I was surprised and disappointed when I learned of the decision by of the Regents of the Texas A&M University System to cancel the contact with The Qatar Foundation, effective 2028. I wish they had provided additional information in support of their decision. Having expressed this wish, I understand they deal with difficult and frequently complex issues. I respect the fact that the decision they made is within their authority. The source of my surprise is the 20-plus year reputation of the partnership as one successful in every aspect.
In the early days, I had a small role in the decision to partner with the Qatar Foundation. They made their request to Texas A&M University a few months before I ended my time as president. In response to that request, Provost Ronald Douglas, took a small delegation of faculty and administrators to Doha to evaluate whether we should pursue the …