Texas A&M system employees host a retirement reception for John Sharp

This podcast is the Texas A&M system's retirement reception program for chancellor John Sharp that was held June 18, 2025.Below is the order of the speakers and the time on the recording each person starts their remarks.Emcee was Texas A&M system's Stephanie Bjune.(1:09) Soon to retire system deputy chancellor and chief financial officer Billy Hamilton(8:36) System general counsel Ray Bonilla(12:36) Retired system vice chancellor of marketing and communications Laylan Copelin(18:42) Commanding general of the Army Futures Command James Rainey(23:18) Congressman Michael McCaul(30:06) Linda McCaul, wife of congressman Michael McCaul(35:15) Chancellor John Sharp(50:40) Billy Hamilton finishing the program by leading a champagne toast to John Sharp.Texas A&M system employees hosted a retirement reception for chancellor John Sharp Wednesday afternoon (June 18).The reception program included Sharp being presented one of the nation’s highest military honors for civilians, the U.S. Army’s meritorious public service medal. The medal was presented by the commanding general of the Army Futures Command, General James Rainey.Other speakers included Sharp, his deputy chancellor and chief financial officer Billy Hamilton, his general counsel Ray Bonilla, his vice chancellor of marketing and communications Laylan Copelin, and Linda McCaul, the wife of Michael McCaul.News release from the Texas A&M system regarding the presentation of the U.S. Army's meritorious public service medal:As he wraps up his 14-year tenure as chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, John Sharp is receiving one of the nation’s highest military honors for civilians: the U.S. Army’s Meritorious Public Service Medal. The award was given to Sharp on Wednesday by Gen. James E. Rainey, Commanding General of Army Futures Command (AFC), during a retirement reception. Sharp’s last day as chancellor is June 30. The Medal recognizes Sharp for his leadership in creating Texas A&M-RELLIS and devoting much of its innovative research capabilities to developing next-generation technologies for national defense. Rainey said the relationship between AFC and the Texas A&M System is as important as any relationship that AFC has with any U.S. university. Rainey recalled his first meeting with Sharp, confessing to being nervous because of its importance of the partnership.  “The Chancellor put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘The answer is yes. What’s your question? You and your organization have embodied that,” Rainey said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done, sir.’ At Sharp’s direction, the System forged an agreement with AFC on July 31, 2019, which led to construction of the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) that opened three years later. Headquartered in Austin, the AFC draws on research from U.S. universities, national laboratories and the private sector to help modernize the U.S. Army. BCDC is a central hub for testing and evaluation of that research because of its unique combination of physical facilities, secure-cyber capabilities and research expertise. At Wednesday’s event, Sharp thanked Rainey for his service to the nation and recalled their meeting the same way.“One of the great traditions of Texas A&M is preparing soldiers, airmen and sailors to serve the United States,” Sharp said. “Our university system is built on patriotism and dedication to this country, and it is our great honor to do whatever the Army Futures Command asks of us.” The medal is awarded exclusively to civilians who have provided outstanding service to the Army, its mission, troops, veterans and their families. Other widely known recipients include actor Gary Sinise, comedian Stephen Colbert and Bud Selig, former commissioner of Major League Baseball.  The Army’s citation certificate reads:  To Chancellor John S. Sharp. For meritorious service as the Chancellor for the Texas A&M University System. Chancellor Sharp spearheaded a vital partnership between the Texas A&M University System and the United States Army Futures Command, significantly advancing national defense capabilities. His leadership was instrumental in establishing the RELLIS Campus as a defense innovation hub, including the unique Ballistic Aero-Optics and Materials Range for testing advanced weaponry. Chancellor Sharp’s extraordinary performance, professionalism, and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of public service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Texas A&M University System, the United States Army Futures Command, and the United States Army.