Dr. Elsa Murano as Sole Finalist for Texas A&M President

AUSTIN, December 7, 2007 – Gov. Rick Perry today issued the following statement concerning the selection of Dr. Elsa Murano as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University:

"I have the greatest admiration for Dr. Murano, having watched her revitalize the agriculture program at Texas A&M over the last three years. She is a nationally known researcher and food safety expert, and a visionary leader in the academic and research community. As a former student of Texas A&M, and a graduate of their animal science program, I am excited an agriculture expert will lead the university for the first time in a long time, recognizing agriculture is vital to our future and not merely our past."

Dr. Murano has more than 20 years of higher education experience. She currently serves as vice chancellor for agriculture and life sciences for the Texas A&M University System, and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station. She is also a gubernatorial appointee to the Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee.