Texas A&M interim president Tommy Williams has his first visit with local reporters

This podcast is a recording of Texas A&M interim president Tommy Williams first visit with local reporters on October 16, 2025.Texas A&M interim president Tommy Williams, finishing his second week in that position, met with local reporters for the first time. Williams said during the nearly 20 minute visit on Thursday (October 16) that he was surprised when he got a call from the chancellor about the position and Williams saying his only condition was that he was not going to pursue the position on a permanent basis.Williams was asked four times about what he has heard from students and employees. Williams did not share any examples, saying he wanted to not taint what would be said in upcoming meetings.Williams was also asked about being the most recent university president or system chancellor in Texas to not come from academia.A former state lawmaker, Williams was asked about applying his legislative experiences in his new position.He also responded to a question about continuing Aggie traditions while the makeup of the student population is changing.There were questions about taking over for Mark Welsh, who resigned following political pressure.He also addressed questions related to an audit of academic courses and about dropping or modifying courses and course descriptions.