. UTTraditions Tuesday: Bonfire 1999 (S1, E3)The Aggie Bonfire Memorial at Texas A&MCopyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.
Texas A&M Bonfire Tragedy: The tradition, the tragedy and the aftermath
It represented "every Aggie's 'burning desire' to beat the University of Texas in football," according to the TAMU website. The bonfire burned each year except for the year President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in 1963. A Texas A&M commission after the tragedy reportedly found that the 59-foot bonfire collapsed because of poor construction and design practices made possible by a chronic lack of supervision from the university. The game began with a flyover by F-16s, all piloted by former Texas A&M students. MemorialMeanwhile, the university constructed a memorial for the victims that was unveiled five years after the tragedy.