As I read the letter by Jon Hagler ’58 in the fall issue of Spirit, one line stood out: “You may wonder if your son’s grades are going to be lower because of being in our Corps of Cadets.” Sixty years later, that concern is still prevalent among cadets and parents alike. But it shouldn’t be.

As part of our mission to dispel that myth and prove that cadets can—and do—succeed in the rigorous Texas A&M University academic environment, consider these facts: For the last seven semesters, cadets posted an overall GPA of 2.9 or higher. Freshmen and sophomores in the Corps consistently post higher GPAs than non-Corps freshmen and sophomores. And each semester, around 200 cadets achieve a 4.0. To me, these statistics are especially impressive given the fact that more than half of cadets major in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

To help cadets succeed, we’ve made it our No. 1 priority to create the right academic environment—one that will ensure cadets are highly sought-after for employment and prepared to lead in a complex, global world.  

During the academic day, cadets attend class, study and work on group projects. In 2012, we instituted a mandatory study period Sunday through Thursday nights for freshmen and sophomores. This time block is dedicated to studying, group work, supplemental instruction, tutoring and test reviews.

We also have three full-time scholastic performance specialists on staff who provide tailored academic support and mentoring to all cadets, regardless of academic major. They help cadets cope with college classes, assist with course schedules and coordinate academic assistance programs.

Finally, four Leadership Learning Centers constructed 2012 to 2016 provide an environment in which cadets can focus on academics right where they live. Located on the Quad, these facilities total nearly 100,000 square feet and are equipped with state-of-the-art computer labs, small and large group study rooms, tutoring and supplemental instruction rooms, and spacious study lounges. Most cadets have access to the centers 24/7 directly from their dorms.

These combined measures help us prove, semester by semester, that students at Texas A&M can achieve academic excellence as members of the Corps of Cadets. As Mr. Hagler said in his 1957 letter, “Of course there must be some effort on the part of the individual in order to obtain the fullest benefit, but we try to provide the way if there is the will.”