"Texas A&M has a unique spirit and culture, and we are proud of both.
Our culture is grounded in patriotism, religious belief (however expressed), loyalty to family and to one another, a hard work ethic, character and integrity. We want all who share that culture to feel - and to be - welcome at Texas A&M. We want and need to persuade all who embrace that culture - and who meet our admission standards -- to become a part of the Aggie family...

A final observation. The reality we all must accept is that Texas - and the nation - are part of a far more diverse, more competitive and more complex world than ever before. The reality we all must accept is that the alternative to change is stagnation and decline. The reality we all must accept is that we must do a better job of meeting our obligations and responsibilities to all of the citizens of the state of Texas in preparing its students for a changed world. This is not political correctness. It is political realism."

Robert M. Gates
President of Texas A&M University
Former Director of the CIA