Texas Tribune higher education reporter Shannon Najmabadi sat down with Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp for a discussion on how the novel coronavirus outbreak in Texas has impacted higher education institutions and the students they serve.

Here’s a look at some of Sharp’s responses to questions during the interview.

What effects has social distancing had on coursework and the overall campus experience?

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What are some other effects that this outbreak has had on the A&M system, overall?

What effect has the outbreak had on the university system and its students/staff/faculty, financially and operationally?

Sharp has led the Texas A&M University System since 2011. Previously, he served in the Texas House and Senate, as state comptroller and on the Texas Railroad Commission. Sharp also served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.

The interview was streamed on the Tribune’s website, Facebook page and Twitter, as well as by our media partners at KPRC2, KXAN and the Eagle to a live audience of more than 3,400 viewers.

This virtual event series is presented by Pearson, Educate Texas, the Texas Education Grantmakers Advocacy Coalition, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Trellis Foundation, the Texas A&M Foundation and Raise Your Hand Texas. Media support is provided by KXAN, KPRC2, Univision62, Community Impact and The Eagle.

Tribune events are also supported through contributions from our founding investors and members. Though donors and corporate sponsors underwrite Texas Tribune events, they play no role in determining the content, panelists or line of questioning.

Disclosure: Texas A&M University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

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