Recap: Two Meetings, a Vision, and a Lasting Legacy

Thinking about the quiet force behind decisions that changed my life.

I only met with Robert Gates twice—but both moments changed my life. The first time, we were in a high-level meeting at Texas A&M, requesting $28 million to implement a new student information system. He approved the funding—and with it, I got my first chance to work on a major ERP implementation. The second time, a much smaller gathering, he addressed those of us about to board planes for Doha. We were the first wave of employees—tasked with launching Texas A&M’s new campus in Qatar. Dr. Gates looked us in the eye and said, “We’re doing this to build relationships with the next generation of Arab leaders. Remember that in everything you do.”

I never forgot it.

That vision—quiet, strategic, relational—was classic Gates. It shaped not only my worldview but also my career. Without Qatar, I might still be a technologist in College Station, never qualifying for the CIO roles at Pepperdine or Georgia. His presidency at Texas A&M was short. His impact? Permanent.

This week, watching him on Face the Nation, I was reminded again of the clarity and realism that defined his public service. He didn’t mince words. On Iran: “They have to stop their enrichment entirely.” On Israel: “There is a cost… a basis for radicalization.” On Russia: “Putin hasn’t given up on any of his original goals in Ukraine.” And on China: “We’ve never faced… a country that’s almost as rich, technologically advanced, and ambitious.”

Gates isn’t nostalgic. He still believes in fresh eyes, new voices, and bold moves—as long as they're grounded in wisdom and accountability. “Be loyal or be gone,” he says of national security staff. That ethic—of aligning deeply with mission while making room for principled debate—remains a timeless leadership standard, especially in moments that test our collective clarity.

Here’s the thing: he’s one of only two university presidents I’ve worked for that I would give anything to work for again. The other is my current president, Jere Morehead. Both embody a kind of leadership that’s increasingly rare—marked by clarity, openness, rich debate, and a deep love for the mission you’re serving.

Gates never became vice president or president of the United States. But he led like one—and taught others to do the same. Sometimes the most consequential leadership isn’t loud or flashy. It’s clear, relational, and courageous in the quiet moments. Like those two meetings. Like Qatar. Like this week’s interview.