Though former Comptroller John Sharp, the newly named chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, has logged many years in public service, Sharp said he’s heard that the politics he’s about to encounter in academia “are 10 times worse.”

On this week's TribCast, Evan, Ross, Reeve and Ben discuss Perry coverage by the national media, John Sharp's move to the Texas A&M University System and coming changes to public education. 

The just-selected chancellor of the Texas A&M University System on his new job, the controversy surrounding higher ed and, yes, the SEC.

John Sharp: The TT Interview Audio

Former Comptroller John Sharp was named the sole finalist to be the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System by the Board of Regents this afternoon. He won't officially have the job until after a state-mandated 21-day waiting period.

With Rick Perry now a presidential candidate, Perry-centric domain names are flying off the cyber shelves. Some buyers might be looking to score political points or to make mischief. Others hope to make a buck — a lot of bucks.

In the first ad of his campaign, newly announced presidential candidate Rick Perry takes his fight right to the steps of the White House. The ad is titled "Time to Get America Working Again."

"These are extremely complex issues, and it is imperative that we proceed methodically and in the best interests of Texas A&M," said A&M President R. Bowen Loftin.

DAY 13 of our month-long series on the effects of new state laws and budget cuts: a law aimed at making college textbooks more affordable goes into effect.

A new law requiring every college student to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis has colleges and universities scrambling — and some observers decrying government intrusion.

Heading into the 82nd legislative session, 88 percent of Texas voters surveyed in a poll hoped for more public education funding. It’s not likely to surprise anyone, but now we can officially say: Nothing’s changed.

This week on the TribCast, Reeve, Brandi, Jay and Jim review The Response and preview Perry's presidential campaign.

Many well-funded Super PACs are gathering money to support Texas Gov. Rick Perry as a write-in candidate in the upcoming Iowa Straw Poll. Only Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert's Super PAC is urging them to vote for "Rick Parry."

Students for Rick Perry has more than 500 Facebook friends and a YouTube account where the organization has made its first big move: releasing a highly produced video touting their preferred candidate. It has been viewed more than 600 times.

The announcement of a new online university for Texas, Western Governors University Texas, has united members of the higher education community who have recently found themselves at odds over the future of the state's colleges and universities.