Originally Posted by Dr Gates

By the time you read this, the President of the United States will have
announced that he will nominate me to be the next Secretary of
Defense. I am deeply honored, but also deeply saddened.

...

I apologize for surprising you with this momentous decision and
announcement, and for leaving as president before fulfilling my
commitment to serve Texas A&M for at least five years. I hope you will
understand the circumstances that made this necessary and that this
appointment comes nearly as much a surprise to me as to you.

I will have more to say to you before I leave (if I am confirmed by the
Senate). But I must tell you that while I chose Texas A&M over
returning to government almost two years ago, much has happened both
here and around the world since then. I love Texas A&M deeply, but I
love our country more and, like the many Aggies in uniform, I am
obligated to do my duty. And so I must go. I hope you have some idea
of how painful that is for me and how much I will miss you and this
unique American institution.

At this point, I expect to remain as President of Texas A&M until
completion of the confirmation process and a Senate vote. I assure
you, you will hear more from me before my departure.


Robert M. Gates
President
Texas A&M University