KINGSVILLE (July 1, 2024) — Under the visionary leadership of Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, Texas A&M University-Kingsville has expanded and enhanced campus facilities and opportunities for students during Sharp’s nearly 13- year tenure at the helm of one of the country’s largest systems of higher education.
On Monday, Sharp announced his retirement effective June 2025, ending the longest tenure as Texas A&M University System Chancellor and one of the most prosperous eras in the System’s history.
“Chancellor Sharp is a true champion for Texas A&M University-Kingsville who recognizes the incredible legacy of our institution while always inspiring us to strive for growth, innovation, and excellence,” said Texas A&M University-Kingsville President Dr. Robert Vela.
Since assuming the role of Chancellor in 2011, Sharp has overseen efforts that resulted in more than $70M in new construction at TAMUK, including new athletic and intramural fields and the state-of-the-art Music Education Complex. The University also received $45M in funding to address deferred maintenance needs. The new facilities and improvements at TAMUK are part of Sharp’s legacy, which is defined by a historic building boom of $11.4 billion for 306 projects that improved facilities at all 11 System universities and eight state agencies. Additionally, TAMUK achieved the High Research Activity designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education during the Chancellor’s tenure and was recognized as among the top four percent of universities in the nation when it comes to social mobility.
For a more detailed list of accomplishments during Sharp’s tenure, visit https://www.tamus.edu/the-texas-am-university-system-select-achievements-under-chancellor-sharp-2011-2024/.
“With his South Texas roots, the Chancellor possesses a profound understanding and appreciation of our region and the students and families we serve,” Vela said. “This has served as the foundation of his vision for A&M-Kingsville and the future we continue to shape. We have been incredibly fortunate to have the Chancellor’s support through the years, and South Texas and Javelina Nation are better for it. Chancellor Sharp will always be a part of our Javelina family, and we wish him and Diana all the best.”
-TAMUK-
