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|name = John Sharp
|name = John Sharp
|image = JohnSpencerSharp2013.jpg
|image = JohnSpencerSharp2013.jpg
|office = 14th Chancellor of [[The Texas A&M University System]]
|office = 14th Chancellor of [[the Texas A&M University System]]
|status= [[Incumbent]]
|term_start = August 15, 2011
|term_start = August 15, 2011
|term_end =
|term_end = June 30, 2025
|predecessor = [[Mike McKinney]]
|predecessor = [[Mike McKinney]]
|successor =
|successor =
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'''John Spencer Sharp''' (born July 28, 1950) is an American [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] politician from [[Texas]], who has served since 2011 as the chancellor of the [[Texas A&M University System]]. From 1991 to 1999, he was the [[Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts]]. From 1979 to 1987, he was a member of both houses of the [[Texas State Legislature]]. From 1987 to 1991, he was a commissioner of the [[Railroad Commission of Texas]]. In 1998 and 2002, he was the Democratic Party's nominee for [[Lieutenant Governor of Texas]].
'''John Spencer Sharp''' (born July 28, 1950) is an American [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] politician from [[Texas]], who has served since 2011 as the chancellor of the [[Texas A&M University System]]. From 1991 to 1999, he was the [[Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts]]. From 1979 to 1987, he was a member of both houses of the [[Texas State Legislature]]. From 1987 to 1991, he was a commissioner of the [[Railroad Commission of Texas]]. In 1998 and 2002, he was the Democratic Party's nominee for [[Lieutenant Governor of Texas]].


Sharp is also a principal in the [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] office of the [[Dallas, Texas|Dallas]]-based Ryan & Company, a tax consulting firm. In 2005, he was appointed as chairman of the [[Texas Tax Reform Commission]].
Sharp is also a principal in the [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] office of the [[Dallas, Texas|Dallas]]-based Ryan & Company, a tax consulting firm. In 2005, he was appointed as chairman of the [[Texas Tax Reform Commission]]. He was appointed by [[Rick Perry]] and the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents as the 14th Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System in 2011. He is set to step down from the position on June 30, 2025.


==Education and early life==
==Education and early life==
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[[Class president]] his sophomore year, and eventually Student Body President.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Hardy |first=Michael |date=2017-07-25 |title=Country Revival |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/country-revival/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=Texas Monthly |language=en}}</ref> Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a [[second lieutenant]] in the [[United States Army Reserves]]. He belongs to [[American Legion]]<ref name=TXDirectory/> Post 76 in Austin.
[[Class president]] his sophomore year, and eventually Student Body President.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Hardy |first=Michael |date=2017-07-25 |title=Country Revival |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/country-revival/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=Texas Monthly |language=en}}</ref> Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a [[second lieutenant]] in the [[United States Army Reserves]]. He belongs to [[American Legion]]<ref name=TXDirectory/> Post 76 in Austin.


In 1976, Sharp received a master's degree in Public Administration from [[Texas State University]] in [[San Marcos, Texas|San Marcos]] while working full-time in Austin with the Legislative Budget Board.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/|title=Legislative Budget Board|website=www.lbb.state.tx.us|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref> In 1978, Sharp returned to [[Victoria, Texas|Victoria]], Texas, where he opened a real estate firm<ref name=":1" /> with a partner, the former County Commissioner Gene Martin.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}
In 1976, Sharp received a master's degree in Public Administration from [[Texas State University]] in [[San Marcos, Texas|San Marcos]] while working full-time in Austin with the Legislative Budget Board.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/|title=Legislative Budget Board|website=Legislative Budget Board|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref> In 1978, Sharp returned to [[Victoria, Texas|Victoria]], Texas, where he opened a real estate firm<ref name=":1" /> with a partner, the former County Commissioner Gene Martin.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}


==Political career==
==Political career==
===Early career===
===Early career===
In 1973, started working as an analyst for the Texas Legislative Budget Board.<ref name=":1" /> He was selected by the Lt. Governor [[William P. Hobby Jr.]] to be on the 10-man committee that implemented [[zero-based budgeting]].<ref name=B-CSE>{{Cite news |title=Bryan College Station Eagle 01 November 1975, page 4|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1001173380/|access-date=January 5, 2024 |publisher=The Bryan-College Station Eagle|via=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>
In 1973, Sharp started working as an analyst for the Texas Legislative Budget Board.<ref name=":1" /> He was selected by the Lt. Governor [[William P. Hobby Jr.]] to be on the 10-man committee that implemented [[zero-based budgeting]].<ref name=B-CSE>{{Cite newspaper |title=Bryan College Station Eagle 01 November 1975|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/1001173380/|access-date=January 5, 2024 |page=4|newspaper=The Bryan-College Station Eagle|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


Sharp began his political career as the chief campaign aide in [[Phil Gramm]]'s campaign for the [[U.S. Senate]] in 1975. After being asked by ''[[The Bryan-College Station Eagle]]'' why he decided to take the job, he was quoted, "A perfect set of examples is the federal government's involvement with the [[brucellosis#United States|brucellosis]] program and forced [[desegregation busing in the United States|busing]]. I think Gramm has the courage to stop things like that."<ref name=B-CSE/>
Sharp began his political career as the chief campaign aide in [[Phil Gramm]]'s campaign for the [[United States Senate|U.S. Senate]] in 1975. After being asked by ''[[The Bryan-College Station Eagle]]'' why he decided to take the job, he was quoted, "A perfect set of examples is the federal government's involvement with the [[brucellosis#United States|brucellosis]] program and [[desegregation busing|forced busing]]. I think Gramm has the courage to stop things like that."<ref name=B-CSE/>


