Texas A&M University Purpose Statement:
To develop leaders of character dedicated to serving the greater good.
During 2005, Texas A&M, under the leadership of the then university president Dr. Robert Gates, conducted a study of the perceived “brand” and value of the university; what it means to be an Aggie, and what Texas A&M means to its many different and diverse constituencies. In short, it was an exercise to define a ‘core’ set of values – to put words on that “spirit can ne’er be told.”
Six words ascended in to a cultural doctrine for current and former students, friends, faculty and staff: Loyalty, Integrity, Excellence, Leadership, Selfless Service, and Respect. These recurring themes have been present in the culture of Texas A&M from its very humble beginning and ultimately become character traits that each and every Aggie assimilates until their name is called at a sacred Muster. And then, those words become descriptors for that Aggie’s life and inspiration for future generations. It is a cycle that perpetuates year after year after year.
Not one of these words was a surprise to anyone who has ever experienced any part of Aggieland, including simply conversing with an Aggie! Their relevance and application are profoundly apropos whether referring to the university, its culture, Aggieland, Aggies, current, former and future students, and the guiding ideals which make the Aggie education and experience extraordinary and unique.
The Texas A&M purpose statement carries with it the responsibility, the traditions and the forward thinking of Texas A&M University exemplified by all who are associated with the university — its faculty and staff, and its current and former students.
These Core Values are, naturally and by design, are at the core of Aggies and Texas A&M.
Excellence - Set the bar.
"Excellence stems from a great sense of pride in who we are and what we believe in."
-Former Texas A&M president, Dr. Robert Gates
"There's an optimism, a faith in the future and an attitude that propels Aggies to take on the impossible - look at Red/White/Blue-Out."
- Texas A&M Leadership
"We could do just about anything if we tried hard enough."
- Former Student
Integrity - Character is destiny.
"The Aggie Code of Honor which Aggies recite by heart: Aggies do not lie, cheat or steal nor tolerate those that do" shows what goes to the heart of being an Aggie."
- Texas A&M Leadership
"Integrity was the core value that A&M gave me more of than any other. It helped me succeed in my career because my fellow professionals, clients and friends knew that they could rely on me and my word".
- Former Student
Leadership - Follow me.
"If you don't want to be a leader of character, don't come here."
- Corps Commandant, LTG John Van Alstyne
"The spirit of leadership is instilled in every student - whether they go on to lead in the boardroom or in the backyard - they have the values, the confidence and the experience to lead change in their world."
- Texas A&M Leadership
Loyalty - Acceptance forever.
Through unity, strength.
- Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets Motto
"I'm proud to be a part of a family that will always be there for me that's 48,000 members strong...and that's not counting all those that came before or will come after."
- Current Texas A&M Student
"Loyalty and respect for tradition is about a sense of belonging to something greater than yourself. You're a part of a history of traditions...of a larger community."
- Former Executive Vice President and Provost, Dr. David Prior
Respect - We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we.
"A&M students aren't just joining a university, they're joining a lifelong family that understands the value of loyalty, camaraderie, and unconditional support."
- Texas A&M Leadership
"A&M students embody a refreshing spirit: born of the values of friendliness, caring, support, confidence and a can-do attitude."
- Former Student
Selfless Service - How can I be of service?
"If I had to tell you about Aggie values in one sentence I would simply ask the question: How can I be of service?"
- Current Texas A&M Student
"A&M encourages volunteerism, encourages being one of a thousand points of light, helping others...and it comes naturally to Aggies."
- Former US President, George Bush
