About

Carter Mallory ‘26

2025-26 Student Body President

“Texas A&M University’s responsibility as a land-grant institution is not only to pursue knowledge that strengthens communities across Texas but to model what it means to be an engaged and respectful citizen in a free country."

Texas A&M History

A Legacy of Citizenship, Leadership, & Service

Tracing the historic evolution of civic duty, character, and community impact at Texas A&M University from 1876 to the present day.

The Founding Mandate 1876 Land-Grant mission established

Texas A&M opens as the state's first public institution of higher learning under the Morrill Land-Grant Act. From day one, the institution is tasked with developing educated, disciplined leaders dedicated to practical advancement, agricultural stewardship, and state and national service.

The 12th Man Spirit 1922 Personal readiness & selflessness

Standing ready during the Dixie Classic, student E. King Gill steps out of the stands to support his team. This iconic moment codifies the core Aggie tradition of readiness, humility, and willingness to step up whenever the team or community requires assistance.

Dedication of the MSC 1950 A living memorial to sacrifice

The Memorial Student Center is officially dedicated on Muster Day to honor Aggies who lost their lives in service to the nation. Designed as a living memorial, the MSC embeds the principles of honor, sacrifice, and civic duty directly into the daily campus life of students.

The Rudder Era Reforms 1963 Expanding vision & leadership

Under President James Earl Rudder, Texas A&M opens admission to women and Black students while transitioning the Corps of Cadets to a voluntary status. These transformative changes modernize the university and expand the scope of who leads and serves in the Aggie family.

The Big Event Founded 1982 Grassroots student service leadership

Student leaders launch a single day of service to express gratitude to the Bryan-College Station community. Over the decades, it expands into the nation's largest single-day, student-run volunteer project, setting the national benchmark for collegiate community outreach.

The Bush School Opens 1997 Public service as a noble calling

President George H.W. Bush dedicates his presidential library and graduate school of government at Texas A&M, enshrining his guiding philosophy: "Public service is a noble calling." This solidifies TAMU as a premier national center for civic duty and ethical governance.

The Six Core Values 2005 Selfless Service defined

Texas A&M formally codifies its Six Core Values: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service. These principles explicitly define the expectations of Aggie character and frame service as an essential responsibility of membership in the university community.

Citizens for Good TODAY Tradition into active engagement

Building upon 150 years of Aggie tradition, the Citizens for Good program provides students with structured pathways, badging, and reflection tools to connect modern civic engagement with lifelong leadership.

Texas A&M is known for developing leaders of character. That will remain a hallmark of the Aggie experience, and civic readiness will be central to that work. We plan to cultivate opportunities across every college and school for students to better understand civic responsibilities and ensure they engage in meaningful service opportunities. Other institutions may create a single center or program focused on civics. At Texas A&M, we are weaving civic readiness into the fabric of the Aggie experience to educate the leaders of tomorrow."

Aggie Core Values

Respect

Listen to understand and engage others with dignity.

Excellence

Prepare carefully, think critically and pursue work of lasting value.

Leadership

Take responsibility and help others work toward a shared purpose.

Loyalty

Remain committed to the people, institutions and communities entrusted to your care.

Integrity

Act ethically and honestly, even when doing so is difficult.

Selfless Service

Use your time, knowledge and skills to improve the lives of others.

Message from the Associate Vice President for Citizenship and Service

Brigadier General (Ret.) Kim Field

At 150 years as a land-grant institution, Texas A&M is recommitting to the mission that has set Aggies apart: educating students not only for successful careers, but for lives of service and responsible citizenship.  I am often asked, doesn’t Texas A&M already produce good citizens? Yes.  So what then is this program all about?  In short, leaders always strive to do better, especially when it comes to addressing a specific need. With the Citizens for Good program we are intentionally combining and aligning all the pieces of goodness at A&M, filling individual student gaps, and asking for reflection – aimed at what our country needs right now.  Our premise is that if we do this right, this large university will be putting civic leaders all over Texas and the country.  That might just be enough to make a difference.    My own commitment to this work was shaped by education at West Point and more than 30 years of military service. It was also shaped by a mother and sister called to teaching, by colleagues in the Foreign Service committed to showing the goodness of America to the world, and so many others. I like to think I know it when I see it — and what I see here at Texas A&M is truly extraordinary.  Citizens for Good is not a building or office. It is a shared commitment. Our intention is that every Aggie will engage with the program, carrying the spirit of Civic Friendship from campus into Texas and beyond. Because Texas A&M is a force for good — and because now, more than ever, our country needs Aggies.