Dr. Dan Jones, president of Texas A&M University-Commerce for several years, passed away in the early morning of Friday 29th.

An email from Provost and Vice President Adolfo Benavides was sent out to students and faculty informing them of his death, and it also asked the university that “during this difficult time, let us pull together and find solace and support in each other”.

The Chancellor of the Texas A&M System John Sharp also sent his condolences. “Dan Jones was one of our great presidents. He had a vision for the future that was brilliant and courageous,” Sharp said. “We will make sure his plans become reality. We will miss him greatly.”

The email stated that the Jones family has said that “arrangements are pending and request both privacy and prayers at this time”.

Classes and other university services were also closed around campus due to President Jones’s death

No cause of death was reported, and no decision on who will act as interim president has been made.