(AUSTIN) — "I am deeply grateful for Chancellor Mike McKinney's dedicated service to the Texas A&M University System and to our great State of Texas. His leadership and expertise have benefitted not only the 19 A&M system institutions, but also Texas higher education in general.

"As determined as he is affable, Chancellor McKinney visited system campuses regularly, and he prioritized listening to the concerns of students, faculty, parents, administrators, legislators and alumni. I wish him the best in his retirement, and I am confident that he will be successful in his future endeavors.

"As Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee On Higher Education Governance, Excellence and Transparency, I look forward to continuing to collaborate productively with Texas A&M System leadership in maintaining a strong commitment to high-quality graduate and undergraduate education and in enhancing its flagship institution's status as one of our nation's top research universities."

SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI, D-Laredo, is Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee and Co-Chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee On Higher Education Governance, Excellence and Transparency. She champions legislation and funding that promote accessibility, affordability and excellence at all Texas colleges and universities.

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