===Texas Legislature===
===Texas Legislature===
In 1978, Sharp ran unopposed<ref name=Russell>{{cite magazine|last=Russell|first=Jan Jarboe|url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/john-sharp-budget-cuts/|title=John the Knife|magazine=Texas Monthly|date=March 1994}}</ref> and was elected to the [[Texas House of Representatives]] from the 40th District in Victoria and was later named one of the best newcomers to the House by ''[[Texas Monthly]]'', along with [[Bill Messer (politician)|Bill Messer]].<ref name=TenBest>{{cite magazine|last=Burka|first=Paul|url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/the-ten-best-and-the-ten-worst-legislators-1979/|title=1979: The Ten Best and The Ten Worst Legislators|magazine=Texas Monthly|date=July 1979}}</ref> Just a few weeks after his re-election for a third two-year term in the general election of 1982, he ran for the seat left open in the [[Texas Senate]] in the special election that took place after [[John Wilson (Texas politician)|John Wilson]] had won re-election despite already being dead.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Victoria Advocate 27 Oct 1982, page 4 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/438692111/ |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>
In 1978, Sharp ran unopposed<ref name=Russell>{{cite magazine|last=Russell|first=Jan Jarboe|url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/john-sharp-budget-cuts/|title=John the Knife|magazine=Texas Monthly|date=March 1994}}</ref> and was elected to the [[Texas House of Representatives]] from the 40th District in Victoria and was later named one of the best newcomers to the House by ''[[Texas Monthly]]'', along with [[Bill Messer (politician)|Bill Messer]].<ref name=TenBest>{{cite magazine|last=Burka|first=Paul|url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/the-ten-best-and-the-ten-worst-legislators-1979/|title=1979: The Ten Best and The Ten Worst Legislators|magazine=Texas Monthly|date=July 1979}}</ref> Just a few weeks after his re-election for a third two-year term in the general election of 1982, he ran for the seat left open in the [[Texas Senate]] in the special election that took place after [[John Wilson (Texas politician)|John Wilson]] had won re-election despite already being dead.<ref name=":4">{{Cite newspaper |title=Victoria Advocate 27 Oct 1982|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/438692111 |newspaper=Victoria Advocate |access-date=January 5, 2024 |page=4 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


He won the special election runoff against [[Tim Von Dohlen]] and served a full four-year term in the [[Texas Senate]].<ref name=LRL>{{cite web|url=https://lrl.texas.gov/legeLeaders/members/memberDisplay.cfm?memberID=429|title=John Spencer Sharp|work=Texas Legislators: Past & Present |publisher=Legislative Reference Library of Texas}}</ref><ref name=Russell/> He was appointed to the several committees, including the Senate Committee on Finance in 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lrl.texas.gov/committees/cmtesDisplay.cfm?cmteID=1000|title=Senate Committee on Finance - 69th R.S. (1985)|publisher=Legislative Reference Library of Texas}}</ref> He was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission in 1986.
He won the special election runoff against [[Tim Von Dohlen]] and served a full four-year term in the [[Texas Senate]].<ref name=LRL>{{cite web|url=https://lrl.texas.gov/legeLeaders/members/memberDisplay.cfm?memberID=429|title=John Spencer Sharp|work=Texas Legislators: Past & Present |publisher=Legislative Reference Library of Texas}}</ref><ref name=Russell/> He was appointed to the several committees, including the Senate Committee on Finance in 1985.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lrl.texas.gov/committees/cmtesDisplay.cfm?cmteID=1000|title=Senate Committee on Finance - 69th R.S. (1985)|publisher=Legislative Reference Library of Texas}}</ref> He was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission in 1986.<ref name=Maroon>{{cite news|last=McGee|first=Kate|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/10/02/john-sharp-tamu-chancellor/|title=Can John Sharp protect his maroon empire?|date=October 2, 2023|publisher=Texas Tribune}}</ref>


In 1985, while in the state legislature, Sharp proposed a law restricting abortion rights in Texas.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Jan Jarboe |date=1994-03-01 |title=John the Knife |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/john-sharp-budget-cuts/ |website=Texas Monthly |language=en}}</ref> Then-State Treasurer [[Ann Richards]] helped kill the bill.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ratcliffe |first=R. G. |date=2017-09-07 |title=John Sharp, the State's Fixer in Chief, Comes to the Rescue After Harvey |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/burka-blog/john-sharp-the-states-fixer-in-chief-comes-to-the-rescue-after-harvey/ |website=Texas Monthly |language=en}}</ref> When he ran for statewide office, Sharp moderated his anti-abortion views.<ref name=Russell/>
In 1985, while in the state legislature, Sharp proposed a law restricting abortion rights in Texas.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Jan Jarboe |date=1994-03-01 |title=John the Knife |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/john-sharp-budget-cuts/ |website=Texas Monthly |language=en}}</ref> Then-State Treasurer [[Ann Richards]] helped kill the bill.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ratcliffe |first=R. G. |date=2017-09-07 |title=John Sharp, the State's Fixer in Chief, Comes to the Rescue After Harvey |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/burka-blog/john-sharp-the-states-fixer-in-chief-comes-to-the-rescue-after-harvey/ |website=Texas Monthly |language=en}}</ref> When he ran for statewide office, Sharp moderated his anti-abortion views.<ref name=Russell/>


In 1990, Sharp was elected as the 35th State Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Texas. He was re-elected in 1994. In 1998, he did not seek a third term as comptroller but instead lost the race for lieutenant governor to [[Rick Perry]], by 2% of the vote. Government Sharp ran for lieutenant governor again in 2002, but was defeated, losing by 6% to [[David Dewhurst]], then the [[Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office|Land Commissioner]].<ref name=Maroon>{{cite news|last=McGee|first=Kate|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/10/02/john-sharp-tamu-chancellor/|title=Can John Sharp protect his maroon empire?|date=October 2, 2023|publisher=Texas Tribune}}</ref>
In 1990, Sharp was elected as the 35th State Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Texas. He was re-elected in 1994. In 1998, he did not seek a third term as comptroller but instead lost the race for lieutenant governor to Rick Perry, by 2% of the vote. Government Sharp ran for lieutenant governor again in 2002, but was defeated, losing by 6% to [[David Dewhurst]], then the [[Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office|Land Commissioner]].<ref name=Maroon/>


Upon taking office as Comptroller, Sharp pledged to "make government work more like our most successful businesses."<ref name=TXDirectory>{{cite web|url=https://www.txdirectory.com/online/person/?id=41581&staff=6010|title=John Sharp|website=Texas State Directory}}</ref> During his eight years as Comptroller, Sharp established the Texas Performance Review (TPR), an ongoing audit on state government. During Sharp's two 4-year terms as Comptroller, the TPR changed the way government does business through the ''Council on Competitive Government''. Other programs implemented under the leadership of Sharp during these eight years included:
Upon taking office as Comptroller, Sharp pledged to "make government work more like our most successful businesses."<ref name=TXDirectory>{{cite web|url=https://www.txdirectory.com/online/person/?id=41581&staff=6010|title=John Sharp|website=Texas State Directory}}</ref> During his eight years as Comptroller, Sharp established the Texas Performance Review (TPR), an ongoing audit on state government. During Sharp's two 4-year terms as Comptroller, the TPR changed the way government does business through the ''Council on Competitive Government''. Other programs implemented under the leadership of Sharp during these eight years included:
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As Comptroller, Sharp also commanded the [[Texas Lottery]]. He contracted out most of the work, with the state lottery having only 189 employees (compared to California's 1,000 and Florida's 750),<ref name=Russell/> He later turned it over to the new Texas Lottery Commission.
As Comptroller, Sharp also commanded the [[Texas Lottery]]. He contracted out most of the work, with the state lottery having only 189 employees (compared to California's 1,000 and Florida's 750),<ref name=Russell/> He later turned it over to the new Texas Lottery Commission.


In 2005, Sharp was asked to head an education task force – called the Texas Tax Reform Commission – charged with preparing a bi-partisan education plan for the state. The special session convened on April 17, 2006. Sharp accepted the offer and removed himself as a potential candidate for governor in 2006. The task force issued its final plan several months later, and the legislature adopted it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coxsmith.com/TaxInfo/ttrc_report.pdf|title=Final Report of the Texas Tax Reform Commission}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Sharp was nominated for the "Texan of the Year" Award in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/texanofyear/stories/DN-toy4_27edi.ART.State.Edition1.3e5fbfa.html |title=DMN "Texan of the Year" Nomination # 4: John Sharp|date=December 27, 2006|publisher=Dallas Morning News|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930042112/https://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/texanofyear/stories/DN-toy4_27edi.ART.State.Edition1.3e5fbfa.html|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref>
In 2005, Sharp was asked to head an education task force – called the Texas Tax Reform Commission – charged with preparing a bi-partisan education plan for the state. The special session convened on April 17, 2006. Sharp accepted the offer and removed himself as a potential candidate for governor in 2006. The task force issued its final plan several months later, and the legislature adopted it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coxsmith.com/TaxInfo/ttrc_report.pdf|title=Final Report of the Texas Tax Reform Commission}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Sharp was nominated for the "Texan of the Year" Award in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/texanofyear/stories/DN-toy4_27edi.ART.State.Edition1.3e5fbfa.html |title=DMN "Texan of the Year" Nomination # 4: John Sharp|date=December 27, 2006|publisher=Dallas Morning News|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930042112/https://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/texanofyear/stories/DN-toy4_27edi.ART.State.Edition1.3e5fbfa.html|archive-date=September 30, 2007}}</ref> He has taken credit for preventing a [[state income tax]] from being adopted in the state, saying, "I killed the state income tax twice".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo/2024/07/tamuschancellorretirement7124.shtml|title=A&M Chancellor Sharp shares retirement plan|publisher=[[Texas A&M International University]]|date=July 1, 2024}}</ref>


=== Senate campaign ===
=== Senate campaign ===
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Sharp outsourced the student dining program, landscaping, maintenance, and custodial services to private companies, which prompted protests for university employees who feared losing their jobs.<ref name=":1" /> Sharp leased land owned by Texas A&M to private developers.<ref name=":1" />
Sharp outsourced the student dining program, landscaping, maintenance, and custodial services to private companies, which prompted protests for university employees who feared losing their jobs.<ref name=":1" /> Sharp leased land owned by Texas A&M to private developers.<ref name=":1" />


In February 2018, two months after [[Jimbo Fisher]] was appointed as the head coach of [[Texas A&M Aggies football|Texas A&M]] football team, Sharp presented him with a plaque commemorating the Aggies' national championship in the year "20--", telling Fisher, "you get to fill in the date".{{refn|name=feb2018|<ref>{{cite web|last=Finger|first=Mike|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/college/article/Finger-At-long-last-Texas-A-M-ready-to-grab-an-15779039.php|title=Finger: At long last, Texas A&M ready to grab an opportunity|website=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=December 5, 2020|access-date=August 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Matt|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/fsu-seminoles/2018/02/28/texas-am-gave-jimbo-fisher-a-national-championship-plaque-just-add-the-year-and-wins/|title=Texas A&M gave Jimbo Fisher a national championship plaque. Just add the year (and wins)|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=August 3, 2023|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Schroeder|first=George|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/columnist/george-schroeder/2018/07/16/sec-media-days-jimbo-fisher/789514002/|title=Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher understands that his timetable is now|date=July 16, 2018|website=USA Today|access-date=August 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718123633/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/columnist/george-schroeder/2018/07/16/sec-media-days-jimbo-fisher/789514002/|archive-date=July 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
In February 2018, two months after [[Jimbo Fisher]] was appointed as the head coach of [[Texas A&M Aggies football|Texas A&M]] football team, Sharp presented him with a plaque commemorating the Aggies' national championship in the year "20--", telling Fisher, "you get to fill in the date".{{refn|name=feb2018|<ref>{{cite web|last=Finger|first=Mike|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/college/article/Finger-At-long-last-Texas-A-M-ready-to-grab-an-15779039.php|title=Finger: At long last, Texas A&M ready to grab an opportunity|website=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=December 5, 2020|access-date=August 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Matt|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/fsu-seminoles/2018/02/28/texas-am-gave-jimbo-fisher-a-national-championship-plaque-just-add-the-year-and-wins/|title=Texas A&M gave Jimbo Fisher a national championship plaque. Just add the year (and wins)|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=August 3, 2023|website=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Schroeder|first=George|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/columnist/george-schroeder/2018/07/16/sec-media-days-jimbo-fisher/789514002/|title=Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher understands that his timetable is now|date=July 16, 2018|website=USA Today|access-date=August 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718123633/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/columnist/george-schroeder/2018/07/16/sec-media-days-jimbo-fisher/789514002/|archive-date=July 18, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>}} He played a pivotal role in helping the Texas A&M University System receive a 10-year agreement to co-manage the [[Los Alamos National Laboratory]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Carson|first=Dan|url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/texas-am-chancellor-john-sharp-retires-19549158.php|title=Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp announces retirement|date=July 1, 2024|newspaper=Houston Chronicle}}</ref> with the [[University of California System]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rice|first=Laura|url=https://www.tpr.org/2018-07-18/john-sharp-says-los-alamos-is-safe-in-a-ms-hands|date=July 18, 2018|title=John Sharp Says Los Alamos Is Safe In A&M’s Hands|publisher=Texas Public Radio}}</ref>


