Mark Welsh

Mark Welsh
Official portrait, 2023
27th President of Texas A&M University
Assumed office
July 21, 2023
Preceded byM. Katherine Banks
Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service
In office
August 15, 2016  July 20, 2023
Preceded byRyan Crocker
Succeeded byFrank B. Ashley III (Acting)
20th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
In office
10 August 2012  24 June 2016
PresidentBarack Obama
Preceded byNorton A. Schwartz
Succeeded byDavid L. Goldfein
Personal details
Born
Mark Anthony Welsh III

(1954-01-26) January 26, 1954
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
Children4
EducationUnited States Air Force Academy (BS)
Webster University (MS)
Call sign"Boomer"
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Air Force
Years of service1976–2016
RankGeneral
CommandsChief of Staff of the United States Air Force
Battles/warsGulf War
War on Terrorism
AwardsDefense Distinguished Service Medal (3)
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Defense Superior Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
Meritorious Service Medal (3)
Air Medal (2)
Full list

Mark Anthony Welsh III (born January 26, 1954) is the 27th president of Texas A&M University, former Dean of the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University, a retired United States Air Force four-star general, and a member of the board of directors of Northrop Grumman. Prior to his current role, he served as Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to that, General Welsh served as Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, as the Associate Director for Military Affairs of the Central Intelligence Agency, and as the Vice Commander of Air Education and Training Command. In earlier portions of his career, he served as a fighter pilot (primarily flying the F-16 and A-10 aircraft) and was a commander at the squadron, group and wing level, in addition to assignments in training, operations, intelligence and acquisitions. He also served as the commandant of cadets of the United States Air Force Academy.