It opened in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, the first public institution of higher education in that state.
The letters "A&M" no longer have any explicit meaning but are retained as a link to the university's past.
[2] As a Senior Military College, Texas A&M is one of three public universities with a full-time, volunteer Corps of Cadets.
It provides more commissioned officers to the United States Armed Forces than any other school outside the service academies.
[3] Texas A&M University's history as an all-male military institution has led to a unique traditions and terminology.