NEWS RELEASE August 25, 2011

TEXAS A&M NOTIFIES BIG 12 OF CONFERENCE EXPLORATION COLLEGE STATION, Texas Texas A&M University today officially notified the Big 12 Conference that it is exploring options related to the institutions athletic conference affiliation. Texas A&M also requested that the Big 12 outline the process to be followed should the university elect to withdraw from the conference. In the letter to Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe, Texas A&M President R. Bowen Loftin indicated that if the university withdraws from the conference, Texas A&M would do so in a way that complies with the Big 12s bylaws. Additionally, Texas A&M would be supportive of the Big 12s efforts to seek a new member of the conference. As I have indicated previously, we are working very deliberately to act in the best long-term interests of both Texas A&M and the State of Texas. This truly is a 100-year decision, said Loftin. While we understand the desire of all parties to quickly reach a resolution, these are extremely complex issues that we are addressing methodically. Ultimately, we are seeking to generate greater visibility nationwide for Texas A&M and our championship-caliber student-athletes, as well as secure the necessary and stable financial resources to support our athletic and academic programs, Loftin added. As a public university, Texas A&M owes it to the states taxpayers to maximize our assets and generate additional revenues both now and well into the future. ### Contact: Jason Cook 979-458-1729 jason.cook@tamu.edu