Loftin sole finalist to be A&M president

COLLEGE STATION, TX Loftin on Thursday was named sole finalist to replace Elsa Murano, who resigned under pressure in June. He previously was a Texas A&M vice president and CEO of its branch campus in Galveston.

Regents cannot finalize Loftin's appointment for at least 21 days.

Chairman Morris Foster says Loftin has demonstrated a keen ability to successfully lead the billion-dollar teaching, research and service enterprise.

Loftin says a priority it "Vision 2020," A&M's effort to become a top 10 public university by that year.

Loftin holds a bachelor's degree in physics from A&M. He has advanced degrees in physics from Rice University in Houston. His wife, Karin, is an associate biosafety officer at A&M.