Patrick Michaelis, Former Corps Commandant at Texas A&M, Directed to Step Down by University President

A Change in Command

Patrick Michaelis, a Texas A&M alumnus of the Class of 1993 and former Corps of Cadets commandant, has been requested to step down from his role by University President Mark A. Welsh III. Welsh ‘directed’ Michaelis to step down on August 5, 2024, an order Michaelis accepted, issuing a public announcement on August 12. His resignation comes after approximately two years in the role.

Troubling Times

In a printed document announcing his decision to his staff, Michaelis spoke of the recent challenges he has faced. “It is no secret that since February, it has been tough,” Michaelis stated. He went on to talk about becoming a liability to the Corps, following some backlash over a hazing investigation.

The situation surrounding the hazing case referenced by Michaelis is not currently clear, but in December 2023, the Corps was hit with a $1 million hazing lawsuit by a student who claimed to have experienced “humiliating and degrading” acts within the Corps. Despite these trials, Michaelis lauded the Corps as a great organization with a bright future, even as he was asked to step down.

A New Appointment

Following Michaelis’ resignation, Welsh appointed retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Loyd S. “Chip” Utterback, a member of the Class of 1975, as the interim commandant. Welsh also stated that a national search committee would be formed shortly to find a permanent replacement.

In his new role, Michaelis will be a special assistant, focusing on university strategic initiatives. During his time as the Corps of Cadet’s commandant, Michaelis implemented the “March to 3,000” initiative. This program aimed at raising the Corps’ membership to 3,000 individuals. As of an August 1, 2024, Board of Regents meeting, the Corps was predicted to have around 2,500 cadets for the academic year.

Praise for Michaelis

Despite the circumstances surrounding his departure, Welsh expressed appreciation for Michaelis’ work at Texas A&M. “Throughout his tenure, General Michaelis has been dedicated to enhancing cadet resiliency, improving academic initiatives, and promoting physical fitness programs,” Welsh wrote in an email. He also cited that Michaelis’ efforts positively impacted the cadets academically and their Corps lifestyle.

Pressing Forward

Though his tenure as Corps commandant was fraught with challenges, Michaelis maintains an optimistic outlook. In a farewell letter to the cadets, he wrote, “Welcome to real life…you can do the right thing, you can stand up for what is right, you can be a leader of character…and you can still lose your good name.” Despite the abrupt end to his time as commandant, Michaelis now focuses on how best to contribute to Texas A&M’s betterment in his new role.