Preserving The American Dream Through Leadership
Texas A&M University champions the American Dream and American values to produce the leaders who shape the nation
America’s Founding Values
American identity has long been shaped by the founding ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These values helped form what later became known as the American Dream: the belief that people, regardless of background, should have the freedom, opportunity and responsibility to build a better life.
Yet confidence in U.S. higher education has declined sharply, falling from 57% in 2015 to 36% in 2024. This raises an important question: Which institutions are still doing the work to keep the American Dream credible, accessible and real?
Keeping the American Dream Alive
For 150 years, Texas A&M University has carried forward a mission rooted in one of America’s most enduring ideas. Established through the Morrill Land Grant Act, the purpose of this institution was to democratize higher education and equip citizens with the skills needed to strengthen their communities, industries and the nation.
The university’s purpose has not changed since it welcomed its first students in 1876.
Texas A&M continues to be a place where opportunity, collaboration and service are part of the expectation built into the student experience. Its core values — excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service
— serve as the guiding principles for developing leaders of character.
That legacy is powerfully embodied by Gen. James Earl Rudder, who led U.S. Army Rangers up the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc during the D-Day invasion of Normandy and later became president of Texas A&M. During his presidency, Rudder helped transform the institution into a modern public university. His leadership embodies a defining Texas A&M theme: honoring tradition while expanding opportunity.
Developing American Leaders
Texas A&M’s impact extends far beyond College Station. Its former students have gone on to lead across government, business, military service, science, agriculture and public life. The university’s heritage has produced generations of leaders of character, including nine Medal of Honor recipients, Fortune 500 CEOs, innovators like Roku CEO Anthony Wood and public servants. The presence of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and The Bush School of Government and Public Service further strengthens Texas A&M’s connection to national leadership, duty and civic purpose.
Texas A&M is a major public research university whose work addresses real-world challenges. Norman Borlaug changed the course of history by transforming wheat production, helping launch the Green Revolution and bringing food to millions across the world. He received the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Science for his work. At Texas A&M, his legacy lives on through advancing science in the service of humanity and recognizing that where food security grows, peace and opportunity can grow with it.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary and Texas A&M its 150th, the university stands as proof that great American institutions can still expand opportunity, develop leaders and serve the common good. Together, Aggies will continue to stand as a force for good, preparing future generations to serve, lead and strengthen the nation.
