Rhodes to Retire From Texas A&M-Central Texas
University president Richard M. Rhodes will step down effective June 1, 2027, or once a successor is appointed.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Higher Education
Texas A&M University-Central Texas President Richard M. Rhodes announced his retirement, effective June 1, 2027, or upon the appointment of his successor. Texas A&M System officials will release details of the presidential search process at a later date.
Why it matters
Rhodes has led the Killeen-based university since fall 2023 and oversaw its inaugural Master of Science in Nursing cohort and the Forge Economic Development Incubator groundbreaking. His departure comes as the university prepares to launch its first doctoral programs in fall 2027.
The announcement, made Wednesday, sets Rhodes's retirement for June 1, 2027, or upon successor appointment, and approximately half of the student body is connected to the military. The Texas A&M System has not yet released details of the search process or a successor timeline.
The players
Richard M. Rhodes
Rhodes is a higher education administrator who previously led the Austin Community College District as its longest-tenured chancellor and served as president of El Paso Community College.
Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is a state university system overseeing multiple campuses, including Texas A&M University-Central Texas, and will manage the presidential search.
The details
Rhodes previously served as chancellor of the Austin Community College District, where he was the longest-tenured chancellor, and as president of El Paso Community College. Under his tenure, the university completed the CORE Building to centralize campus infrastructure and expanded into Temple College's University Center.
Timeline
Fall 2023: Rhodes began serving as president of Texas A&M University-Central Texas.
Wednesday: Rhodes announced his retirement.
Fall 2027: The university plans to launch its first doctoral programs.
June 1, 2027: Rhodes's retirement takes effect, or upon successor appointment.
Season Trajectory
The leadership transition arrives as Texas A&M University-Central Texas prepares to launch its first doctoral programs, continuing the regional expansion pattern the Texas A&M System has pursued across its campuses. A new president will inherit the university's planned move into doctoral education.
Students and local families may watch the presidential search closely, since the next president will guide the university's first doctoral launch in fall 2027. Current programs and enrollment are not expected to change until a successor takes over.
The takeaway
A university leadership change often signals a new strategic direction, so readers following Texas A&M-Central Texas should watch for the presidential search outcome and the rollout of its doctoral programs.
What happens next
The Texas A&M System will release details of the presidential search process at a later date, and the university plans to launch its first doctoral programs in fall 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Higher Education in Killeen as the university's leadership search unfolds.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwtx.
