Destination Bryan Update

Texas A&M University Update on WTAW

Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President’s Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about the start of school, enrollment numbers, new student conferences, working with community partners, the search for a new Commandant, the future of ticket pull, a new television commercial, what is happening with KAMU, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Listen to “Texas A&M University Update on The Infomaniacs” on Spreaker. Message from President Welsh on August 26, 2024: Members of the Aggie Family, I trust that the first week of classes went well, and I am really enjoying the fact that our campuses are so active again. As you’ll remember, during my State of the University address last fall, I mentioned several supplemental studies (or “science projects”) were needed based on what we learned through the Quick-Look Assessment for our main campus. We’re now seeking feedback on two of these — the Student Experience and Capacity Studies — from our faculty, staff and students to continue shaping the way we “fix the foundation” of our university. These two studies, led by Vice President of Planning, Assessment and Strategy Joseph P. Pettibon II, were substantial undertakings. I’m grateful to Joe, and everyone who contributed, for the effort to get us where we are today. Student Experience Study The Student Experience Study Committee was responsible for documenting the current student experience and making recommendations on how to offer the nation’s No. 1 student experience. Through its work, the committee collected student feedback through pop-up surveys and listening sessions and utilized existing institutional data to support an overall assessment. View the Student Experience Study Report Please provide your feedback on the Student Experience Study findings by Tuesday, Sept. 10. Capacity Study The Capacity Study Committee was responsible for reviewing the current infrastructure, teaching capacities and staffing levels to identify the current and future capacity of enrollment on the main campus as well as any near- to mid-term adjustments required to better serve the entire university community. The committee’s work was divided among five groups: instructional capacity; operational capacity; research and faculty spaces; student and event spaces; and transit and mobility capacity. View the Capacity Study Report Please provide your feedback on the Capacity Study findings by Tuesday, Sept. 17. Also, we are winding down the comment period for the draft Research Identity Report. Thank you to everyone who has submitted comments so far. If you have not yet shared feedback, the online form is available until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3. I want to thank all of our committee leads and members for their incredible work, and I appreciate all of you taking the time to share feedback. Together, we are shaping the future of Texas A&M University, and your thoughts on how we do that are critical as we look ahead. Thank you and Gig ’em! r/mark General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, President

Petition Drive Underway To Improve Safety At The Intersection Of Highway 6 And FM 2549 In Robertson County

Family members of a Franklin woman who was killed August 14th at Highway 6 and FM 2549 between Bryan and Hearne have started a petition drive. A sister of the victim posted on the Robertson County sheriff’s office Facebook page that she wants among other things, the speed limit lowered on Highway 6, traffic signals installed at the location of the crash at Highway 6 and FM 2549, and more law enforcement. The petition drive was promoted on the Robertson County sheriff’s office Facebook post of another crash at that intersection. A DPS spokesman tells WTAW News that Saturday (August 24) around 5 a.m. that there was a single vehicle rollover in the right hand turn lane of Highway 6 to turn onto 2549. The driver, who sustained minor injuries, told the trooper that they fell asleep.

Brazos County’s District Court Clerk And A Former Girlfriend Will Not Be Prosecuted On Assault Charges

Brazos County’s district court clerk and a former girlfriend will not be prosecuted on misdemeanor assault charges. The decision affecting district clerk Gabriel Garcia and Maria Ramirez was announced by Brazos County county attorney Earl Gray. Gray told WTAW News that there was insufficient evidence to file formal charges of a class “A” misdemeanor of family violence assault causing bodily injury or a class “C” misdemeanor assault by offensive touching. Click below to hear comments from Earl Gray, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver. Listen to “Brazos County's district court clerk and a former girlfriend will not be prosecuted on assault charges” on Spreaker. Original story, August 19, 2024: Brazos County’s district court clerk and a former girlfriend are arrested on misdemeanor charges of family violence assault causing bodily injury. 56 year old Gabriel Andre Garcia and 33 year old Maria Guadalupe Ramirez of Bryan are both out of jail after posting $5,000 dollar bonds. The BPD arrest reports show Garcia and Ramirez both said what happened was not the first time they have had a physical altercation. 9-1-1 dispatchers sent BPD officers to a report of a disturbance at Garcia’s home Saturday morning (August 17) around 4:30 that was called in by Ramirez. Arrest reports say Ramirez was pushed twice by Garcia, causing her to fall. Garcia said he pushed Ramirez while trying to get away from her after she struck him on the left side of his head. Ramirez had scrape marks on her right hand and right forearm, a small cut on the back of her right arm, and redness in her left eye. Garcia had a small cut behind his left ear that resulted in bleeding. The physical contact took place outside Garcia’s home while his children were sleeping. The arrest reports do not say who had custody of the children after Garcia was arrested. Garcia said he and Ramirez had a disagreement at a local restaurant before the disturbance at his home. Garcia is in the middle of his second term as Brazos County district court clerk. Brazos County judge Duane Peters issued the following statement: “Brazos County officials are aware of the arrest of District Clerk Gabriel Garcia. A charge against an elected official is deeply concerning, but as this is a legal matter, we cannot comment on any details at this time. The district clerk’s office is fully staffed and will continue to provide professional customer service. We will provide further information as it is available.” WTAW News identified Garcia with his middle name of Andre because online jail records also list a Gabriel Anthony Garcia, a Gabriel Alejandro Garcia, and a Gabriel Edward Garcia. WTAW News identified Ramirez with her middle name of Guadalupe because online jail records also list a Maria Lemus Ramirez, a Maria Eleuteria Ramirez, a Maria DeJesus Ramirez, a Maria Carmen Ramirez, a Maria Portillo Ramirez, and two women named Maria Ramirez with birth years of 1961 and 1978.