What Does Texas A&M Stand For?
What does it mean to stand for something, to stand up or stand ready? Watch what we stand for here.
When Texas A&M University opened in 1876, it was called the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, or "A&M" for short. Today — almost 150 years later — Texas A&M continues to stand for our core values that have always unified and defined our Aggie community.
We Stand for Our Core Values
Excellence
We are dedicated to excelling in what we do and say we will do, and we continually strive to improve. We are passionate about delivering results and achieving desired outcomes, impact and value that exceeds expectations — of our own and of others.
Integrity
We are trustworthy and honest with ourselves and others. We honor and follow through on commitments and expectations, holding ourselves and others accountable for our actions, behaviors and outcomes. We operate with the highest ethical standards in all we do.
Leadership
We set the example. We embody our values. We are courageous and forward-thinking, embracing change and propelling ourselves and the university. We unify, inspire and empower each other.
Loyalty
We are dedicated to a greater purpose. We trust, respect and support each other. We are stronger and better together because of our shared support of the university.
Respect
We believe people matter. We value and treat ourselves and others with care, compassion, dignity, civility and fairness. We appreciate, learn from and create a welcoming and inclusive environment that values uniqueness, diversity and a sense of community.
Selfless Service
We are part of a global community and purpose that is bigger than ourselves. We work with and help others to have a positive impact; and we do so without expectation of recognition or reward.
We Stand for Loyalty Home of the 12th Man
Texas A&M isn’t just a place — it’s a community, a legacy and a family. Whether you’re a current student, a proud former student, or a future Aggie, there’s a place for you to stand with us. Share your story, spread the word, and let’s show the world what it means to be an Aggie. Because at Texas A&M, we stand for something bigger than ourselves.
We Stand for Selfless Service President Mark A. Welsh III
As the 27th president of Texas A&M, General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III brings unparalleled expertise and passion for public service to the university. After a distinguished 40-year career in the United States Air Force, Welsh served as dean of Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service before becoming the university president in 2023. He works to inspire our community to develop leaders of character dedicated to serving the greater good.
We Stand for Excellence & LeadershipWorld-Class Faculty
Our faculty stand up for their students, working to solve society's biggest problems and train our next generation of leaders. Take physics professor Dr. Tatiana Erukhimova, who stands out from the crowd with her approach to teaching physics. Her class demonstrations and videos have made her an online sensation showing that science can be exciting and accessible for everyone.
We Stand for Integrity & RespectContinuing the Bush Legacy
Led by a deep affection for Aggies, President George H.W. Bush chose Texas A&M to be the home of his Presidential Library and Museum and The Bush School of Government and Public Service. President Bush was known as a man of integrity. His famous quote is inscribed on our main campus: "Let future generations understand the burden and the blessings of freedom. Let them say we stood where duty required us to stand." Andrew Card (pictured), who served the Bush administration and is a former dean of the Bush School, continues to work preserving the Bush legacy for future generations.