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There are many things that define an Aggie beyond a degree or a ring. Mike McKinney, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, is a prime example of how being an Aggie is a state of mind.
As Chancellor, McKinney speaks at many graduation ceremonies throughout the A&M system during the summer, winter and spring commencements. This spring, McKinney will speak to graduates at Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine-College Station.
McKinney received his undergraduate degree from University of Houston and a doctorate of medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston.
"I am an Aggie at heart; I'm just not a former student," he said.
After graduating from college, McKinney was a country doctor in Centerville, Texas, for 16 years. After that, he was in the Texas State Legislature for eight years. While in Austin, McKinney served as Commissioner for Health and Human Services under Gov. George Bush and was Gov. Rick Perry's chief of staff. He continued in Austin as the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs for the University of Texas.
Although McKinney had solid ties to Austin, College Station has been a part of his family's life since his three sons were children. College Station was the closest movie theater to Centerville, so his boys grew up loving the area and the University. His two oldest sons, Class of 1998 and Class of 2001, played on the football team and now play for the NFL. His youngest son, Class of 2012, is entering A&M in the fall and will play for the football team.
In November 2006, McKinney accepted the job offer to be chancellor of the A&M System. He was immensely pleased with the opportunity to work with a University so near and dear to his heart.
"It's my ideal job - the best job I could ever ask for," McKinney said. "I'm a part of A&M, and it's a part of me."
McKinney must travel in his job to other universities in the system; however, he much prefers his time at College Station. He enjoys working with the faculty who show the quality of the University, but he truly values being around the students who show how A&M can instill morals and values in its graduates.
"When you're young, the future is always bright. That's why I love being around students - they're not cynical," McKinney said. "The thing that makes our students different is the sense of pride and understanding of the difference between right and wrong.
"There actually is a difference between right and wrong, like black and white. A lot of places teach that many things are gray. Most things aren't gray - they're either right or wrong. If it's just a little wrong, it's wrong. That's what I appreciate about A&M."
McKinney said he enjoys speaking at commencement ceremonies and encouraging the Aggie graduates who will become leaders in their communities.
His advice is simple, yet profound and applicable to all who hear it: "Be a risk taker. Don't be reckless, but be a risk taker. Always follow your heart; don't choose the money. Contemplate with your head, but you need to decide with your heart."
McKinney said he hopes to stay at A&M for as long as the Board of Directors will have him. He said he feels he has found his dream job at the perfect location. A&M greatly overshadows his former positions, which McKinney will note with words appreciable by all Aggie students.
"When given the choice between Austin and College Station, I chose College Station," McKinney said. "I'll be here 'til they fire me."
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