Chancellor visits with local leaders

By Brett Nauman
Bryan/College Station Eagle
November 23, 2004

Robert McTeer has introduced himself to academic officials, business leaders and lawmakers across the state in the 19 days he has served as chancellor over the Texas A&M University System.

McTeer greeted a group of 60 or so elected officials and community leaders from across Brazos County on Monday in his first public speaking engagement since being hired for the system’s top post.

The former bank executive told the group during a conference featuring Waco economist Ray Perryman that he will finish out his career after leading the A&M System.

“I’m honored the [A&M] regents made such a huge leap of faith to put a country boy from Georgia in this very important position,” McTeer said. “I hope to live up to that faith.”

McTeer, who served as president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas since 1991, resigned that post earlier this month when regents hired him as chancellor.

Perryman said that McTeer, whom he characterized as a friend, will be a good fit for the system. The two both have made names in the past by speaking out when interest rates were raised, Perryman said.

“I don’t think you could have made a better choice,” Perryman said during the conference, which was sponsored Phil Adams, an A&M regent and Bryan businessman. “A&M has had many great chancellors. I think you got another one.”

Meeting with officials from the system’s nine campuses, seven state agencies and Health Science Center has dominated most of his less than three weeks on the job, McTeer said in an interview before Monday’s conference.

“Most of my meetings have been introductions and meet-and-greets,” McTeer said. “I just listen and try not to form preconceived conclusions about anything. I try to keep an open mind.”

McTeer also has been to Austin twice to speak with lawmakers and has helped lead the search for the next president at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi during his first few weeks, he said, adding that travel is a big part of his job.

“When the regents interviewed me for this, they told me if I was in the office more than half the time, I wouldn’t be doing it right. They want me to be out and about.”

Brett Nauman’s e-mail address is bnauman@theeagle.com

Reprinted with permission of The Bryan/College Station Eagle