On October 1, 2019, Sharp announced a system-wide ban on [[vaping]], writing in the announcement memo that the "health threat is serious enough that I want to see the ban inside every building, outside space, parking lot, garage and laboratory within the Texas A&M System."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/texas-am-implementing-system-wide-vaping-ban/|title=Texas A&M Implementing System-Wide Vaping Ban|publisher=CBS News Texas|date=October 1, 2019}}</ref>
On October 1, 2019, Sharp announced a system-wide ban on [[vaping]], writing in the announcement memo that the "health threat is serious enough that I want to see the ban inside every building, outside space, parking lot, garage and laboratory within the Texas A&M System."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/texas-am-implementing-system-wide-vaping-ban/|title=Texas A&M Implementing System-Wide Vaping Ban|publisher=CBS News Texas|date=October 1, 2019}}</ref>


His contract as chancellor was extended in 2021 by seven years, and was scheduled to end in 2028.<ref>{{cite news|last=Huddlestone|first=Scott|url=https://www.expressnews.com/news/education/article/a-m-chancellor-sharp-retirement-19549092.php|title=Texas A&M University System Chancellor Sharp to retire in a year|newspaper=San Antonio Express-News|date=July 1, 2024}}</ref>
On March 7, 2023, a guest lecture by Texas A&M University professor Joy Alonzo at the [[University of Texas Medical Branch]] (UTMB) criticized Texas Lieutenant Governor [[Dan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]]'s role in the [[Opioid epidemic|opioid crisis]]. Shortly afterward, Patrick contacted Sharp about Alonzo.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=McGee |last2=Barragán |first=Kate |first2=James |date=2023-07-25 |title=Texas A&M suspended professor accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in lecture |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/07/25/texas-a-m-professor-opioids-dan-patrick/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=The Texas Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Barragán |first1=Kate McGee and James |title=Suspended Texas A&M professor denies saying Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick believes overdose victims "deserve to die" |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/02/texas-dan-patrick-tamu-professor/ |access-date=8 August 2023 |work=The Texas Tribune |date=2 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Alonzo was placed on administrative leave immediately, and was formally [[censure]]d by UTMB. The investigation by Texas A&M found no evidence of wrongdoing, and Dr. Alonzo's leave was ended two weeks later.<ref name=":2" /> The vice chancellor of marketing and communications for Texas A&M later said Alonzo "had no issue with how the University handled the situation."<ref>{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Dustin|url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/26/1190245518/texas-professor-joy-alonzo-investigation-freedom-speech|title=A Texas A&M professor was suspended for allegedly criticizing lieutenant governor|date=July 26, 2023|access-date=August 3, 2023|website=[[NPR]]}}</ref>

On March 7, 2023, a guest lecture by Texas A&M University professor Joy Alonzo at the [[University of Texas Medical Branch]] (UTMB) criticized Texas Lieutenant Governor [[Dan Patrick (politician)|Dan Patrick]]'s role in the [[Opioid epidemic|opioid crisis]]. Shortly afterward, Patrick contacted Sharp about Alonzo.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=McGee |last2=Barragán |first=Kate |first2=James |date=2023-07-25 |title=Texas A&M suspended professor accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in lecture |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/07/25/texas-a-m-professor-opioids-dan-patrick/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=The Texas Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Barragán |first1=Kate McGee and James |title=Suspended Texas A&M professor denies saying Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick believes overdose victims "deserve to die" |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/02/texas-dan-patrick-tamu-professor/ |access-date=8 August 2023 |work=The Texas Tribune |date=2 August 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Alonzo was placed on administrative leave immediately, and was formally [[censure]]d by UTMB. The investigation by Texas A&M found no evidence of wrongdoing, and Dr. Alonzo's leave was ended two weeks later.<ref name=":2" /> The vice chancellor of marketing and communications for Texas A&M later said Alonzo "had no issue with how the University handled the situation."<ref>{{cite web|last=Jones|first=Dustin|url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/26/1190245518/texas-professor-joy-alonzo-investigation-freedom-speech|title=A Texas A&M professor was suspended for allegedly criticizing lieutenant governor|date=July 26, 2023|access-date=August 3, 2023|website=[[NPR]]}}</ref> In the summer of 2023 Sharp spoke at the groundbreaking of the first building for [[Texas A&M University-Fort Worth]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rodrigues|first=Marcela|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2024/07/01/texas-am-chacellor-retiring-after-more-than-a-decade-leading-university-system|title=Texas A&M chancellor retiring after more than a decade leading university system|newspaper=Dallas Morning News|date=July 1, 2024}}</ref>

On July 1, 2024, Sharp announced he will depart the position on June 30, 2025.<ref name=Ketterer>{{cite news|last=Ketterer|first=Samantha|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/a-m-chancellor-sharp-19549097.php|title=Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp to retire in June 2025|date=July 1, 2024|newspaper=Houston Chronicle}}</ref>


