Luncheon Honors Retiring Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp

A full Country Club room of well-wishers, many garbed in traditional Aggie and Texas A&M International University maroon, welcomed Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp to honor him for his nearly 14 years of service to the A&M System, its 11 universities, eight agencies, and RELLIS campus.

John Galo, Webb County Commissioner, Precinct 3, his wife Anna Galo, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner, and Dean Judith Zaffirini, State Senator, District 21, hosted the celebration for Sharp, who will retire this June.

Sharp shared his lifelong fascination with Laredo and his delight at returning to the Gateway City, quickly noting the difference the A&M System has made in Laredo higher education and the City’s quality of life.

“We’ve built core buildings central to TAMIU’s growth including the $71 million Academic Innovation Center, the TAMIU Police Department, and the Trailblazer Tower. With the support of lawmakers like Dean Judith Zaffirini, and Representative Raymond, we’ve invested in buildings that will help fuel the regional economy, including $71.2 million for the  Health Sciences Education & Research Center and Western Hemispheric Trade Center expansion.  This empowers TAMIU to expand health science offerings and house multiple business and community outreach programs,” Sharp noted.

He observed that the A&M Board of Regents has ensured that TAMIU is built to succeed.

 “I also want to thank the A&M System’s Board of Regents for their wisdom in supporting TAMIU’s continued growth. We’ve created new degree programs to create new opportunities for kids from Laredo. These include a bachelor’s in petroleum engineering, and master’s degrees in Bilingual Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, Information Science, School Counseling, Nursing Administration, and Special Education.

He said the System’s investment in TAMIU always looks to a brighter future for South Texas and beyond.

“We’ve invested more than $16 million to make this campus more energy efficient... and we’ve done everything we can to make TAMIU an accessible, affordable, and exceptional University that meets Laredo’s needs,” he explained.

He said the investment is paying off.

“More smart kids from Laredo are getting their degrees here than ever. Enrollment in 2011 was 6,544 students. Enrollment in 2025: more than 8,900 and growing,” he concluded. 

TAMIU interim president Juan J. Castillo closed the celebration with a toast, reflecting on Sharp’s measurable impact on the campus.

“You’ve heard about our growth and our System’s growth in infrastructure and enrollment.  At TAMIU we’ve grown by an incredible 24%...positioning us well for the approach of our 55 ^th Anniversary this Fall.

“It's a testament to the remarkable career of Chancellor John Sharp and the lasting impact he’s had on us all. Chancellor, you’ve been a steadfast advocate for the success and well-being of all students across the System, and you have helped us to graduate students to better lives.  Your influence has been profound, and your legacy will be felt for years.  We wish you nothing but happiness in the next chapter of your journey,” Castillo concluded.

Registration for Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) Maymester, Summer, and Fall 2025 courses is underway online via Uconnect. 

For more, contact the Office of the University Registrar at 326.2250, email  registrar@tamiu.edu , or visit offices in the Zaffirini Student Success Center, suite 121.

More of the University’s story is found at  tamiu.edu  and from its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X-Twitter, and YouTube.