Mark Anthony Welsh III (born January 26, 1954)[2] is the 27th president of Texas A&M University, former Dean of the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University,[3] a retired United States Air Force four-star general,[4] and a member of the board of directors of Northrop Grumman.

In earlier portions of his career, he served as a fighter pilot (primarily flying the F-16 and A-10 aircraft) and was a commander at the squadron, group and wing level, in addition to assignments in training, operations, intelligence and acquisitions.

He was born in San Antonio, Texas,[6] as the son of Mark Anthony Welsh Jr., a veteran of World War II.

Separately, as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he offered advice to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council.

This area includes 51 countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and the Arctic and Atlantic oceans with a total population reaching nearly one billion people speaking more than 80 languages.

[14] In earlier portions of his military career, Welsh was rated as a command pilot with extensive flying experience in fighter aircraft including the F-16 and the A-10.

As an active fighter pilot, he was selected for command positions at the squadron, group and wing level, before progressing into more senior leadership roles.

[16] Frank B. Ashley III was appointed acting dean of the school in August 2023 after Welsh became president of the university.

In his first official communication to students and faculty, Welsh made an indirect reference to the events surrounding the resignation of the previous president, which had involved the mishandled hiring of the journalism professor Kathleen McElroy: [20]"...living up to our core values is an ongoing commitment, as even esteemed institutions like ours must consistently confront and resolve challenges to uphold our status as a great university.

[28][29][30] In a keynote address at the on-campus Muster ceremony in 2022, Welsh provided elaborate detail regarding his affinity for the school, expounding on comments previously made in a Texas A&M Today interview and in other venues.

[30][29] His father, Mark A. Welsh Jr., was a member of the Texas A&M Class of 1946[28] and left the campus (along with most of his classmates) to serve overseas in World War II before returning to complete his degree.

His oldest son, Mark IV,[28] was the 2001 recipient of the Brown-Rudder Outstanding Graduate award and served as commander of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets in 2000-2001.