===Leadership===
===Leadership===
As chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, Sharp has been involved with multiple initiatives:
As chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, Sharp has been involved with multiple initiatives:
* New Partnership Puts Texas A&M on Top, Chancellor Says<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2013/06/19/new-partnership-puts-texas-m-top-sharp-says/|title=New Partnership Puts Texas A&M on Top, Chancellor Says|first=The Texas|last=Tribune|date=June 19, 2013|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* New Partnership Puts Texas A&M on Top, Chancellor Says<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texastribune.org/2013/06/19/new-partnership-puts-texas-m-top-sharp-says/|title=New Partnership Puts Texas A&M on Top, Chancellor Says|first=The Texas|last=Tribune|date=June 19, 2013|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M System and GlaxoSmithKline receive U.S. Government approval to establish influenza vaccine facility in Texas<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.gsk.com/html/media-news/pressreleases/2013/2013-pressrelease-1323146.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201225549/http://us.gsk.com/html/media-news/pressreleases/2013/2013-pressrelease-1323146.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2014|title=Texas A&M; System and GlaxoSmithKline receive U.S. Government approval to establish influenza vaccine facility in Texas|date=February 1, 2014|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M University System and GlaxoSmithKline receive U.S. Government approval to establish influenza vaccine facility in Texas<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.gsk.com/html/media-news/pressreleases/2013/2013-pressrelease-1323146.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201225549/http://us.gsk.com/html/media-news/pressreleases/2013/2013-pressrelease-1323146.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2014|title=Texas A&M; System and GlaxoSmithKline receive U.S. Government approval to establish influenza vaccine facility in Texas|date=February 1, 2014|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M Deal to Outsource Campus Services Formalized<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/AM-Deal-to-Outsource-Campus-Services-Formalized-166263966.html|title=A&M Deal to Outsource Campus Services Formalized|first=Steve|last=Fullhart|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M Deal to Outsource Campus Services Formalized<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/AM-Deal-to-Outsource-Campus-Services-Formalized-166263966.html|title=A&M Deal to Outsource Campus Services Formalized|first=Steve|last=Fullhart|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M System Awarded National Center for Innovation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.tamus.edu/2012/06/18/tamus-awarded-national-center-for-innovation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202092909/http://news.tamus.edu/2012/06/18/tamus-awarded-national-center-for-innovation/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |title=Texas A&M System Awarded National Center for Innovation|date=February 2, 2014|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M University System Awarded National Center for Innovation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.tamus.edu/2012/06/18/tamus-awarded-national-center-for-innovation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202092909/http://news.tamus.edu/2012/06/18/tamus-awarded-national-center-for-innovation/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 2, 2014 |title=Texas A&M System Awarded National Center for Innovation|date=February 2, 2014|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M University officially acquires Texas Wesleyan University law school<ref>{{cite web |author=Eagle staff report|url=http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/article_bde63852-3c71-5168-821c-bb1c27b7c96b.html|title=Texas A&M University officially acquires Texas Wesleyan University law school|publisher=The Bryan-College Station Eagle|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M University officially acquires Texas Wesleyan University law school<ref>{{cite web |author=Eagle staff report|url=http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/article_bde63852-3c71-5168-821c-bb1c27b7c96b.html|title=Texas A&M University officially acquires Texas Wesleyan University law school|publisher=The Bryan-College Station Eagle|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M System Launches EmpowerU Website<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2012/10/29/texas-m-system-unveils-new-accountability-website/|title=Texas A&M System Launches EmpowerU Website|first=The Texas|last=Tribune|date=October 29, 2012 |accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M University System's EmpowerU initiative<ref>{{cite web |last=Lloyd|first=Jennifer R.|url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/education/article/A-M-lays-accountability-path-for-graduation-3990877.php|title=A&M lays accountability path for graduation rates, cost effectiveness|date=October 29, 2012|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.texastribune.org/2012/10/29/texas-m-system-unveils-new-accountability-website/|title=Texas A&M System Launches EmpowerU Website|first=The Texas|last=Tribune|date=October 29, 2012 |accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M lays accountability path for graduation rates, cost effectiveness<ref>{{cite web |last=Lloyd|first=Jennifer R.|url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/education/article/A-M-lays-accountability-path-for-graduation-3990877.php|title=A&M lays accountability path for graduation rates, cost effectiveness|date=October 29, 2012|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M University System implementing outsourcing at other campuses<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/article_581a5c56-a751-56ca-bbb0-27367dfcf42b.html|title=Texas A&M System implementing outsourcing at other campuses|first=Allen |last=Reed |accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M System implementing outsourcing at other campuses<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/article_581a5c56-a751-56ca-bbb0-27367dfcf42b.html|title=Texas A&M System implementing outsourcing at other campuses|first=Allen |last=Reed |accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M University System Saving $10 Million of Healthcare<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc40.com/story/22527152/texas-am-university-system-saving-10-million-of-healthcare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222144319/http://www.abc40.com/story/22527152/texas-am-university-system-saving-10-million-of-healthcare|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 22, 2014|title=Texas A&M University System Saving $10 Million of Healthcare - ABC 40 KRHD-TV - Bryan/College Station News and Weather|date=February 22, 2014|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Texas A&M University System Saving $10 Million of Healthcare<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc40.com/story/22527152/texas-am-university-system-saving-10-million-of-healthcare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222144319/http://www.abc40.com/story/22527152/texas-am-university-system-saving-10-million-of-healthcare|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 22, 2014|title=Texas A&M University System Saving $10 Million of Healthcare - ABC 40 KRHD-TV - Bryan/College Station News and Weather|date=February 22, 2014|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Adding "Texas A&M" To More A&M System Agencies<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wtaw.com/2012/08/02/adding-texas-am-to-more-am-system-agencies/|title=Adding "Texas A&M" To More A&M System Agencies|date=August 2, 2012|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>
* Adding "Texas A&M" To More Texas A&M University System Agencies<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wtaw.com/2012/08/02/adding-texas-am-to-more-am-system-agencies/|title=Adding "Texas A&M" To More A&M System Agencies|date=August 2, 2012|accessdate=September 18, 2018}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
In 1978, he married Charlotte Han. They have a son, Spencer, and a daughter, Victoria. Charlotte died in December 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamus.edu/charlotte-han-sharp-passes-after-lengthy-illness/|title=Charlotte Han Sharp Passes After Lengthy Illness|date=December 15, 2020|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801030555/https://www.tamus.edu/charlotte-han-sharp-passes-after-lengthy-illness/|archive-date=August 1, 2021}}</ref>
In 1978, he married Charlotte Han. They have a son, Spencer, and a daughter, Victoria. Charlotte died in December 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tamus.edu/charlotte-han-sharp-passes-after-lengthy-illness/|title=Charlotte Han Sharp Passes After Lengthy Illness|date=December 15, 2020|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801030555/https://www.tamus.edu/charlotte-han-sharp-passes-after-lengthy-illness/|archive-date=August 1, 2021}}</ref>


