An Aggie has been named sole finalist to become Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Former Texas Comptroller John Sharp was named Monday by the Board of Regents. According to state law, Sharp can start his new position following a 21 day waiting period.
Sharp will be at the Regents office in south College Station Tuesday morning to meet with reporters. Hear his comments on News/Talk 1620 WTAW and online at wtaw.com.
Here is the news release from the A&M System office:
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents today named veteran state official John Sharp as the sole finalist for chancellor of the 19-member system, affirming the recommendation of the advisory group charged with the candidate search. Sharp will be eligible to become chancellor of the A&M System after a state-mandated 21-day waiting period.
Sharp, a 1972 graduate of the system’s flagship institution-Texas A&M University-has more than three decades of experience in state public office, including terms with the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives, as a member of the Texas Railroad Commission, and as the 35th Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. He is a native of Placedo, Texas.
“John’s years of combined service to our state and to Texas A&M make him an ideal choice for this role,” said Richard A. Box, chairman of the A&M System’s Board of Regents. “Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to ensuring the A&M System’s success, and as a board, we believe he can provide the steadfast commitment it will take to achieve our ongoing preeminence in teaching, research and service as one of the country’s leading university systems.
“During his many years in state government, he has become acutely aware of the many challenges that our universities, state agencies and health science center face,” Box added, “but he also understands the tremendous opportunity that lies within the A&M System.”
While a student at Texas A&M, Sharp was a member of the Corps of Cadets and Corps staff, and served as student body president. Following graduation, he served four years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Sharp, 61, served as Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts from 1991 to 1998, where he received numerous accolades for his focus on government efficiencies. He is a former legislator, serving in the Texas House between 1979 to 1983 and the Texas Senate from 1983 to 1987. He was elected Texas Railroad Commissioner in 1987, where he championed reforms to the state’s trucking regulations and the development of new natural gas markets. Sharp and his wife, Charlotte, have two children, Victoria and Spencer. He and his family are members of St. John Newman Catholic Church in Austin.