He owns a 1,600-acre ranch 30 minutes from College Station where he raises cattle and goats.<ref name=":1" />
He owns a 1,600-acre ranch 30 minutes from College Station where he raises cattle and goats.<ref name=":1" /> After his retirement, he will move to Austin to be close to his children and grandchildren.<ref name=Ketterer/>


==Honors & awards==
==Honors & awards==

Revision as of 16:40, 2 July 2024

John Sharp
14th Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System
In office
August 15, 2011 – June 30, 2025
Preceded byMike McKinney
35th Comptroller of Texas
In office
January 3, 1991 – January 2, 1999
GovernorAnn Richards
George W. Bush
Preceded byBob Bullock
Succeeded byCarole Keeton Strayhorn
Railroad Commissioner of Texas
In office
January 6, 1987 – January 22, 1991
GovernorBill Clements
Preceded byClark Jobe
Succeeded byLena Guerrero
Member of the Texas Senate
from the 18th district
In office
November 20, 1982 – January 13, 1987
Preceded byJohn Wilson
Succeeded byKen Armbrister
Member of the Texas House of Representatives
from the 40th district
In office
January 9, 1979 – November 20, 1982
Preceded byJoe Wyatt Jr.
Succeeded byAlex Moreno
Personal details
Born
John Spencer Sharp

(1950-07-28) July 28, 1950 (age 73)
Placedo, Texas, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouses
Charlotte Han
(m. 1978; died 2020)
Diana Atchison
(m. 2023)
Children2
EducationTexas A&M University (BA)
Texas State University (MPA)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army
Years of service1972–1976
RankSecond Lieutenant
UnitUnited States Army Reserve

John Spencer Sharp (born July 28, 1950) is an American Democratic politician from Texas, who has served since 2011 as the chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. From 1991 to 1999, he was the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. From 1979 to 1987, he was a member of both houses of the Texas State Legislature. From 1987 to 1991, he was a commissioner of the Railroad Commission of Texas. In 1998 and 2002, he was the Democratic Party's nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Texas.

Sharp is also a principal in the Austin office of the Dallas-based Ryan & Company, a tax consulting firm. In 2005, he was appointed as chairman of the Texas Tax Reform Commission. He was appointed by Rick Perry and the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents as the 14th Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System in 2011. He is set to step down from the position on June 30, 2025.

Education and early life

The son of an oil field worker and a school teacher, Sharp grew up in the small farming community of Placedo, Texas. In 1972, Sharp earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Texas A&M University in College Station, where he was a member of Squadron 6 in the Corps of Cadets and was elected Class president his sophomore year, and eventually Student Body President.[1] Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves. He belongs to American Legion[2] Post 76 in Austin.

In 1976, Sharp received a master's degree in Public Administration from Texas State University in San Marcos while working full-time in Austin with the Legislative Budget Board.[3] In 1978, Sharp returned to Victoria, Texas, where he opened a real estate firm[1] with a partner, the former County Commissioner Gene Martin.[citation needed]

Political career

Early career

In 1973, Sharp started working as an analyst for the Texas Legislative Budget Board.[1] He was selected by the Lt. Governor William P. Hobby Jr. to be on the 10-man committee that implemented zero-based budgeting.[4]

Sharp began his political career as the chief campaign aide in Phil Gramm's campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1975. After being asked by The Bryan-College Station Eagle why he decided to take the job, he was quoted, "A perfect set of examples is the federal government's involvement with the brucellosis program and forced busing. I think Gramm has the courage to stop things like that."[4]

Texas Legislature

In 1978, Sharp ran unopposed[5] and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from the 40th District in Victoria and was later named one of the best newcomers to the House by Texas Monthly, along with Bill Messer.[6] Just a few weeks after his re-election for a third two-year term in the general election of 1982, he ran for the seat left open in the Texas Senate in the special election that took place after John Wilson had won re-election despite already being dead.[7]

He won the special election runoff against Tim Von Dohlen and served a full four-year term in the Texas Senate.[8][5] He was appointed to the several committees, including the Senate Committee on Finance in 1985.[9] He was elected to the Texas Railroad Commission in 1986.[10]

In 1985, while in the state legislature, Sharp proposed a law restricting abortion rights in Texas.[11] Then-State Treasurer Ann Richards helped kill the bill.[12] When he ran for statewide office, Sharp moderated his anti-abortion views.[5]

In 1990, Sharp was elected as the 35th State Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Texas. He was re-elected in 1994. In 1998, he did not seek a third term as comptroller but instead lost the race for lieutenant governor to Rick Perry, by 2% of the vote. Government Sharp ran for lieutenant governor again in 2002, but was defeated, losing by 6% to David Dewhurst, then the Land Commissioner.[10]

Upon taking office as Comptroller, Sharp pledged to "make government work more like our most successful businesses."[2] During his eight years as Comptroller, Sharp established the Texas Performance Review (TPR), an ongoing audit on state government. During Sharp's two 4-year terms as Comptroller, the TPR changed the way government does business through the Council on Competitive Government. Other programs implemented under the leadership of Sharp during these eight years included:

  • The Texas Tomorrow Fund: A pre-paid college tuition plan that allows over 80,000 Texas families to pre-pay to lock in the future costs of their children's college tuition.
  • The Lone Star Card: First recommended by Sharp in 1991. This program switched the state's paper food stamp coupons to computerized bank-type cards.

As Comptroller, Sharp also commanded the Texas Lottery. He contracted out most of the work, with the state lottery having only 189 employees (compared to California's 1,000 and Florida's 750),[5] He later turned it over to the new Texas Lottery Commission.

In 2005, Sharp was asked to head an education task force – called the Texas Tax Reform Commission – charged with preparing a bi-partisan education plan for the state. The special session convened on April 17, 2006. Sharp accepted the offer and removed himself as a potential candidate for governor in 2006. The task force issued its final plan several months later, and the legislature adopted it.[13] Sharp was nominated for the "Texan of the Year" Award in 2005.[14] He has taken credit for preventing a state income tax from being adopted in the state, saying, "I killed the state income tax twice".[15]

Senate campaign

On December 4, 2008, Republican U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison announced the creation of an exploratory committee for the Texas governor's race in 2010. Had she won the governorship, Hutchison would have been required to vacate her Senate seat by January 2011. If she were to stay in the Senate and not run for governor, she would have been up for re-election to the Senate in 2012. On December 8, 2008, Sharp became the first Democrat to announce his intention to run for this Senate seat, regardless of Hutchison's decision. Unlike several other candidates for the office, Sharp did not create an exploratory committee but immediately began raising funds and campaigning in 2009.[16] During his campaign for the Senate, he criticized the governor, Rick Perry, for his comments about secession. He said in a statement, "During World War II my father was shot in defense of the greatest country on Earth, and I proudly wore the uniform of a United States Army reserve officer. So I'm offended when it becomes acceptable for anybody to talk about Texas leaving the Union. I'm running for the United States Senate because we need mainstream, common-sense leadership to clean up the mess in Washington, D.C., not a bunch of radical, anti-American rhetoric."[17]

Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System

On August 15, 2011, John Sharp was appointed by Governor Rick Perry and the A&M Board of Regents to be chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. At the time, Sharp had never worked in academia.[1] All the members of the Board of Regents that voted to hire Sharp were appointed by Perry.[18]

Sharp outsourced the student dining program, landscaping, maintenance, and custodial services to private companies, which prompted protests for university employees who feared losing their jobs.[1] Sharp leased land owned by Texas A&M to private developers.[1]

In February 2018, two months after Jimbo Fisher was appointed as the head coach of Texas A&M football team, Sharp presented him with a plaque commemorating the Aggies' national championship in the year "20--", telling Fisher, "you get to fill in the date".[22] He played a pivotal role in helping the Texas A&M University System receive a 10-year agreement to co-manage the Los Alamos National Laboratory[23] with the University of California System.[24]

On October 1, 2019, Sharp announced a system-wide ban on vaping, writing in the announcement memo that the "health threat is serious enough that I want to see the ban inside every building, outside space, parking lot, garage and laboratory within the Texas A&M System."[25]

His contract as chancellor was extended in 2021 by seven years, and was scheduled to end in 2028.[26]

On March 7, 2023, a guest lecture by Texas A&M University professor Joy Alonzo at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) criticized Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's role in the opioid crisis. Shortly afterward, Patrick contacted Sharp about Alonzo.[27][28] Alonzo was placed on administrative leave immediately, and was formally censured by UTMB. The investigation by Texas A&M found no evidence of wrongdoing, and Dr. Alonzo's leave was ended two weeks later.[27] The vice chancellor of marketing and communications for Texas A&M later said Alonzo "had no issue with how the University handled the situation."[29] In the summer of 2023 Sharp spoke at the groundbreaking of the first building for Texas A&M University-Fort Worth.[30]

On July 1, 2024, Sharp announced he will depart the position on June 30, 2025.[31]

Leadership

As chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, Sharp has been involved with multiple initiatives:

  • New Partnership Puts Texas A&M on Top, Chancellor Says[32]
  • Texas A&M University System and GlaxoSmithKline receive U.S. Government approval to establish influenza vaccine facility in Texas[33]
  • Texas A&M Deal to Outsource Campus Services Formalized[34]
  • Texas A&M University System Awarded National Center for Innovation[35]
  • Texas A&M University officially acquires Texas Wesleyan University law school[36]
  • Texas A&M University System's EmpowerU initiative[37][38]
  • Texas A&M University System implementing outsourcing at other campuses[39]
  • Texas A&M University System Saving $10 Million of Healthcare[40]
  • Adding "Texas A&M" To More Texas A&M University System Agencies[41]

Personal life

In 1978, he married Charlotte Han. They have a son, Spencer, and a daughter, Victoria. Charlotte died in December 2020.[42]

He owns a 1,600-acre ranch 30 minutes from College Station where he raises cattle and goats.[1] After his retirement, he will move to Austin to be close to his children and grandchildren.[31]

Honors & awards

Sharp has received numerous awards. Texas State University presented Sharp with the "Distinguished Alumni Award" in 1996, where he also taught a course on Texas state government for several semesters in the early 2000s.[43] He was awarded the Texas A&M University Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2018.[44]

In 2022, the City of Bryan renamed State Highway 47 into John Sharp Parkway, due to his service at A&M, the development of the RELLIS campus, and Texas A&M's expansions into the city.[45]

List of awards

  • Best Newcomer in the Texas House of Representatives, Texas Monthly, 1979[6][a]
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, Texas State University, 1996[46]
  • Person of the Year, Rio Grande Guardian, 2015[47]
  • Distinguished Alumnus Award, Texas A&M University, 2018[44]

Notes

  1. ^ Jointly awarded with Bill Messer.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Hardy, Michael (July 25, 2017). "Country Revival". Texas Monthly. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "John Sharp". Texas State Directory.
  3. ^ "Legislative Budget Board". Legislative Budget Board. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Bryan College Station Eagle 01 November 1975". The Bryan-College Station Eagle. p. 4. Retrieved January 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c d Russell, Jan Jarboe (March 1994). "John the Knife". Texas Monthly.
  6. ^ a b Burka, Paul (July 1979). "1979: The Ten Best and The Ten Worst Legislators". Texas Monthly.
  7. ^ "Victoria Advocate 27 Oct 1982". Victoria Advocate. p. 4. Retrieved January 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "John Spencer Sharp". Texas Legislators: Past & Present. Legislative Reference Library of Texas.
  9. ^ "Senate Committee on Finance - 69th R.S. (1985)". Legislative Reference Library of Texas.
  10. ^ a b McGee, Kate (October 2, 2023). "Can John Sharp protect his maroon empire?". Texas Tribune.
  11. ^ Russell, Jan Jarboe (March 1, 1994). "John the Knife". Texas Monthly.
  12. ^ Ratcliffe, R. G. (September 7, 2017). "John Sharp, the State's Fixer in Chief, Comes to the Rescue After Harvey". Texas Monthly.
  13. ^ "Final Report of the Texas Tax Reform Commission" (PDF).[permanent dead link]
  14. ^ "DMN "Texan of the Year" Nomination # 4: John Sharp". Dallas Morning News. December 27, 2006. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007.
  15. ^ "A&M Chancellor Sharp shares retirement plan". Texas A&M International University. July 1, 2024.
  16. ^ Robison, Clay. "Former Comptroller Sharp to seek U.S. Senate seat". Houston Chronicle.
  17. ^ Burka, Paul (April 21, 2009). "Sharp: If at first you don't secede..." Texas Montly.
  18. ^ Watkins, Matthew (September 13, 2017). "As A&M chancellor and hurricane recovery czar, John Sharp balances two intensely personal jobs". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  19. ^ Finger, Mike (December 5, 2020). "Finger: At long last, Texas A&M ready to grab an opportunity". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  20. ^ Baker, Matt (February 28, 2018). "Texas A&M gave Jimbo Fisher a national championship plaque. Just add the year (and wins)". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  21. ^ Schroeder, George (July 16, 2018). "Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher understands that his timetable is now". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 18, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  22. ^ [19][20][21]
  23. ^ Carson, Dan (July 1, 2024). "Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp announces retirement". Houston Chronicle.
  24. ^ Rice, Laura (July 18, 2018). "John Sharp Says Los Alamos Is Safe In A&M's Hands". Texas Public Radio.
  25. ^ "Texas A&M Implementing System-Wide Vaping Ban". CBS News Texas. October 1, 2019.
  26. ^ Huddlestone, Scott (July 1, 2024). "Texas A&M University System Chancellor Sharp to retire in a year". San Antonio Express-News.
  27. ^ a b McGee, Kate; Barragán, James (July 25, 2023). "Texas A&M suspended professor accused of criticizing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in lecture". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  28. ^ Barragán, Kate McGee and James (August 2, 2023). "Suspended Texas A&M professor denies saying Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick believes overdose victims "deserve to die"". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
  29. ^ Jones, Dustin (July 26, 2023). "A Texas A&M professor was suspended for allegedly criticizing lieutenant governor". NPR. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  30. ^ Rodrigues, Marcela (July 1, 2024). "Texas A&M chancellor retiring after more than a decade leading university system". Dallas Morning News.
  31. ^ a b Ketterer, Samantha (July 1, 2024). "Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp to retire in June 2025". Houston Chronicle.
  32. ^ Tribune, The Texas (June 19, 2013). "New Partnership Puts Texas A&M on Top, Chancellor Says". Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  33. ^ "Texas A&M; System and GlaxoSmithKline receive U.S. Government approval to establish influenza vaccine facility in Texas". February 1, 2014. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  34. ^ Fullhart, Steve. "A&M Deal to Outsource Campus Services Formalized". Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  35. ^ "Texas A&M System Awarded National Center for Innovation". February 2, 2014. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  36. ^ Eagle staff report. "Texas A&M University officially acquires Texas Wesleyan University law school". The Bryan-College Station Eagle. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  37. ^ Lloyd, Jennifer R. (October 29, 2012). "A&M lays accountability path for graduation rates, cost effectiveness". Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  38. ^ Tribune, The Texas (October 29, 2012). "Texas A&M System Launches EmpowerU Website". Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  39. ^ Reed, Allen. "Texas A&M System implementing outsourcing at other campuses". Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  40. ^ "Texas A&M University System Saving $10 Million of Healthcare - ABC 40 KRHD-TV - Bryan/College Station News and Weather". February 22, 2014. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  41. ^ "Adding "Texas A&M" To More A&M System Agencies". August 2, 2012. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  42. ^ "Charlotte Han Sharp Passes After Lengthy Illness". December 15, 2020. Archived from the original on August 1, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  43. ^ "Home - Alumni Association". www.txstatealumni.org. Retrieved September 18, 2018.
  44. ^ a b "Chancellor John Sharp among 10 honored with Texas A&M's Distinguished Alumnus Award". The Bryan-College Station Eagle. June 11, 2018.
  45. ^ "Bryan City Council Unanimously Approves The Mayor's Request To Rename Highway 47 "John Sharp Parkway"". WTAW: a Bryan broadcasting station.
  46. ^ "1996-1997 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients". Texas State University Alumni Association.
  47. ^ Reyes, Dana (December 21, 2015). "RGG Person of the Year: John Sharp".

External links

Political offices
Preceded by Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
1991–1999
Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Texas
1998, 2002
Succeeded by
Texas Senate
Preceded by Member of the Texas Senate from District 18
1982–1987
Succeeded by
Texas House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the Texas House of Representatives
from District 40 (Victoria)

1979–1982
Succeeded by